Another potential beginner with questions
 

Hey everyone!

So, it has really been a dream of mine to get started with racing and to eventually make my way to racing head-to-head against others on a race track. I read the FAQ, and it looks like the HPDE NASA classes will fit my needs very well. I still have some questions. So I can bring a completely stock car to the beginner classes? When will I need a roll cage? Is there anywhere on the NASA website where it tells you what the requirements are? What will I need for clothing (Suit. gloves, shoes, etc... This includes required and suggested)? How old do you have to be? Is something where I can drive the car there early, prep it, drive for the weekend and drive it home? I think that is all, thanks in advance for the input. I would love to start racing, I am trying to figure out what I need to do to get started.

-JPieps

http://survey.constantcontact.com/su...48geb/greeting

car can be totally stock, in fact this is probably best. you do want to make sure its in good condition mechanically though, tires should be good, brakes, etc

i think for HPDE all you need are a helmet, closed toe shoes and pants. gloves and stuff are optional, and you can collect em as you progress.

i'm not sure what the age limit is, its a private event at a closed course, you might want to email or call, if you don't have a drivers license. i know in norcal we have had "underage" drivers, even in the race groups.

and yes with HPDE, typically they let you in in the morning, but you probably could show up the night before (if i ran HPDE, i would, as i'd drive up with the race car). they always have a schedule.

Ok, thanks for the reply. I will keep that in mind.

Look into BMW CCA events also. The BMW events often have better instructors than NASA events and you often get more track time since they aren't trying to do both HPDE and a set of races for all of their classes.

Go to the tracks website where you want to go and find their event calendar where they will list what organizations have the track rented. Then contact those organizations or go to their web sites and see what their policies are.

As JD stated, all you need is a helmet although sometimes the organizations rent them if you don't have it. As for car prep, just make sure it is in good running condition - oil recently changed, no leaks, coolant in good shape, no coolant leaks, brake pads are good and meaty and brake fluid has been flushed and bled. Do any and all work as far in advance of any event as possible. Murphy's Law says shit happens when you least want it to so try not to work on the car if you don't need to as an event approaches.

It is easier than you think if the car is in good working condition :)

Good luck.

Can anyone suggest any tracks near Minneapolis, MN? I live about an hour away, even kinda close would be great. I think the nearest NASA class was in Iowa :(. I don't want to spend the gas to drive THAT far, but I will if I have to. Any suggestions? Also, gracer7---Why is that class called a BMW event if you can enter a Mazda? (Sorry if that is a stupid question) Is it sponsored by BMW or what? Lastly, will I be able to get my provisional competition license from doing the BMW course?

Brainerd Raceway(BIR) not sure how far from it is from Minneapolis but its north of ya. NASA is having regionals there soon.