How to get into racing??

[Jack91]

O, a while back, probably a few months, (I live in Launceston) I went to symonns plains to watch some racing. I think it was the Australian GT Champinship, but there were other events there too. There was one event called "Olden Holden's". From memory, the looked like hq's or hz's, and sounded pretty stock. There was apparently a 16 year old in one of the cars. If this guy can get into it, then what do you actually have to do to be allowed to race? I thought you'd need at least an open license, but apparently not. Does any one else on here compete in this championship and can shed some light on the build specs of the cars and what the limits are, and also what it costs? Also, does anyone know if tracks like symonns are open to the public on weekends or public holidays, and if it is a requirements of a full racing suit and a roll cage to be allowed on the track? Flame away if this makes me sound stupid, but it's something I've always wanted to get into, and now I have the opportunity to get the money. Any help or info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[J_Tank]

have a look.. http://www.cams.com.au/Content.asp?P...GettingStarted

[Jack91]

Thank you

[Jack91]

I sent them an email, and will try to call them on the weekend.

[GS608]

it all depends on what kind of licence you want, have a look around, the cost is roughly $400 for a licence though.

[RSgerry]

You also have to consider the cost of the car as well. It isnt just the purchase of it, but the ongoing maintenance and repairs. Remember that all the parts of the car are under a lot of stress when racing and things do break. Racing tyres arent cheap and regular maintenance of the car all adds up. For racing, I imagine you would need a race suit, but also things like boots, gloves and helmet. I am not familiar with the class you are talking about, but why not consider karts as a starting point? Otherwise autokhana, regularity and hillclimbs are good entry points without being hugely expensive. They are also good places to develop some skills.

Good luck.

[Falcon Freak]

To get into motorsport you need:

1. Money
2. Nepotism
3. Talent

In that order.

FF

[GTP290]

1/4 MILE Racings fairly cheap too.we ont have it here anymore, but i went 4 or 5 times, its a bit off a buzz the first time you go out

[FPVTurboTaxi]

My recomendation would be to join a cams afiliated club and let the club members give you some pointers ..
you can apply for your cams licence through the club and slowly move your way into competitive racing through motocanas , skid pan days and then track days

ive built a group c replica and am doing the historic racing scene .. its great but it is expensive ... once you have the car you have to meet scruitineering and have a driving suit and helmet . then you get competitive so you need a cage and harness seat ... the list goes on .. then a trailer ...

then it can all turn pear shaped and you need ot start again ..

heres my race rig ... it started out with a 3 grand car ... now i would imagine it owes me 20 and thats doing it all myself


oh and btw ..
all the races i have competed in cost aroud $200 to enter

[GS608]

theres a guy across the road, he has a few drift cars, but one i noticed lately was an ex seton nissan skyline DR30? it had Peter Jackson on the side, im not really familiar with that era though. but i think he races that in historics, you might know him FPV? South East QLD.

[Grasshoppr]

You can do it quite cheaply if you use your road car and keep it within about 8/10 of the cars ability.

Entry to a club event is approx $150 for a day of 5-6 sessions. Level 2s CAMS licence is $90 per year and maintenance is needed on all parts of the car - brakes, tyres, oil, gearbox etc..

For example we have a member that races a little lazer that pretty much changes oil and brakes after each meeting and thats it! Road tyres last about 6 month or 3 events with road driving and thats all he spends.

Speak and join a local car club who can steer you in the right direction.

Warning, its addictive which means its expensive. Good Luck

[DivHunter]

Originally Posted by FPVTurboTaxi

My recomendation would be to join a cams afiliated club

Excellent advice.

[Rev28K]

L2S (speed events) for a few events then the L3S (competition events). Mind you I have been for a few rides with L3S guys and some of them didn't seem great and others were.

[Quasi]

Depending upon your age and how serious you are keep in mind that many of the V8 Supercar drivers started out in go karts and worked their way up from there. These days it is easier if you have the talent, rather than have to slog it out for up to 20 years.

Joining a CAMS affiliated club gives you a good grounding too, and by the time you work your way up through the catagories you will know a few things.

[xbgs351]

Originally Posted by Fairmont99

Excellent advice.

Have you seen the AASA prices for comparison? Probably not much use to a Taswegian though, if the tracks are all with CAMS.

[AndyZH]

If your interested in starting, look into go-karts. Low cost, all the thrills, and it will also make it clear whether or not your prepared to dedicate all your spare time and a lot of $$ towards your new adventure!

[Jack91]

Originally Posted by AndyZH

If your interested in starting, look into go-karts. Low cost, all the thrills, and it will also make it clear whether or not your prepared to dedicate all your spare time and a lot of $$ towards your new adventure!

Yeah, well, see, if a go cart is going to cost $5000, I might as well do it witha car. I love driving, and I love racing, and I dont have many bills to pay. I am currently looking at old h series holden sedans, I found one on ebay for a starting bid of $400, and it has no reserve. Im seriously thinking about it, I just want to know if someone could give me like a list of things I'd need, what they'd cost, what the deal with the licenses is, insurance, and all the other crap that I suppose I must have overlooked. Back to the car, atm it's stock as a rock, and as near as I can tell, all it needs is a spray. I was thinking of : Putting 5 speed in it (would have to pay someone to do it for me, I have no idea) stripping it out (is this as easy as I think it would be??) then just cleaning it up, getting a sponsor or 2 (just to pay for the fuel and tyres and that), I probably wouldn't want to do too much to the engine, as with racing, I prosume it will just break anyway, and when that happens, I'll fork out more money for the new parts. Also, what would need replacing in the average 202 holden motor, or any old engine? Are there specific parts that break under a bit of pressure? Thanks for the help so far, and if you could give me more, that would be good.

[FPVTurboTaxi]

a few costs to give i an idea
approved helmet $120
cheap race suit $ 300
half decent seat $ 350
decent harness $ 150
decent cage cams approved $1750
set of approved tyres (depends on class) $1200
club membership (all events ive been to require u to be a member of a cams afiliated club) $40
cams licence $90
fluid catch tanks ect $250


before anyone says i can get xxx cheaper ... its jsut a ball park figure .. actually its whats its cost me

[Gammaboy]

Originally Posted by FPVTurboTaxi

a few costs to give i an idea
approved helmet $120
cheap race suit $ 300
half decent seat $ 350
decent harness $ 150
decent cage cams approved $1750
set of approved tyres (depends on class) $1200
club membership (all events ive been to require u to be a member of a cams afiliated club) $40
cams licence $90
fluid catch tanks ect $250


before anyone says i can get xxx cheaper ... its jsut a ball park figure .. actually its whats its cost me

I think thats fairly well towards the bottom end of the scale mostly there!
My cage wasn't anything extreme and cost me $3k...

[RSgerry]

Originally Posted by 93_eb_fairmont

Yeah, well, see, if a go cart is going to cost $5000, I might as well do it witha car. I love driving, and I love racing, and I dont have many bills to pay. I am currently looking at old h series holden sedans, I found one on ebay for a starting bid of $400, and it has no reserve. Im seriously thinking about it, I just want to know if someone could give me like a list of things I'd need, what they'd cost, what the deal with the licenses is, insurance, and all the other crap that I suppose I must have overlooked. Back to the car, atm it's stock as a rock, and as near as I can tell, all it needs is a spray. I was thinking of : Putting 5 speed in it (would have to pay someone to do it for me, I have no idea) stripping it out (is this as easy as I think it would be??) then just cleaning it up, getting a sponsor or 2 (just to pay for the fuel and tyres and that), I probably wouldn't want to do too much to the engine, as with racing, I prosume it will just break anyway, and when that happens, I'll fork out more money for the new parts. Also, what would need replacing in the average 202 holden motor, or any old engine? Are there specific parts that break under a bit of pressure? Thanks for the help so far, and if you could give me more, that would be good.

Sounds like a whole load of work in front of you. If you reckon you can get an old H series Holden on the track for the price of a cart, then go for it. However, unless all of the other cars in the class are running tired, asthmatic old 202 motors, you are going to be very bored at the back by yourself. How easy is it to fit a 5 speed to an old Kingswood? Are you allowed to under the rules of your class? What about suspension upgrades? I cant imagine the brakes on those old barges are up to much either. You will also need to put some half-decent tyres on the car. This is long before you get to things such as catch tanks, wirelocking sump plugs and oil filters, fitting tailshaft straps etc etc etc. What about rust? Is the car 100% solid or is it full of bog? What about the motor? Does it blow any smoke? I recently had an EH blow oil out of his exhaust all over the rest of the field. We werent very happy and he got sent home for a rebuild.

Look at what FPVTurboTaxi has spent and his other costs. Each event costs me close to $200 to enter. Thats just entry fee. It doesnt include the full service before every event which I do, but I only use top quality products. Good oil isnt cheap. If you buy a full race car, then you will also need to consider a car trailer. I really think you are underestimating the cost involved in getting a car onto the track. I suggest you go to a proper cart track and drive a fast cart before you write off the idea. They are load of fun, it is a lot cheaper on tyres and engine rebuilds than a Kingswood and you will learn some driving techniques. You asked for some advice and a lot of people have suggested carts. Nobody suggested a tired old Kingswood.We cant all be wrong...

[FPVTurboTaxi]

i noticed lately was an ex seton nissan skyline DR30? it had Peter Jackson on the side, im not really familiar with that era though. but i think he races that in historics, you might know him FPV? South East QLD.
__________________

I havent come accross him but im sure i will .. the motor im running in the bluebird is out of the DR30 skyline ...

My suggestion is.if u really want to race cars. if u are mechanically minded have a go and build a car but be prepared ot spend a lot on money .. ...or buy one that someone has spent all the money on and take it to the track and have fun .. or do as others suggested and buy a cart

if u want to see the work that has gone into mine heres the work in progress

http://www.groupvip.org/forumvip/vie...er=asc&start=0

[RSgerry]

Also, sponsorship is not something that just happens. If a business is going to give you money for your car, they are going to need to be convinced that there is something in it for them. Getting sponsorship is a lot of hard work. You will do a lot of doorknocking and get little response. Try working in an outbound call centre to get a taste of what this is like.

[Jack91]

Originally Posted by RSgerry

Sounds like a whole load of work in front of you. If you reckon you can get an old H series Holden on the track for the price of a cart, then go for it. However, unless all of the other cars in the class are running tired, asthmatic old 202 motors, you are going to be very bored at the back by yourself. How easy is it to fit a 5 speed to an old Kingswood? Are you allowed to under the rules of your class? What about suspension upgrades? I cant imagine the brakes on those old barges are up to much either. You will also need to put some half-decent tyres on the car. This is long before you get to things such as catch tanks, wirelocking sump plugs and oil filters, fitting tailshaft straps etc etc etc. What about rust? Is the car 100% solid or is it full of bog? What about the motor? Does it blow any smoke? I recently had an EH blow oil out of his exhaust all over the rest of the field. We werent very happy and he got sent home for a rebuild.

Look at what FPVTurboTaxi has spent and his other costs. Each event costs me close to $200 to enter. Thats just entry fee. It doesnt include the full service before every event which I do, but I only use top quality products. Good oil isnt cheap. If you buy a full race car, then you will also need to consider a car trailer. I really think you are underestimating the cost involved in getting a car onto the track. I suggest you go to a proper cart track and drive a fast cart before you write off the idea. They are load of fun, it is a lot cheaper on tyres and engine rebuilds than a Kingswood and you will learn some driving techniques. You asked for some advice and a lot of people have suggested carts. Nobody suggested a tired old Kingswood.We cant all be wrong...

Yeah, I understand what you're saying, but I don't want a championship winning car either, I just want an old banger that I can take to the track once in a blue moon and give it some. It doesn't have to be that fast, or even that good looking. The car trailer isn't a problem. The car is solid so far as I can tell, by the looks of it, it's already been rubbed down, so if there is big bog spots anywhere, I'll be asking a few questions. The 5 speed isn't too important, I'll see what the 3's like once I put it on the floor. With the catch tanks and all that other stuff you said (which I know nothing about), am I right in guessing that I wont be allowed anywhere near the track without it? Aren't there open days for people who do this? There has got to be like a couple of days a month were they open the gates up to the public? I spoke to the guy earlier, and the 202 was reconditioned a while back. I'm not saying I'm DEFINATELY going to buy THAT car, I just want a car LIKE that one. And as for the sponsorship, I probably would have a hard time asking for money off someone to race a red 202 with their company name on the side of the car. See, I would rather not even compete in a race, just go out there and do like 5 laps by myself.

[jason71]

My recomendation would be to join a cams afiliated club and let the club members give you some pointers ..

That's what I did in the in the mid 90's when I was in my early 20's, single and had plenty of spare cash (you'll need it!)

I had a little old 2 door LJ Torana and did super sprints at Oran park, Amaroo Park, Eastern Creek and Wakefield when it first opened. I had a great time and
learned heaps about how to handle a car.

Here is a pic of me at Amaroo for the first time.

[Rev28K]

HQ racing is run to a control formula, I had a ride in one at Sandown years ago and I seem to remember it had a 3 speed.

Here is one for sale at $10k:
http://www.my105.com.au/classified.asp?id=7756

[xbgs351]

Originally Posted by RSgerry

Sounds like a whole load of work in front of you. If you reckon you can get an old H series Holden on the track for the price of a cart, then go for it. However, unless all of the other cars in the class are running tired, asthmatic old 202 motors, you are going to be very bored at the back by yourself. How easy is it to fit a 5 speed to an old Kingswood? Are you allowed to under the rules of your class? What about suspension upgrades? I cant imagine the brakes on those old barges are up to much either. You will also need to put some half-decent tyres on the car. This is long before you get to things such as catch tanks, wirelocking sump plugs and oil filters, fitting tailshaft straps etc etc etc. What about rust? Is the car 100% solid or is it full of bog? What about the motor? Does it blow any smoke? I recently had an EH blow oil out of his exhaust all over the rest of the field. We werent very happy and he got sent home for a rebuild.

Look at what FPVTurboTaxi has spent and his other costs. Each event costs me close to $200 to enter. Thats just entry fee. It doesnt include the full service before every event which I do, but I only use top quality products. Good oil isnt cheap. If you buy a full race car, then you will also need to consider a car trailer. I really think you are underestimating the cost involved in getting a car onto the track. I suggest you go to a proper cart track and drive a fast cart before you write off the idea. They are load of fun, it is a lot cheaper on tyres and engine rebuilds than a Kingswood and you will learn some driving techniques. You asked for some advice and a lot of people have suggested carts. Nobody suggested a tired old Kingswood.We cant all be wrong...

It is a control formula, so no 5 speed.

Brakes are fine. Thet do enduro races in them. Besides everybody runs the same brakes.

They run elcheapo steet tyres.

Pedders suspension.

They are faster than 99% of the cars on this forum ie 1 min 43 seconds at Winton.

Road car, race car, still a very good idea to have a trailer. Most cars will experience problems on the track regardless of there age.

[xbgs351]

Originally Posted by FPVTurboTaxi

a few costs to give i an idea
approved helmet $120

For a $120 head?

[AusM]

Originally Posted by BLKPhoon

You can do it quite cheaply if you use your road car and keep it within about 8/10 of the cars ability.
Entry to a club event is approx $150 for a day of 5-6 sessions. Level 2s CAMS licence is $90 per year and maintenance is needed on all parts of the car - brakes, tyres, oil, gearbox etc..
For example we have a member that races a little lazer that pretty much changes oil and brakes after each meeting and thats it! Road tyres last about 6 month or 3 events with road driving and thats all he spends.
Speak and join a local car club who can steer you in the right direction.
Warning, its addictive which means its expensive. Good Luck

All very good advice and a great way to get your skills up for little money before considering a dedicated race car, racing pressure & costs, sponsorship, maintenance...

If you ever want to throw your car on the boat, have a talk to the Vic WRX or Skyline clubs. They have track days almost monthly (rotating Sandown, Calder, Phillip Isl, Winton, some night rounds) and are happy for other cars to join in. (last day I saw there were WRX, Forester, Golf, Skyline, Supra, Ferrari...) Conditions/costs similar to the quote above and they usually start you out with in-car training with an experienced driver.

Aren't there open days for people who do this?

Most tracks will have 'open practice' days. At Calder Park (Melb) it's something like $300 all day. You need a race suit and helmet (can hire at the track) and your car gets scrutineered for safety, but otherwise you don't need a CAMS licence, roll cage, fire extinguisher, fuel cutoff switch etc - though none of that would hurt!

[TaNkY fAiRmOnT]

Yea hi, All these guys that are suggesting for you to go into go-carts first, is giving you great information and this is because it is good to have some sort of racing experience up your sleeve. I raced for over four years and now i have to stop because ill be needing to focused on my VCE from here on... Depending on how egar you are to start racing and if you want to get in to go-carts i have to sell mine to get a laptop. Straight after VCE i will be hopefully jumping into a seat of something bigger. well depending on how im going for money lol... how old are you now? just send a message if you are interested with it cause believe me... i have to get rid of it soon so it wont be going for a high price. plenty of other stuff to go with it and won plenty of races. not old either so just message me if interested.
cheers *Josh*

[RSgerry]

whatever you choose, enjoy it. legally thrashing a car in a safe environment is a great buzz. i do regularity at a number of circuits in WA and a few hillclimbs as well and love it. it is great fun doing something new to the car and seeing the effect. i have racing brake pads on the front of my RS and the cars ability to scrub off speed is amazing. just one of the latest additions. have fun.