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It's a minefield out there for a novice - rallies, sprints, hillclimbs, circuit racing and so on. Where should a beginner look and what kind of car would make a sensible choice for the inexperienced?
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Are there any racing publications on sale. Try those.
There may be a local hill climb club you could join unless you live in Nofolk in which case take up banger racing which is probably THE cheapest form of motorsport.
I've always fancied building a Westfield or Caterham meself and running it for a season or two.
Hang on a minute, what about karting? Lewis did quite well there I believe as did a few other famous names.
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You do not say what motorsport you want to aim for and the age of the person concerned.
So if you were talking F1, then carting has always been the obvious start at a very young age. Think Schuey and Hamilton.
If you're thinking Rallying, then with enough money (not too much) we could all try it. I know of someone who had more money than skill and killed himself. We're talking 20 years ago but he bought the most powerful/expensive car available....
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I think we need a bit more information to make a recommendation.
Is it just for fun or are there any hopes of a professional future?
If for fun then you need to go for whichever area inspires you. Are you happy to test yourself against the stopwatch or do you want the thrill of trying to overtake other drivers?
However the biggest constraint is usually budget. By far the most cost effective way to see if you have any skill or will enjoy it is to get some mates together and head off to your local kart track.
But beware! It is like a drug. You start with a bit of karting and then convince yourself you can afford a bit of circuit racing. You don't do too badly so decide to spend even more money and before you know all your money is being spent for your monthly fix.
A few years later you have plenty of memories, no money and you are still not the F1 world champion!
P.S. You could also try one of the circuit "experience days" but don't forget they are the pushers!
Edited by old crocks on 07/09/2009 at 00:14
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OK guys, the lowdown; 21 years old, student, few grand to spare for buying a car, friend also wants to get involved, quite good at karting, done several circuit experience days, want to take it further. Any advice most appreciated!
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Ah.... so the pushers have hooked them.
A few grand may not go as far as they expect, especially in circuit racing.
I would suggest they go along to an event of their preferred type of motorsport, go into the paddock and talk to the drivers and their support teams. Most will be willing to talk to any enthusiasts....as long as they are not rushing to get out for their run or surveying their pile of twisted metal afterwards!You may even find someone who would like a hand. The programmes usually include driver's hometown so you could try and find someone who lives near you to talk to.
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I suggest join a local motor club or two and get a flavour by signing on as a marshal to start with. Look also at autotests and at 12-car, historic or road rallies.
We get involved in classic rallies where there are often post historic classes, with hot competition among cars that are likely worth less than £500 and could also be a daily driver.
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Buying the car is the cheap part... keeping it running is the expensive bit... try reading biographies of Perry McCarthy, Graham Hill, Mansell or Hunt to see what they had to go through...
I did F2 stock cars for several seasons, the cost of the car was minimal (several hundred) but keeping it running, repairs and transport to and from the circuits was several thousand quid and that was in the 80s, and we didn't pay entrance fees to race... talking to a guy at work who's just starting up he's paid £5k just for the car... and they say short circuit racing is the cheap end of the sport!
Must be a well-off student?!
Good luck!!
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Hillclimbing is one of the cheapest. As long as the car has a roll cage and the driver has been on a one day course you can take the car out.
A friend does it in a mid 1970s Mini which he bought prepared but only cost a few hundred quid. He drives it to the circuit, does two or three runs then drives home. Each run costs a few pounds.
All cars are in different classes and even with this car he didn't come last, despite him being the slowest through the speed trap. Technique is much more important than raw power as the track isn't wide and there are so many bends knowing when to brake and change gear is crucial.
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I find the best way in is to pay at the gate
Many years ago i used to drive an old van to motorsport meets with my mates in the back under blankets but i wouldnt do such a thing these days
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Try autograss racing.
I started off with a Class 1 Mini (Standard car) for £350 a few years ago,and ended up with a Class 4 AX and became class champion at my club 2 years in a row before retiring.
You can spend anything from the above,up to a Class 7 type car (Rear wheel drive saloon,usually 2 motor bike engines.) which will cost serious money for a top runner.
For more info,and to find your nearest club,then try below:
national-autograss.co.uk/
Bear in mind the season is about to come to a close in Oct/Nov though.
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>>Hillclimbing is one of the cheapest.
Not surprised really. What is the point of though? I mean, finding somewhere with a steep hill & driving up it, competing 'in class' against other Morgan 3-wheelers & souped-up Saxos, it's just weird. Now, Hilldescending might just make more sense - a proper test of driving skill & car balance. I'm surprised, in similar vein, there aren't uphill ski slalom races & running events carrying rucksacks full of bricks.
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