I want to try racing

Barry D · 09-13-2003, 11:17 AM

A couple of months ago while reading the cars for sale adds in my monthly bmw cca flyer I seen an add for a vintage 2002 race car.I thought,this would be a great way for me and my 15yr old stepson to spend some time together,get to now each other better,and just plain have some fun together(racing). I called the guy,we went and looked at the car(Needs alot of work). This doesn't discourage me though ; I,m very mechanically inclined know how to weld etc. The problem I have right now though is money. I plan to buy a car in spring with tax return,but that 2002 will probably be sold by then. So I will probably be looking for a different car,what should I look for? This guy with the 2002 seemed very knowledgable of all these different classes and races that the car could and couldn't be raced in;when he was going over all these he was speaking Greek to me. Is ther a book I can buy that explains all the different classes and rules, to help me choose what car to look for. Do I look for a 2002 or older Bavaria or perhaps an E30.What would you recomend? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Barry D

jenmcd · 09-13-2003, 08:58 PM

i'm assuming you want to race scca and yes there is a book and a website-i believe it is scca.org-i'm not familar with your area but i'm guessing there may be a local chapter also that would have classes based off the scca rulebook. my suggestion is to attend races in your area and talk to as many people as possible. you'll be able to see which cars are competitive in what classes and which class you would actually want to race in. the local scca chapter in my area, iscc, has a small magazine they put out that has racing results, general articles and classifieds. you may see if that is available to you as well. i'm assuming you have attended some driving schools-if not-go. that will also allow you to talk to other track nuts and see different cars in action so you can see what is right for you. driving schools are a great way to learn your car and what driving on a track is all about without all of the racing expenses. imho.
jen

Barry D · 09-14-2003, 09:44 AM

jenmcd, thanx for your reply I will definately check that web site. I forgot to mention that me & my stepson went to Road America for Redmen vintage racing and both got hooked. We saw the 2002's taking up the rear. This made me wonder if I should consider somthing faster. I definately do want to take my '94 530i out on the track driving school. Maybe this comming summer finances will allow.Barry

ptg95m3 · ptg95m3's Garage

Also check out the BMW CCA Club Racing site:

http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com/

where virtually every BMW fits into a classification. But Jen's suggestion of going to track schools first is a good one. Your local BMW CCA chapter (or neighboring ones) should have track schools throughout the year.

snowman · 08:38 PM

Also try Vararacing.com for a civilized form of racing for older people (Strict no contact rules) and young people who do not to get killed the first time out. They offer reasonable priced driving schools, classifications for any type of car ever made, and REAL wheel to wheel racing, just tempered a bit by the no contact rule.

If you cannot get to a track that offers this kind of racing, try BMW drivers schools. They are a good start, offering high speed driving schools, with good instruction, and plenty of advise on how to get into racing in your local.