Professional Racing 101....

[Vitolo]

I just turned 22(edit: with page 2 ownage!). As of now im running shifterkarts in my free time while I finish up college. For '04 I was considering Formula BMW since im a perfect candidate for it but I'm going to put it off til '05 as I need to get more consistent seat time rather than the typical school vacation hiatus; come home over break and race isnt enough anymore. Not to mention I want to see what kind of recognition the series gets in Year 1. I'd rather wait until everyone is watching and hopefully Year 2 will draw heavier competition as a result. I think I may do Barber Dodge this yr since it isn't as "serious" as Formula BMW. After all it IS a big investment. Thanks though Tom, it's definitely on my list of things to-do

onlyGTI-
Yes, he was one of the last few who made it on raw talent(albeit with the smallest budget of anyone there) he could never afford to run with the big teams but the fact remains he still made it for which I am extremely proud of him. It's not easy. Be prepared to spend money with the risk of no return. Many people say they want to do it but when they see what it really takes, usually they fall off the radar screen. Make sure you're dedicated enough from the beginning and don't forget that it's perfectly ok to do for fun as a hobby if you arent willing to commit to it.

[gibs]

hehe
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V

[deimos]

The whole point of karting and the various Formula (Barber|Dodge|Mazda|BMW) are to equalize the cars and require the drivers to show their skill. Anyone can get in a really fast car and turn decent lap times. Get a real good driver in the same car, and they should beat you hands down. Faster speeds just equate to faster accidents and more lost time for screw ups. Learn to drive, then learn to go fast.

[deimos]

Originally posted by Vitolo


deimos, what kinda team for LRP? I'll be back in Boston for school but might be interested in doing that for some fun. LMK

I was thinking about doing the Endurance Racing series, but I can't bear the costs alone, and would really need 5-6 people consistently to make it worthwhile.

Specifically, http://www.limerock.com/files/karting.html that series. It's not so much a series as it is learning to kart, but it's a start for me.

I'm still toying around with the entire idea.

[onlyGTI]

I emailed the owner of endurance karting, and he's going to give me his 2 cents. Is there such thing as professional 1 on 1 personal training(of course you need to race with other people, but before that step)... Thanks guys

[Dado]

to start off, go to http://www.allsportsgp.com/

It's 25 dollars a run. Get some seat time there. We will be doing regular meets at All Sports very soon. I was there twice last week.

[Bimmer_boyIS]

That looks like an awesome outting. Maybe a little off topic, but does anybody know the FATT schedule, they don't have anything up on the summit point site yet.

[Dado]

the schedule is up already. The first fatt is March 19.

[Bimmer_boyIS]

Cool, just checked it out. I see they had to bump the price up. I guess i'll be going to the May 7 session since the march one is already filled up for newbs.

[onlyGTI]

Sounds good, but you have to be 18. Dammit 17 sucks. Its like living right on the Mexican border.

Originally posted by Dado
to start off, go to http://www.allsportsgp.com/

It's 25 dollars a run. Get some seat time there. We will be doing regular meets at All Sports very soon. I was there twice last week.

[speed limit?]

is there any way to get group deals or somethin? 25 for 10 min is a little rich for my blood and it seems that it is pretty easy to blow a couple hundred in a day.

thanks
jesse

[PrinceE30]

What about people who don't want to go into open wheel racing. Personally, I'd be happy to get into something like Grand American, Speed World Challenge or any of the other touring car style racing...

As much as I love F1, being 23 puts me waaaay behind in trying to get into those leagues.

-Prince

[Dado]

Originally posted by speed limit?
is there any way to get group deals or somethin? 25 for 10 min is a little rich for my blood and it seems that it is pretty easy to blow a couple hundred in a day.

thanks
jesse

yes we can get a group deal. We have talked to the owner about it already and we will be setting up one soon.

[Matthew C Smith]

Originally posted by TomM
AutoX, Track Days, etc. are not the way to get noticed or get started in racing, karting and up through formula cars is the only way to go.

I don't know much, but I do know that's correct. Autox and DE's are just for fun.

[John]

I will disagree with JV on CCA/SCCA being a waste of time. It depends on what kind of racing you want to do.

For those of you who may have watched the Grand Am race this saturday at Daytona there were 4 drivers in that race who started out in the BMW CCA clubracing, the latest of which being John Munson who was racing BMW CCA in CM just last year and is now racing in Grand sport in Grand AM, granted he's loaded! His truck and trailer setup alone must cost 250,000$ not counting tools and the personal mechanic he brings with him everywhere.

Basicly the most important factor other then some sort of driving skill is MONEY. (See Frank Seldorf)

If you want to run in GT, touring cars, etc, SCCA, BMWCCA is a perfectly good way to go..

However keep in mind the only way to make a large fortune in autoracing is to start with a huge one.

However JV may not consider Grand AM, or ALMS, or WC big time. JV already thinks he's the equal of Bill Auberlen.

Unless you get to the level of a Boris Said, Bill Auberlen, etc, in road racing you'll always be paying for your ride.

My budget for BMW CCA club racing is about 40-50K a year and I don't spend very much compared to some!