Inexpensive Wheel to Wheel Racing

I’ve raced Spec race atom /SRA (Ariel Atom), Spec E30, Spec E36, Spec E46, IP, champcar, AER, just now racing my first weekend with a Ginetta (-G56 GTA). Test drove a 360 Challenge.

Price points for purchase $12K- $100k. But, be very aware that consumables and running costs will almost certainly surpass the purchase price in whatever you buy (so do some homework- ask some guys. Are you going to work on the car yourself? Will you haul car or store/pay someone to haul it- might be cheaper than buying trailer /tow vehicle?). Also, buying used is cheaper, BUT buy the nicest used car you can find- it will save time, money and headaches (preferable a podium car/ national champ, etc. - sorry sold my Spec E36 a couple years ago…. My IP car is for sale….)

Where are you? - different cars/ series / classes have more or less participation in different parts of the country.

The Spec E36 is perfect for entry into racing: 1) BMWCCA (can run NASA spec 3 with minor changes) is a class act with good people, 2) sweet spot of great chassis matched to power and 3) relatively inexpensive to purchase and run. I only left the class, because it was a bit too small/ wanted more competition (Spec E46 is now huge and runs with NASA and BMWCCA).

Having said all that. I will keep the Spec E46 and run that as time permits. Now, if you have the budget, depending if it catches on, the Ginetta is the ticket for me at this time- fast, fun, “real race car,” consumables /running costs make running Porsche, etc look insane.

There is no substitute for wheel to wheel; it’s amazing. There are people with all abilities, so don’t be intimidated. There are people that are generous with their time, happy to help you out as you learn.

pics for fun:

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Do you have a good specE46 engine builder or source of motors? I have considered building one.

 

Asking me? Can’t build anything- stock motor , no cheating.

 

Are you guys racing 90k stock motors or rebuilding them to stock specs? The E46 is an old chassis with old motors. I have a hard time getting good chevy motors rebuilt. I suspect a BMW motor would be even more problematic?

 

You can buy used, rebuild to stock, doesn’t matter. They are cheap.

 

I don’t know what Skip Barber costs today. But it used to be $5,000 for weekend at the best tracks in the country. Lime Rock, VIR, Mid-Ohio, Laguna. Fly and drive. Insurance was $500. No wonder they went broke.


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Keep in mind a mid-engine race car is different from a front-engine one. When you start to lose it in a mid-engine car, you floor it. DON’T lift. SFR are great cars but rent one first. I could never make the adjustment.


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Very smart start to W2W racing with SCCA and SRF3 rental and support! You want to maximize track time behind the wheel learning the car, and racing tactics; actual driving skills will become instinctive once you've gained sufficient confidence. You've figured out already that initial race car acquisition cost is immaterial to all other costs to race! Good luck and keep us posted on your year.

 

I'm taking a look into SRF3. I'm not a real fan of the SRF but the Sadev sequential gearbox is now legal for Runoffs which not only removes a SRF week link but also brings the SRF into the 21st century for not a lot more money. The Sadev in the SRF is actually pretty cheap.

 

I may catch some flack for this, but ChampCar is about the cheapest way to go racing just for fun and to maximize seat time per dollar. Sure, you’ll get some loons out there that shouldn’t even have a street drivers license, but I’ve experienced that even in HPDE days. It’s hard to beat four hours (two, two hour stints) of seat time for less than $1800, depending on track, including accommodations if you get with a budget friendly team.

I’m running in the Daytona 14 hours this weekend and we’re expecting over 125 cars to take the green flag. You can always find someone to race at these races regardless of class due to the wide variety of skill levels and car capabilities. Though, I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who hasn’t done at least a few HPDE weekends because it can be madness especially in the first stint.

 

Also, good luck in your racing career!