US Drivers Tracking in UK/Europe

I think you've asked a pretty broad question here Lots of historic tracks in different countries. I'm from the UK, but live in the US, I've tracked lots of times in the UK, and also run at Spa in Belgium and have lots of friends with lots of time at the 'Ring.

Its not clear whether you want to race or run track days, your post suggests both.

I'm for instance heading over this summer (if I crack the nod with the organizers) to run at the Le Mans Classic in my Alfa. I'm bringing my mechanic with me and flying the car. I have special insurance that's good for worldwide exposure on my collector cars, so I don't have to pay a fortune in shipping insurance. I tend to fly my cars, but that's me.

If you want to run a car at a bunch of race tracks, it might even be worth buying a track day car in the UK. There is a very dedicated track-day culture there at many tracks, so there's lots of people you could talk to. Clearly France, Germany, Italy, Belgium etc all present different language challenges.

 

Big question

Some track day organisers like RMA or Goldtrack have recommended hire companies and around the 'Ring there are others who will also go to Spa (for example) eg RSR or rent-racecar.de or Jaco Velders

Take a look at some websites - also Ben Lovejoy's which may have a list of other people local to the 'Ring

It should be fairly easy to get a Radical or an M3 by the day at each place

 

I spent quite some time at the Nurburgring and Spa, have met many Americans at both tracks. Sent an email to Dale at RSR Nurburg, they are the best when it comes to organize these things or sent me a pm me more detailed questions and I will see what I can do for you.

 

Whut??? Round chere, we think of Lousianna as a furrin country. Ive heard of some folks going as far as Colorado, but I dont think they lived to tell the tale. But, I guess its okay to go across the pond. Jus dont go to that Washington DC place. Dem people will skin you alive.

Jim-Bob Jumpback

PS Ah, I dont supposed you need someone to tote your stuff around do ya?

 

On my first trip from England to Texas I went to get my lunch at a take-away and the girl behind the counter asked me to wait whilst she got her friend then asked me to repeat my order as it was such a weird accent - her friend really then said to me gee you're from out of state aren't you

 

I occasionally tell people I'm from East East Boston.

 

WCH,

I've looked at this, too, but haven't had any hard and fast conclusions. Pros and cons, either way.

The folks that I've known to have done this are split. Some keep cars in EUR, others transport back and forth. Support is available, but you should still bring your own wrencher and wrenches.

Depending on the venue, it may be important to be "connected" with someone who has a relationship with the organizers and sanctioning body. However, we've toyed with the Le Mans Classics, and if that's something you're interested in, perhaps we could partner up? Let me know what you think.

CW

 

I'm "definitely" doing LM Classic if I'm accepted, so would be happy to discuss being part of shared stuff. I'm being supported by Antoine and team at autosport designs out of NY and running in a '63 TZ1 that ran at LM in '64.

My thoughts were to leave the car over there and attempt to do a couple of other events such as the Goodwood revival - I should hear on LM next month, so with that in hand wanted to enter Goodwood after. I figure a TZ in Alfa's 100th anniversary should make matters somewhat easier. But my initial impression is that its important to know what the right channels and who the right people are to get into these historic events. Its not going to fly if you try and just apply on your own.

 

I know Tom P of AD, and I'm confident they'll do a good job for you. We wouldn't be in a position to execute on the LM Classics until '11 at the earliest, due to the planning involved. Actually our Historic Passport inspection won't even happen until mid-March. Given the fact that this process was begun with the FIA several YEARS ago, I find it absurd. Typical EUR efficiency!

CW

 

I ran the RING. During F1. 2009. With RMA and RSR. I loved it.

 

cool, you have me thinking about it now. have you seen the show on HD Theater (sadly ironic, BTW, that HDTH has better "car guy" programming than SPEED) with the guys that do historic/classic endurance races in UK and EU? They highlight guys with million-dollar cars but also you see some real buckets on track with them, so it's approachable. anyway doing one or 2 of the races in that series would be cool. plus doing it as an enduro will help split the costs and should also be more fun with a driving partner. I'd love to race at Spa.

I know a guy that raced at Spa in an enduro -- I don't think it was that same series as I saw on HDTH though. They just rented a radical from someone out there.

LM Classic -- wow there's a thought! I did the 25 hour race (at thunderhill) last year and it was a blast. Racing at night was quite the experience. The freezing temperatures sucked though (25*F I think).

You will probably need an FIA license to race anywhere in EU, but if you have an SCCA national or pro license it should just be a matter of filling out a form and submitting a current medical.