Want To Race? Autocross, Road race, etc FAQ

[Elbow]

Ok, I have been getting quite a few PM's about getting into autocross, track days, road racing, etc. So I decided to come up with a little guide to help some of you all out

First up, check out the people who run these events:

www.scca.org (Sports Car Club of America. Autocross, rally, club racing, pro racing, and more)
www.nasaproracing.com (Autocross, road racing, rally, and more) Southeastern people: www.nasa-se.com
www.chinmotorsports.com (Track days)
www.globaltimeattack.com (Time attack events)
www.trackdaze.com (Track days)
www.mvptracktime.com
www.pca.org
www.rezoommotorsports.com
www.bmwcca.org (BMW club racing, track days they allow non BMW)

Autocross

Autocross is a good way to get into motorsport CHEAP. You get around four runs usually, depending on club, location, etc. You usually have to work aka pickup cones after or before your runs, the group will work all that out for you.

There are many classes, there is a class for any car. [B]The SCCA Solo 2 rulebook is available for free at www.scca.org. They call it Solo 2 so if you hear someone say they run Solo 2 they mean they autocross, autox, etc.

In Atlanta, events are typically ran with the SCCA at Turner Field, Six Flags, and Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Road Racing

Road racing is a lot more complicated then autocross. Both the SCCA and NASA offer great classes to start road racing. To get a GENERAL idea of what your car would need:

-Full roll cage, following rule book specifications, meaning you can't just build whatever and more then likely a Cusco cage won't work.
-Fire extinguisher, also depending on class, some need a fire system, others just have to have an approved extinguisher.
-Window net.
-Kill switch wired per rulebook.
-Some classes require a fuel cell.
-Racing seat, non FIA seats need seat back braces.
-5 point minimum harness, must be approved depending on rulebook.
...and lots more.

Lets not forget the driver, you will need:

-Approved helmet, no motorcycle helmets.
-Racing suit, type depends on class and rulebook.
-RACING LICENSE.
-Gloved, shoes, some require fire resistant underwear.
-HANS device or equivalent (one that meets the required rating)
-etc...

There are TONS of classes in road racing, different regions may have different classes especially in SCCA and NASA.

DO NOT, REPEAT DO NOT BUILD A CAR WITHOUT READING THE RULEBOOK. If you just want to have fun and not win, you can, but it will cost more the higher the class, even if you plan on losing. BUYING a race ready car is ALWAYS cheaper. Don't think otherwise.

READ. THE. RULES.

I will update info on classes, different types, and some time trials later

There are a couple different ways to get a SCCA racing license:

A. Attend a certified racing school, such as Skip Barber, and attend the 3 day program. That will qualify you.

B. Attend the SCCA drivers school, really the double school in Feb. usually at Roebling Road, get it that way.

You have to do a certain amount of races each season to hold your license. To get a national license you have to do more events.

To get a NASA license you can use an existing SCCA license, or work your way up with their HPDE program and attend their school.

Track Days

Track days offer a GREAT way for people to get on road courses, at speed, without all the gear needed for road racing. Main reason is the amount of wrecks is much lower, car to car contact is about unheard of, and you are not going balls out trying to out brake people or dive in on turns.

NASA offers "HPDE" aka High Performance Driving Event. They have different levels for skill levels, highest being instructors and such. You can work your way up through the classes at each event and depending on how well you do. (I believe we have some NASA people on here who can tell more) Track time is pretty good for HPDE and is usually Sat and Sun.

SCCA offers a PDX program. These are at club race weekends (at least Atlanta region) during Sundays quiet time at Road Atlanta. Other tracks will have it differently, and there are some PDX WEEKENDS.

PDX has three groups. A,B,and C. C being the fastest and instructors. PDX can be done for nothing if you are a corner worker that weekend or work some other form during the weekend for SCCA. However, PDX at least in the Atlanta Region is only two twenty minute sessions. BUT don't get upset, forty minutes is PLENTY of time to cook brakes, wear you out, and really get exhausted. Just like HPDE you work your way up the class ladder.

Chin Motorsports follows more of a European die hard track day way. You will see some really fast cars, fast cars, etc. There is of course a beginner group and you work your way up. You may even see formula cars, older race cars, new race cars testing, sports racers, etc.

BMWCCA is a great form of track driving as well. Of course they have groups. You DO NOT have to own a BMW, no convertibles allowed, even with a hardtop, even with a cage, just simply NO. Lots of track time, over a two day period.

Other groups include the Porsche Club of America (no Porsche required), MVP Track Time, Rezoom Motorsports, and more.

QUESTIONS? ASK!