How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Questions and information about the WHRRI Driver's School
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924RACR
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How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by 924RACR »

So, you want to get started racing, but don't know where to start? You've come to the right place - I'm starting this thread so everyone can chime in with their answers, and add to mine. Maybe the Web Admin can make this thread a sticky?

Invariably the best answer is "come out to a race weekend, and you'll see what it's all about!" Which is true, but maybe we can do a little better job answering that - especially for those thinking about this in the off-season!

There are a number of questions that you'll need to answer:

What kind of car should I race?
How do I get on track?
How can I get ready (especially off-season, or after driver's school has run)?
How else can I learn about going racing/I want to go racing, but can't afford it yet - how can I get involved?

We'll try to answer these questions here. Note that these questions will be biased towards racing at Waterford Hills; if you're aiming at going racing with SCCA or NASA, some details may vary (though a lot of the info will still be applicable).

What kind of car should I race? I have a '59 Borgward Zoggomobile - can I race it at Waterford?


This is usually where new drivers start the thought process, so we'll tackle it first. If you are looking to procure a car to go racing - there are many options! We tend to think of them in terms of the race classes; there's everything from bone-stock street cars straight from the showroom floor, to heavily modified street cars, to full-blown purpose-built formula and sports racer cars! (Note - pics of all of these kinds of cars can be found in our gallery)

Generally it's easiest and most affordable for new drivers to start in the less-modified street car classes; notably, these are the Showroom Stock and Improved Touring classes, as well as Spec Miata and Spec Neon. These classes allow only very limited modifications to the drivetrain, if any; modifications, other than safety equipment (which all racecars must have), are focused mainly on suspension improvements. More heavily modified classes, such as A Sedan, Production and GT, allow owners much more flexibility in the rules, but will typically end up being more expensive to build or buy and to operate.

At the same time that the production-based classes get a large percentage of new drivers, some braver souls do start out in the formula or sports racer classes! These include Formula Vee, Formula 500, Formula Ford and Continental for the formula cars, and Spec Racer Ford, Sports 2000, and the A through D Sports Racer classes. I'll save a description of all those for another more familiar driver (otherwise I'll never finish this post!).

So if you're looking to get a racecar, you can either buy an existing racecar or build your own; the recommendation is invariably that you should buy a used racecar over building your own, as the value just cannot be beat. Where do you find a used racecar? Many places online to look, but one of the best options is simply to go of course to our classifieds section - there are always cars for sale there, and close by!

What about if you already have the car, and want to take it on track? Well, to start with - see the above paragraph! ;) That said, it is possible. First question should be - do you really want to race wheel-to-wheel, or maybe you might like to consider taking your car on track for an Open Track Day (OTD)? The benefits to doing the latter are that it is easier to get into, as no school is required beforehand - it is instructional itself - and that no added safety equipment (like roll cage or fire system, etc) must be installed before attending an OTD. More on that in the OTD section, but it should be considered before committing to a full-race-prep build of a car you already own.

Finally, if you're bound and determined to take your car on-track, you'll need to find an appropriate class for it. The classes are described in the SCCA GCR (General Competition Rules), but you may have a tough time finding your car in all the pages; I would recommend even just posting to the forums here, and we can help you find the options available to you.

Another note on car classifications: as noted above, each class has its own limitations on what can be done to cars. If you have already started modifying your street car - it is very possible that you may have exceeded what is legal for most classes. This, again, is why it can be a much better idea to buy an already-built racecar. Read the rules carefully, completely, and when in doubt ask!!!

How do I get on track?

There are a few options. As noted above, there are the OTDs (Open Track Days). These are held periodically throughout the summer, and the schedule is on the main page of the website. Marque-specific car clubs, such as Corvette Club, Porsche Club, BMW Club, etc, also usually hold events (called Driver's Education events or the like) throughout the summer - though they are often on weekdays. Most clubs don't typically require that you own that specific type of car to take it on track, though there usually is a discount for club members.

What can you expect from such an event? Again, this can best be fully answered by the specific organization, but basically it's an opportunity to take your car on track and learn how to drive it near (but not at!) its limits in a controlled, safe environment - the racetrack. You will typically be receiving instruction from more experienced drivers, members of the club, and this controlled environment allows only limited passing to improve safety - typically only on straights, with acknowledgement. These factors all combine to provide a safe environment where you can reasonably expect to be able to go out, explore your car's performance, and safely return home at the end of the day. There is no wheel-to-wheel racing (namely, through the corners), there is no competition, and there are no winners - it's a learning environment.

Another option is autocross; some may already be familiar with this, as again, most car clubs and also SCCA operate such activities. This is competition against the clock, one lap at a time, with a handicapping scale to allow many different types of cars to compete against eachother. These are usually run in parking lots on courses laid out by cone, but sometimes these are run at Waterford Hills on the main track. Note that these are performed one lap at a time, as compared to the OTD's where consecutive laps are turned over the course of (typically) a half-hour session.

Note that both autocross (usually abbreviated autox) and OTD's are excellent training for going wheel-to-wheel; they allow practice of car control in a safer, more controlled environment than racing. Many, if not most, racers at Waterford have taken part in one or both prior to going racing.

The final, most involved option, is indeed to go racing - wheel-to-wheel! This is what most of the people on this forum are involved in, one way or another, and what most of our activity is focused on. In order to get on the track for racing, in addition to of course needing a car, you will need a race license. To get a race license, you will need to attend a race driver's school. The SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) operates a few schools at varying times during the summer; there are also professional race schools (with paid, rather than volunteer) instructors like Skip Barber, Bertil Roos, Bondurant, etc. However, we also conduct our own race school every year at Waterford Hills, usually at the end of April.

What it takes to get to and successfully complete school is another long post, but what it consists of is a 1-day classroom session (to go over many topics ranging from safety to operations to driving ettiqute), followed by a weekend-long on-track school where the theory is put into practice. Upon completion of school, Novice licenses are issued; upon completion of a successful season and a few misc other requirements, you can graduate to a Full race license.

Another important note regarding school: most drivers tend to buy a car before race school. However, this is not always a necessity; there are a number of racers at Waterford that rent their racecars for students and even for competition through the season! Indeed, some less-lucky students end up finding themselves in a rental before the end of school, if they encounter reliability issues with their new racecar! However renting a car for school has a couple of other very good benefits. Most importantly for school, it takes away the need to expend any energy worrying about the condition of the car, as that is usually handled by the owner of the car. As so much information is being absorbed and processed at school, it's not the best time to be worrying about if there's gas in the car! Additionally, renting a car (for school and for races) can allow you to try out different types of cars before committing to any specific car or class. As with used racecars, look or post in the Classifieds to find rentals.

How can I get ready to go to driver's school (especially off-season, or after driver's school has run)?

We've pretty much covered a good bit of this material already, as far as driving; OTDs and autocrosses are excellent practice in car control, which you'll need when you get to school. If it's the off-season, and you plan to go to the upcoming school - obviously you'll need to line up a car. Again, building your own is not the best idea, and if you do build your own, it's best to plan to take it out on track, such as at an OTD, before you try to run it through driver's school - the most important thing at driver's school is to have a reliable, not so much fast, car that you can continue to drive all day long. You get a lot of track time at school, and you need a solid car that can take it. This of course is aside from the issues of getting the car finished on-time!

In addition to a car, you will need to get your paperwork together! For the Waterford school, this means you will need to join SCCA or Waterford Hills (the club) - the latter which first requires that you join or get on the waiting list (if no slots available) to join OCSC, the Oakland County Sportsman's Club (of which we are a part). Once a member of Waterford Hills or SCCA, you will need to put in your application to Driver's School - in a timely fashion! While the deadline is early April, it's best to plan to have your application submitted no later than early March; there are limited slots available, and school does usually fill up. Note also that your application must be accompanied by a physical, signed off by your doctor; forms for the application, the physical, and the club memberships can be found on the Forms section of our website.

If the paperwork sounds a little bit confusing - don't be surprised, it is! The best way to handle all the paperwork (though it can be handled via mail) is to actually attend the Feb (or March) Club meeting at OCSC - all questions can be answered quickly, as the appropriate parties will be on-hand.

One more note, in prepping for Driver's School, particularly if you're going with your own car, is Annual Tech (inspection). All racecars much have an annual tech inspection to ensure their safety and readiness for racing. If you have bought a used racecar, most of the work is already handled for you, as you have a logbook and simply need to renew. You may need to replace belts that have expired, or update any safety equipment that may be out of date, but it's not usually difficult. Of course, just ask on the forums, and we'll be happy to help.

However, if you have built a new racecar, the initial tech inspection (to issue a logbook) will be much more involved, as all aspects must be inspected a bit more thoroughly to ensure the car is safe - for example, the rollcage. As this process can be more involved, while it can be done the first morning of school, it is very worthwhile to have the inspection done before the on-track portion of school proceeds, in order that some time will still exist to fix any issues that arise. Otherwise there is a very real risk that you may miss some or all of school, and thus the season. Cars may be inspected at the classroom portion of school, 2 weeks before the on-track portion, or it may be possible to arrange to have a tech inspector review the car at another time - just post on the forums. It is also a VERY good idea to have another racer - mentor etc - to check out the car before the annual, or even during the build process, to avoid common pitfalls and ensure readiness. A little planning up front goes a long way towards preventing failure!

Beyond that, this pretty much leads into the next question:

How else can I learn about going racing/I want to go racing, but can't afford it yet - how can I get involved?


Volunteer!!! There is NO better place to learn about racing that at the racetrack, and if you're going to be there, you'll learn a whole lot more and have a lot more fun if you're involved! I personally cannot recommend highly enough joining our Flagging and Communications (F&C) team. It's where I started, you get to see the action close-up and personal, and you'll learn the most there - it's the second-best seat in the house, as we like to say!

But there's much more to racing than just driving or flagging; in addition to crewing for an existing race team, there are many activities going on during a race weekend that make the whole event possible, such as Grid, Timing and Scoring, Sound Control, etc. We're always happy to have volunteers, and volunteers get in for free and get fed to boot!

So if you want to learn more about racing, don't stand on the sidelines - come join us! We'll train you, just show up at 8AM Saturday morning and we'll be sure to find you something to do! You'll learn a lot and make many new friends in the process!
Vaughan Scott
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by 924RACR »

Oy, that was a long post!!! Too dry - needs some pictures!!!

OK, now it's up to the rest of the racers... time to fill in some more details!

Can we get someone to add more info about the Formula and Sports Racer classes - not to mention the ones I'm sure I forgot?

Steve - can you sticky this thread?
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by Greg Blastic »

Nice post Vaughn! It is hard to list all of the information to get started road racing, but you have made a very good start.
Here again is the link to the SCCA rule book(GCR) for all rules and car classification. Car classification is usually a big topic for those that already have some sort of modified street car. On the left column look at the section starting with 9's(9.1.1 for example). This is where all cars that have been classified are listed preceeded by the rules for that particular category.

http://www.scca.com/documents/Club%20Ru ... 009GCR.pdf


EDIT: It is very important to know that if you want to race this year, schools(both SCCA and Waterford) are approaching fast! Also, my buddy that bought Erik's car had no idea how involved road racing is. He has done OTD's and his comment was that this far exceeds the prep required for those. It's not meant to be overwhelming(although it can seem to be at times) as he is really enjoying all he is learning as he prepares for school this Spring.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by 38Bfast »

Wow Vaughan, Nice post!

Vaughan has said it and I will say it again. PREP! Be ready. If you think it will take you a week to do something plan on two. Stay on top of your timing. If you’re going to go racing, have the car set prior to bringing it to the track. Don't plan on working on your car at the track. All the unknowns will take your time there.

To pass drivers school you need to finish. If your car can't make it to the finish and you can't get a last minute rental, You don't pass. Make sure you bring tools, spares and “Crew” to help you out. Not spectators "Crew" someone who can work on and prep the car without your help. If you don't know someone you can hire Crew. Professionals that know this stuff inside and out. Very much worth the money. When you are at racing school you will have very little time to attend to your car. Either you will be on track or your instructor will be briefing you. You need to keep your head on driving and not tinkering on your car.

Drivers School doesn’t teach you how to drive your car, It teaches you how to RACE it. Vaughan’s advice to do some Open Track Days or AutoX is very sound. Racing is way more intense than just lapping around the track. The work load for your brain goes way up when racing. So if you learn how to drive the track first you will be way ahead of the game. Again there are Pro's that can help you out with this. Again well worth the money.

With all that said. Racing will be one of the most personally rewarding things that you will do in your life. Go for it.

One last thing. Keep glued to this Forum. Post questions. There is not a limit on post you can make. Don't let your pride get in the way. The Waterford Family is very helpful. You just have to ask. This in its self can save you thousands! as well as a lot of embarrassment at a later date.

Above all we do this to have fun!
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by Doug Respecki »

Excellent post Vaughan :bigups:
One thing that is not very clear anywhere is that there may be some wiggle room for that '59 Borgward Zoggomobile that is not homologated. Many times we can find a group with similar size and speed vehicles and class it as "X". Of course, all cars must meet the current SCCA safety standards and do not qualify for points or trophies.
As Chief of Tech I will be more than happy to answer any questions or try to look at your racecar before school. If I can't get there, we will find someone who can.
Also, please remember that the only stupid question is the one not asked. Please ask if you aren't sure of anything.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by cobrahicks »

Thanks Vaughan, this really helps.

But where would i find more info on the types of race classes and there rules and guidelines?

I'm completely new to this, so what race class or classes would be best for a beginner like me?

I'm looking to buy an existing racecar. And i dont plan to go all out (No more then $5000), i want something cheap that i can beat up and learn on.

Are some classes more popular then others? Is this something i need to take in to consideration?

As for the open track days, car i bring my completely stock car out?
Are there any special requirements for OTD?

Thanks Again guys.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by Greg Blastic »

Here again is the link to the rules and car classes:

http://cms.scca.com/documents/Club%20Ru ... 009GCR.pdf

Pages 343 thru 390 cover "Improved Touring" classes, which are probaly the most inexpensive entry level in to road racing. Spec Neon and Spec Miata are also good starters with the Neons being less than Miata's.

Here is a website dedicated solely to IT (Improved Touring) info. Check out classifieds as there are a lot of cars for sale, some local. Make sure you have some one knowledgable with you to look at a car as it might need a lot of improvements to meet current safety standards and might need expensive add ons like transponders, etc.:

http://www.improvedtouring.com/

Plenty to peruse!
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by Dave Lewis »

WOW, Scott, great post. Now its up to the prospective racers to start asking questions.

If there is a prospective Spec Miata racer on the west side dont be afraid to pm or email me through this web site.

On the east side I am sure Ralph (38BFAST) will be more than happy to help out. Hope you dont mind me
volunteering you Ralph.
Clock Tower Dave.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by Doug Respecki »

cobrahicks wrote:Thanks Vaughan, this really helps.

But where would i find more info on the types of race classes and there rules and guidelines?

I'm completely new to this, so what race class or classes would be best for a beginner like me?

I'm looking to buy an existing racecar. And i dont plan to go all out (No more then $5000), i want something cheap that i can beat up and learn on.

Are some classes more popular then others? Is this something i need to take in to consideration?

As for the open track days, car i bring my completely stock car out?
Are there any special requirements for OTD?

Thanks Again guys.
Send me an e-mail techshed at waterfordhills.com. I know of some cars available.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by 38Bfast »

Dave Lewis wrote:WOW, Scott, great post. Now its up to the prospective racers to start asking questions.

If there is a prospective Spec Miata racer on the west side dont be afraid to pm or email me through this web site.

On the east side I am sure Ralph (38BFAST) will be more than happy to help out. Hope you dont mind me
volunteering you Ralph.
Its what I am good at. Any quetions fire away. I can even help you find a car. I have found some very good ones for people.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by 924RACR »

cobrahicks wrote:Thanks Vaughan, this really helps.

But where would i find more info on the types of race classes and there rules and guidelines?

I'm completely new to this, so what race class or classes would be best for a beginner like me?

I'm looking to buy an existing racecar. And i dont plan to go all out (No more then $5000), i want something cheap that i can beat up and learn on.

Are some classes more popular then others? Is this something i need to take in to consideration?

As for the open track days, car i bring my completely stock car out?
Are there any special requirements for OTD?

Thanks Again guys.
Spec Neons are quite inexpensive, reasonably popular (yes, that's desirable - if to want to have someone to race!), take a fair bit of punishment, and there are quite a few available at the moment.

The IT classes as noted, in particular ITA, ITB, and ITC, are also fairly inexpensive to get into and run with - especially ITB and ITC - and are great choices... IT7 too, can't forget that! ITS is also great fun, though tends to be slightly more expensive (but still cheap, on the relative scale!)... OTOH it does offer more RWD cars if that's your pleasure.

And of course Spec Miata is VERY popular and provides excellent racing with a great car... not sure what pricetags are like on those cars these days.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by 38Bfast »

A ready to go Spec Miata will go for $7000.00 for the bottom end and $35,000.00 for the top end runoff capable car.

A good thing to know is if you race a Mazda. Any Mazda. You can get %40 off retail on all the parts that Mazda sells. For the most part the entire car. That is a very nice deal. I dont think anyone else offers such a good plan to support racers. Then if you win in a Mazda even more money comes your way.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by cobrahicks »

Please e-mail me at
hickstik06@aol.com
if you guys know of any good deals on a ready car.
i've worked on cars my whole life so i dont mind getting something that may need some repairs
but i dont know anything about the safety aspect and what mods need to be done just to get it on the track
so a car that ready to go with all the proper modifications for safety and what not would be great.

i see i have a few options for race classes.
so i think a lot of what class to get in will determined on what race cars are readily available in the area at a reasonable price.
i live in clarkston, basically just down the road from the track.

once again hickstik06@aol.com is my e-mail.
please send anything you think will be of interest to me.

thanks
all you guys are incredibly helpful.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by 38Bfast »

cobrahicks wrote:Please e-mail me at
hickstik06@aol.com
if you guys know of any good deals on a ready car.
i've worked on cars my whole life so i dont mind getting something that may need some repairs
but i dont know anything about the safety aspect and what mods need to be done just to get it on the track
so a car that ready to go with all the proper modifications for safety and what not would be great.

i see i have a few options for race classes.
so i think a lot of what class to get in will determined on what race cars are readily available in the area at a reasonable price.
i live in clarkston, basically just down the road from the track.

once again hickstik06@aol.com is my e-mail.
please send anything you think will be of interest to me.

thanks
all you guys are incredibly helpful.
Give us some things you are looking for in a race car.
Price?
FWD? RWD?
Lots of mods? Close to stock?
How fast?
Do you want to race a car in a large class (lots of competition)?
Do you want to run in SCCA, NASA, WHRRI?

I will PM you with my phone number to help you out.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by cobrahicks »

38Bfast wrote:
Give us some things you are looking for in a race car.
Price?
FWD? RWD?
Lots of mods? Close to stock?
How fast?
Do you want to race a car in a large class (lots of competition)?
Do you want to run in SCCA, NASA, WHRRI?

I will PM you with my phone number to help you out.
Like i mention previously in some post, i'm completely new to this. So i'm in need of some guidance and a lot of advice.

price: i'd like to keep it cheap since in a beginner and will probably be beating up what ever i get.
From what i hear (depending on the class) i should be able to get something ready to race for about $3000 to $5000. and thats right in my budget

I'd prefer RWD but i'm not going to be too picky on that. I'll be just as happy driving FWD.

As for mods i could go either way, i've worked on plenty of cars so i could always make some upgrades my self. What are the major pros and cons of lots of mods vs close to stock?

I like to go fast, with the potential of going faster.

I definitly would like a good amount of competition, so i'd prefer a lager class.

As for running in SCCA, NASA, WHRRI. I need some advice about this. And what the major differences are between them.

I live right down the road from waterford hills, so that will be my main place of interest. Also since i live so close i'll be driving my car to the track.

Also i'm 6 feet tall, from what i heard some of the cars can be a little tight for tall drivers.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by 924RACR »

Being flexible FWD vs. RWD helps keep the cost down plenty - lots of FWD ITB/ITC cars around that are inexpensive and durable! And of course the Spec Neons.

Actually, peeking at our classifieds right now, I'm surprised to see not a whole lot of IT Cars FS, just the few Neons... I would expect more around this time of year!

As mentioned, ImprovedTouring.com delivers:
http://www.improvedtouring.com/forums/f ... y.php?f=65

Too bad you missed picking up Steve P's Prizm... that was a steal...

As for mods - the more you mod from stock, the more that's there to break! Faster isn't better, when it comes to road-racing - closer is what's better!!! It's much more fun, and you'll learn a lot more, when you're running door-to-door, than compared to being out there by yourself with no-one within a hundred feet.

Yeah, Miatas can be a slightly snug fit for tall guys, but not unmanageable...
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by 924RACR »

cobrahicks wrote:I definitly would like a good amount of competition, so i'd prefer a lager class.
Just noticed this - looks like you'll fit right in (though I think pilsners and ales tend to dominate the paddock)! ;)
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by Greg Blastic »

Dan Watkin's ITS RX7 is a good car. A littlte over your budget but....ITS is fast and fun. Cars are a little bigger, we have one guy that's about 6-2.
But, of course, you want something you could drive to the track.
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Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by cobrahicks »

well it seems there a lot of choices.

I've been talking to a co-worker of mine (Jim Krom AKA 'Smooth', he's the guy who made me realize my racing dreams can easily be reality)
and he's got me leaning toward racing neons
There inexpensive (~3500 for a race ready car)
there's quite a bit of competition
the few i've seen for sale are also street legal (i'd be driving it to the track)
And i can race them in a couple of classes.

Its seems to me like that would be the best option for a beginner on a budget like me.
finding_beans
Posts: 108
Joined: Mon Jun 25, 2007 8:50 pm
Location: Warren, MI

Re: How do I get started racing? - answers within!

Post by finding_beans »

cobrahicks wrote:well it seems there a lot of choices.

I've been talking to a co-worker of mine (Jim Krom AKA 'Smooth', he's the guy who made me realize my racing dreams can easily be reality)
and he's got me leaning toward racing neons
There inexpensive (~3500 for a race ready car)
there's quite a bit of competition
the few i've seen for sale are also street legal (i'd be driving it to the track)
And i can race them in a couple of classes.

Its seems to me like that would be the best option for a beginner on a budget like me.
Ah yes, isn't it a great feeling when you realize going racing isn't out of reach.

Spec Neon is a great choice. Of course, I'm a bit biased. It does seem to fit what you want. Whatever you decide, consider cost to race in addition to the initial cost of the car. Spec Neon is great because we hold down one of the biggest costs ... tires. Also, consider replacement parts cost and availability. Once again, Spec Neon is great in this aspect too.
Matt
Spec Neon #??
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