Almost there

So, After attending the first race meeting I got to know a few people in the know in order to get some pointers and other drivers in my class. The first thing I needed to do was go to an Xr2 driver's briefing in order to collect my raceiver (1-way clerk-driver radio). This meeting did not go so well as the circuit clerk's  radio frequency had not been set to our radio frequency so they wouldn't be used for this meeting, though they later fixed this problem and they will definitely be used for the second meeting (my first race).
I then went to the secondary driver's briefing which was for all competitors. This meeting was just a quick run through of what was going to happen at the meeting, a note about the new "big" kerbs and to avoid them as they will damage your car as well as a question time.
Immediately after this meeting I went to speak with the chief Xr2 scrutineer so as to find out what he generally checks on the cars as they pass through and finding out who would be scrutineered (top 2 finishers, anyone with damage and up to three at random). He was kind enough to let me "sit in" as he checked over a couple of cars infront of me (normally only the driver of the car is allowed to be present at this point), showing me common infringements he finds, but also teling me of the not so common one that he has found. - no doubt to scare me into not doing anything against the regulations, as he will find it.

The racing itself was very lively, I was mainly interested in my class so while my class was in the pit area I would be there talking to drivers and mechanics, just to find out how they are doing, what problems they are having orhave had in the past, and just to let them get to know me so if I do need help in the future, then I have someone to turn to.
The first race had 4 non finishers out of roughly 12. 2 of which crashed at the first corner, causing quite  bit of damage to their cars too. The fastest driver (Mallony) was a bit...fiesty. He seemed to get tangled with everyone and the red mist decended upon him. He ended up getting a warning for his driving, then a 10 second penlty. There was even  safety car invloved as one of the Xr2s broke its rear stub axle and stopped dead just off the circuit and needed to be removed.

After the race I went to see the damaged cars and even gave one of the teams a hand in re-fixing the front bumper to the car in true banger fashion. This gave me a chance to ask about wht happens after an incident like that and how lenient the scrutineers would be. The car had a large dent in the door, the door glass was missing, as well as the front nd rear bumpers hangin off nd the side skirt in pieces. I was told that the scrutineers are actually quite helpfull and as long as the car can be put bck roughly into shape and is safe for both the driver and other competitors then they will be allowed to participate in the second race of the meeting.

The second rce was less eventfull, though there was still some bashing going on but it was generally good clen racing with some good overtaking. However, suddenly there was another safety car out and I nor anyone around me could see why. Then, round the corner came a recovery truck with a fiesta ST on it, with half it's front end missing - Those new kerbs really could cause some damage. It was later revealed that the fiesta in question had been pushed onto (and over) the new "big kerbs" and lost control, then went into one of the barriers. The driver was fine, though I don't think his car will be racing again.

I now finally have everything I need to go racing. My stickers are ready to be applied, my race application has been sent and today my trnsponder (lap timer) arrived. All that remains to be done is source a trailer I can definately use next weekend (even if it means hiring one I will) and to set up the suspension.

Practise starts at 8:30m on Sat the 30th of April followed by race 3 (race 1 for me) and race 4 will be on Sunday the 1st of May. Its getting very close now.

Licence passed

So, I sat my racing licence test on Sunday 03/04/11 and passed with ease. Though after driving the test vehicle (2009 Seat Leon Cupra R), I found that I am much more fond of older cars for track use.

I have finished producing a marketing package with a bit more information on it than my first draft, as welll as a few more pictures.

All the old sponsors on the car have now been removed leaving the car looking almost completely white and "fresh". I am struggling to move the seat far enough forward though (little legs) as the mounting has been wellded to the floor. So some work will be needed to be done here. I am strugglingg to find a transponder (lap timing equipment) for the car still, but have been giving the details on someone in Fife who may have one for sale, but he is yet to respond.

My First race is fast approaching now (01/05/11) and I am starting to feel the butterflies, as well as the stress of preparing it for racing.

Next update coming after this weekend as I will be attending the first race of the season (though not racing) to see how things happen and to pick up my driver's radio.

No Licence = no first race

Well due to unforeseen circumstance, Knockhill have cancelled all events today. This means I will now be sitting my test on Sunday 3rd of April. This however means that I will not be able to participate in the opening race of the season on the 10th of April. Instead (assuming I pass my tests) I will be racing the weekend of the 30th of April.

There is a small silver lining to this though. I will now have time to test the car and set it up to my liking prior to racing.

Today my SMRC (racing club) membership arrived, as did the equipment for setting the camber (angle) of the wheels and my paypal account has been verified so I can order my new helmet, suit and boots online.

My story begins

So, after having finally decided to take the plunge into serious motorsport the last few weeks have been a bit of a rush. Firstly there was the budgeting to ensure I could actually afford to start racing. I must have spent at least a week trying to figure out how much it was all going to cost me. This was something I do have experience with, but it would seem I have already made a couple of omissions from my calculations so have already had to cut the expenditure elsewhere.

Before I could even think about buying anything I had to get my "Go Racing" pack which included a medical for which I needed to get filled out by my local GP, all the regulations for racing, an instructional DVD for my theory and practical race tests and other information about what to expect when racing. This came to £75

Club membership registration form sent 10/03/2011 - £50

I sat and passed my (very intrusive) medical with flying colours on 14/03/2011 for another £55 and swiftly booked my licence tests at knockhill for 24/03/2011 - another £255

The car was the first purchase and at £2,550 it was £450 below my estimate so that has given me a bit to play with.

I am now looking for my race clothing. First Budget looked thus:
Race Suit - £295
Boots - £135
Gloves - £62
Helmet - £335
Balaclava - £30

I have already found a very nice race suit for £175, but I need to pay through paypal. I have just set up an account but it can take up to 7 working days to transfer the funds and there are only two of them left.

Will update after my licence tests on Thursday.