John,
I waited a little to let the smoke clear before I responded to you posting.
I started vintage racing about three years ago with an MGB because MGs are
what I know about. I have owned MGs for over 30 years and think I know them
extensively, especially the MGB. When I started vintage racing, I restored a
'64 MGB roadster with a factory hardtop as a LeMans/Sebring factory car. I
got the car for free and with alot of trading etc., I know I have over $12k
involved.
Last Summer I took the TRC racing course at Russell Racing School at Sears
Point. If I were to begin vintage racing today after only having taken the
course, my choices for a racecare would be: Entry level: Formula Vee at
about 4k to 6k or better yet a Formula Ford for about 10k plus. You can't
drive them on the street but once you trick out your production racer you
won't want to drive that on the street either. My MGB with a full-race motor
and close ratios is very uncooperative on the street.
Consider taking a course on the track you expect to drive on and I think you
may very well get a handle on the right car for your vision of racing.
Rod Schweiger
n a message dated 1/24/00 9:40:14 PM Pacific Standard Time,
jfcowan@pacbell.net writes:
<<
I'm interested in learning to drive a race car well, on tracks like
Laguna Seca and Sears Point. When I decide to learn how to race, I'll
start with sprint karts, but lets say (perhaps hypothetically) that the
goal for now is to run SCCA Solo I.
My criteria so far are:
1. Closed wheel.
2. Rear wheel drive.
3. Four or five speed gear box.
4. Licencable and street driveable; e.g., bolt in longitudinal roll bar
member.
5. Less expensive to buy, maintain and prep than other possible choices;
e.g., simple; relatively many examples available; relatively spacious
engine compartment; parts in good supply; mechanics around who know the
car; etc.
6. Excellent handling. (This is what I'm really looking for.)
At this point sheer speed and power are not important. I want a car I
can keep up with while I build skill and confidence. Four cylinders would
be fine and I prefer high displacement engines over those that develope
their power through high RPMs.
This is obviously a newbie question and I'm aware of the risk that my
criteria might deem me not entirely clear on the concept. Only one way to
find out.
I'd appreciate any suggestions or opinions, expect there may be a
variety of them and thank you for your help.
John Cowan
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