Results 1 to 22 of 22

Thread: How to get started?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    603
    My Cars
    1999 BMW 528i

    How to get started?

    I got a question for you guys. How do the racers get started? I just don't know how to get into the racing scene, especially on the BMW circuits? If you guys could point me in the right direction.
    Thanx
    Alex

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    St.Louis
    Posts
    135
    My Cars
    '08 BMW 135i
    I've wondered the same thing before... bump for an answer.

    I'd also suggest reading bio's on racers like Auberlen, which can be read here... http://www.ptgracing.com/drivers/index.html

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Location
    Cincinnati
    Posts
    1,526
    My Cars
    '88 M3, '03 330i ZHP
    Most of the good drivers started racing well before they had their drivers licenses. For Billy it was bikes and his dad was into racing, for others its go karts. Id assume you are well past that stage so you are pretty much left to different types of driving schools. There are professional type schools like bondurant, skip barber, etc in which you drive the cars that they provide and learn from people whose job it is to teach you how to drive competitively. There are also schools like the ones that the various BMW CCA regions put on where people attend schools in their freetime (weekends) and climb the ranks to instructor where they in turn teach you how to drive. These schools would be adequate to get you driving in BMW CCA club races, not sure if thats what you mean by "BMW circuits."

    There is no right or wrong answer really. For one thing...racing costs money, so dont expect it to be cheap. For now, you could start autocrossing with your local SCCA chapter or whatever organization does it in your area. Otherwise you could start going different driving/racing schools and building up your skills.

    PS...this prob will get move to the other racing forum
    David
    1988 Zinnoberot E30 M3

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    O
    Posts
    124
    My Cars
    M3
    5 years old and racing karts oh and tons of financial backing helps too...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Willis, TX USA
    Posts
    2,252
    My Cars
    98 MZ3, 01 325iT
    Racing is easy to get into. Buy a car or kart and go racing. With a car, the various sanctioning bodies have different licensing requirements and you'll have to find out what the group you want to run with requires. You can even rent cars.

    Now, if you want to race professionally, you're probably way too old to start unless you're under 20. Even then you're way late in starting. If you're over 20 it could still happen. I could also win the lottery. Speaking of lottery, if you want to race professionally I hope you or your family has money to burn or you're a natural at talking people out of their money.

    If you want to be an amateur racer, your best bet is to buy a car that is already built with a log book. Buy the car, find out the licensing procedure and get going. That's it.
    George Roffe
    98 M Roadster
    01 325iT


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    121
    My Cars
    1998 M3 Sedan, 2002 Chevy Silverado
    For BMW Club racing, I'm pretty sure at least for the Tarheel chapter you need to progress to the advanced level in their normal drivers schools before you can attend a competition school. So keep that in mind. It's the smart way to go anyway. Get comfortable at handling a car at speed, before you go wheel to wheel and hurt yourself, your car and possibly someone else. If you attend the mentioned schools(skip barber, etc...), yeah that will get you a license with the SCCA, but you need seat time to really be able to drive fast consistently and safely(as safely as racing wheel to wheel can be).

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Peachtree City
    Posts
    6,311
    My Cars
    2012 Tacoma
    If you really want to fast track, I'd recommend a 3 day racing school followed by about 4 track days. Then take the comp school with NASA, then apply for a BMW rookie license.


    Is divorce in the air? Get the list and follow it!
    http://forum.dadsdivorce.com/viewtopic.php?t=13374

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Irvine, CA
    Posts
    2,853
    My Cars
    2011 E91
    Check out this link:
    http://bmwclub.azcomputer.net/static/Primer/started.htm
    that will help you with "BMW Club Racing".

    The other advice you have received here about BUYING a built car is appropriate. Buy your first, don't build it. You will lose less money if you buy it.

    Remember the old saying, "In order to make a small fortune racing, start out with a large one."
    Jon
    CURRENT:
    2011 E91 328i - Valentine One - LED Interior - Eibach Coilovers - Vossen Wheels
    SOLD:
    1989 E30 J-Stock
    1995 E36 C-Mod
    2003 E46 B-Mod
    1990 E30 325is - Red on Black
    1998 E36 M3 Convertible - Silver on Black
    2000 E39 540i Sport - Black on Black
    2005 325iT - Blue on Tan - 6sp - Koni's - Eibach - Valentine One - 3.64 LSD
    2006 E90 330i - Silver on Black
    2014 535i - Space Grey on Black - H&R - Valentine One

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Willis, TX USA
    Posts
    2,252
    My Cars
    98 MZ3, 01 325iT
    Actually, if you want to get on the fast track to competition and to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible, go buy a kart. They can be had for the cost of a set of high end wheels. You'll learn to drive and to race. If done properly you'll learn a lot about set-up and preparation. It's the best training ground unless you can write a HUGE check. No, bigger than that (8 figures at least, probably 9, all before the decimal place).

    To the point of not building your first race car, I won't say never. Hell, I'm building my first race car. But, I've been around it a while and know exactly how I want it built and why. I'm not just hacking and throwing things at it.
    George Roffe
    98 M Roadster
    01 325iT


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Houston
    Posts
    2,695
    My Cars
    1994 BMW 325i, 1996
    this crap about age is bs.

    if you are an amazing driver, you can get work as a driver.

    most people aren't though =)
    http://www.framesdirect.com/sunglasses/ - Sunglasses!
    1994 BMW 325i - GUTTED,
    AD shocks, eibach race springs, motorforce camberplates, stud conversion, and RTAB limiters, tunnel exauhst, CAI/chip, underdrive pullies, fan delete, AC delete, sparco race seats, 18x9 Superlegerras, GC swaybar, 2.8L engine with M50 intake manifold
    AND
    1996 BMW 328 - daily driver

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Irvine, CA
    Posts
    2,853
    My Cars
    2011 E91
    Yeah, well Karting was never really an option for me, since I weigh 275lbs. So, I had to write a big check. You can ask some of my competitors if I can race or not. Nonetheless, I would agree that Karting appears to be a relatively inexpensive way of determining if you are cut out for racing.

    I am a firm believer that there are people who should be racing, and others for whom other hobbies beckon. Be realistic, if you suck, get out. You will know if it's in your blood. I am addicted, obsessive and a complete wreck because of it. I couln't live on the East Coast, because the racing season is only 6 months long. If my car wasn't apart over Christmas, I would have raced 3 times already this year. Unfortunately I have only raced once. But two races in March, and one coming up in April should satisfy my need.
    Jon
    CURRENT:
    2011 E91 328i - Valentine One - LED Interior - Eibach Coilovers - Vossen Wheels
    SOLD:
    1989 E30 J-Stock
    1995 E36 C-Mod
    2003 E46 B-Mod
    1990 E30 325is - Red on Black
    1998 E36 M3 Convertible - Silver on Black
    2000 E39 540i Sport - Black on Black
    2005 325iT - Blue on Tan - 6sp - Koni's - Eibach - Valentine One - 3.64 LSD
    2006 E90 330i - Silver on Black
    2014 535i - Space Grey on Black - H&R - Valentine One

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    16,464
    My Cars
    '91 E34 M5, '89 325i, '00 Saab 9-5 Wagon
    Quote Originally Posted by jmott
    this crap about age is bs.

    if you are an amazing driver, you can get work as a driver.

    most people aren't though =)
    It's not BS. The way to become an amazing driver is by having driven for a long time. Tiger Woods didn't just pick up a golf club when he started college. Micheal Jordon didn't start playing baskeball at age 19. Schumacher didn't just decide he wanted to race as a late teen and find himself in F1.

    Sure, there are the VERY occassional talents who can start late and excel...Tim Duncan comes to mind. He never picked up a basketball until he was 17. So, all hope is not lost.

    But, unlike other sports, racing actually costs $$ to get into. A $3000 kart and hundreds of $$ a weekend is not nearly the same as buying a basketball and a pair of Nike's. There aren't hundreds of colleges around the nation that will pay your way through school and allow you to display your racing skills on a national stage in preparation for a Pro career.

    In the end, there are a LOT of fast drivers out there looking for a ride, and very, very, very few slots available compared to team sports. There are only a few drivers with the experience and refinement that allows them to be both fast, and yet consistent and easy on the equipment. Experience also plays a huge role in learning how to provide feedback to the engineers so that they can help you make the car faster. You also can't discount how relationships and knowing the right people play into things...and you only build relationships by being in the racing circles for as long as possible.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    16,464
    My Cars
    '91 E34 M5, '89 325i, '00 Saab 9-5 Wagon
    Quote Originally Posted by jdholder
    I couln't live on the East Coast, because the racing season is only 6 months long.
    What part of the East Coast are you talking about? We have racing all year here in the SE.

    I'm with Geo on karting. If I had known as a kid what I know now about racing, my father and I would have had me in a kart at age 8. Assuming finances allow, my future kids will definitely be presented with that opportunity.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Irvine, CA
    Posts
    2,853
    My Cars
    2011 E91
    Quote Originally Posted by BMWRacerITS
    What part of the East Coast are you talking about? We have racing all year here in the SE.

    I'm with Geo on karting. If I had known as a kid what I know now about racing, my father and I would have had me in a kart at age 8. Assuming finances allow, my future kids will definitely be presented with that opportunity.
    Yes the SE would be an ok place to live. Not going to argue with you, but I have about 80 races this year to choose from out here on the west coast, when you add up BMW, Porsche, NASA, Alfa Club, SCCA, TCRA, and all the others. I just don't think there is a worse (or better) place to be if you are a racing junkie than southern California.
    Jon
    CURRENT:
    2011 E91 328i - Valentine One - LED Interior - Eibach Coilovers - Vossen Wheels
    SOLD:
    1989 E30 J-Stock
    1995 E36 C-Mod
    2003 E46 B-Mod
    1990 E30 325is - Red on Black
    1998 E36 M3 Convertible - Silver on Black
    2000 E39 540i Sport - Black on Black
    2005 325iT - Blue on Tan - 6sp - Koni's - Eibach - Valentine One - 3.64 LSD
    2006 E90 330i - Silver on Black
    2014 535i - Space Grey on Black - H&R - Valentine One

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Peachtree City
    Posts
    6,311
    My Cars
    2012 Tacoma
    Quote Originally Posted by jmott
    this crap about age is bs.

    if you are an amazing driver, you can get work as a driver.

    most people aren't though =)
    To be a successful race car driver, you need lots of skill, lots of luck and tons of money. Being fast helps but being fast and rich is better. I heard it said once that under 5% professional drivers actually make money doing it.


    Is divorce in the air? Get the list and follow it!
    http://forum.dadsdivorce.com/viewtopic.php?t=13374

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    redondo beach, ca
    Posts
    678
    My Cars
    2005 tarmac EVO!
    what exactly is karting? like go karts or what? thx
    <img src=http://img29.photobucket.com/albums/v87/denverlicious/000_0272.jpg>

    M3= Multiply $$'s x 3

    M3 SEDAN#5

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Houston
    Posts
    2,695
    My Cars
    1994 BMW 325i, 1996
    There is very little that hard work or amazing talent can't overcome.

    How many times do you think Earl Boykins was told he was too short to play basketball?

    =)


    Quote Originally Posted by BMWRacerITS
    It's not BS. The way to become an amazing driver is by having driven for a long time. Tiger Woods didn't just pick up a golf club when he started college. Micheal Jordon didn't start playing baskeball at age 19. Schumacher didn't just decide he wanted to race as a late teen and find himself in F1.

    Sure, there are the VERY occassional talents who can start late and excel...Tim Duncan comes to mind. He never picked up a basketball until he was 17. So, all hope is not lost.

    But, unlike other sports, racing actually costs $$ to get into. A $3000 kart and hundreds of $$ a weekend is not nearly the same as buying a basketball and a pair of Nike's. There aren't hundreds of colleges around the nation that will pay your way through school and allow you to display your racing skills on a national stage in preparation for a Pro career.

    In the end, there are a LOT of fast drivers out there looking for a ride, and very, very, very few slots available compared to team sports. There are only a few drivers with the experience and refinement that allows them to be both fast, and yet consistent and easy on the equipment. Experience also plays a huge role in learning how to provide feedback to the engineers so that they can help you make the car faster. You also can't discount how relationships and knowing the right people play into things...and you only build relationships by being in the racing circles for as long as possible.
    http://www.framesdirect.com/sunglasses/ - Sunglasses!
    1994 BMW 325i - GUTTED,
    AD shocks, eibach race springs, motorforce camberplates, stud conversion, and RTAB limiters, tunnel exauhst, CAI/chip, underdrive pullies, fan delete, AC delete, sparco race seats, 18x9 Superlegerras, GC swaybar, 2.8L engine with M50 intake manifold
    AND
    1996 BMW 328 - daily driver

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    16,464
    My Cars
    '91 E34 M5, '89 325i, '00 Saab 9-5 Wagon
    Forget Earl...Muggsy played at my alma mater.

    That said, I've been there done that in the racing thing for a short while...never made a really serious effort, but I was deep enough to understand how things work. I've seen guys with more talent, more drive, and more $$ than me give it a try and fail miserably. Sometimes, in racing, all the drive, talent, and $$ in the world just isn't enough...there's always a bit of luck involved. Though, I will grant, that sometimes you've got to create your own luck.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Maui "no ka oi"
    Posts
    2,232
    My Cars
    fünfer
    Quote Originally Posted by denverlicious
    what exactly is karting? like go karts or what? thx
    Yes, competetive go-karts, not the one you see at the miniature golf place.

    Schmacher was a national champ at karting at the age of 6, so you can see how early you really need to get started in racing. But there are always exceptions to every rule. Minardi Racing from Formula 1 signed Israeli Chanoch Nissany as an offical test driver for 2005. Nissany is 41 years old and only began his motorsport career three years ago. He also has done some testing for Jordan F1.

    So its never too late to start.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    16,464
    My Cars
    '91 E34 M5, '89 325i, '00 Saab 9-5 Wagon
    Quote Originally Posted by ronin009
    Minardi Racing from Formula 1 signed Israeli Chanoch Nissany as an offical test driver for 2005. Nissany is 41 years old and only began his motorsport career three years ago. He also has done some testing for Jordan F1.
    I haven't looked into it, but chances are very high that he brought some $$ to the table to make that happen.

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Maui "no ka oi"
    Posts
    2,232
    My Cars
    fünfer
    Quote Originally Posted by BMWRacerITS
    I haven't looked into it, but chances are very high that he brought some $$ to the table to make that happen.
    Probably true...like mentioned above it takes lots of money to get into racing.

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Olympia, WA
    Posts
    156
    My Cars
    Black 1996 328is
    Quote Originally Posted by BMWRacerITS
    I'm with Geo on karting. If I had known as a kid what I know now about racing, my father and I would have had me in a kart at age 8. Assuming finances allow, my future kids will definitely be presented with that opportunity.

    I completely agree. If I knew then what I know now, things would be a lot different. I will definitely give my kids a chance if they are interested.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •