I'm pretty determined to get in to racing in any way possible. I tried to save up money to buy a track car, and could never save up enough before bills caught up with me. I've already modified my daily driver to a satisfactory level so over decided that time attack is my best route since I've done autocross for so long. The only problem is its a convertible which makes plenty of safety stewards scream about how dangerous it would be for me.
So ultimately, I need to find a roll bar, or at least a roll cage. I can't seem to find I've ANYWHERE. The only ones I can find specifically say "not intended for use with convertibles".
Does anyone know where I could order one? Or should I just bite the bullet and go to a custom fabric shop? I only stress because "custom" is usually a direct translation to "expensive".
First you should check with the sanctioning body you intend to run with so you can make sure that you're going to be legal under their rule set. The only thing worse than having to install a roll bar is having to do it twice.
mazdeuce - Seth said:
First you should check with the sanctioning body you intend to run with so you can make sure that you're going to be legal under their rule set. The only thing worse than having to install a roll bar is having to do it twice.
If I go to a custom shop, I will be going with the SCCA rulebook in hand. And for online shopping in constantly flipping between the tabs of the roll bar and rule book. Thanks for covering me though buddy!
Yeah but if you intend to do TT (Nasa) You should probably have the Nasa rulebook...
In reply to Mad_Ratel :
SCCA just released their own rulebook for TT. First event sometime in April.
Interesting.
If they just released it, I would not build a car for it until they had time to berkeley it up like normal...
Though a roll cage should be fairly set in stone already.
For Nasa TT you should be good with a roll bar. Hell its not even required. Autopower is the contact. If you want a cage, get a good builder to do it. AND BRING THE RULE BOOK! If they are worth anything, they will read it and tell you if your thoughts are good or bad.
Edit** I missed the vert issue. Yes, a rollbar is required, and bolt in should be allowable. Check the rules though.
First of all welcome to the grm forum.
I know what it's like to be a young working guy wanting to get into racing on a budget. Have you considered looking into the Atlanta Motorsports Park rental kart racing season? They have a 12 race 6 week program where you can rent a race Kart for the entire season for less than $500. Look at their program online and it may be a great place 2 whet your appetite. I know it's not exactly what you want to do but you will get a lot of experience 4 less than prepping your car daily driver. Good luck.
Oh yeah, this year's season starts March 15th
Shawnb
New Reader
3/1/18 10:25 a.m.
Do you plan on continuing to daily drive the car?
Obviously a convertible isn’t the best place to start. Have you considered selling it, and buying a cheap already built dedicated track toy?
A couple of thoughts on what I've learned about trying to race on a budget:
First off, I personally wouldn't time trial a car you depend on for daily transportation unless you are completely ok with replacing it if/when things go south. Nobody plans to crash, blow an engine, etc. but it happens all the time even at relatively relaxed open track days.
Second, the S197 chassis takes quite a bit of money to make competitive...even more so in convertible form. Are you ok with just having fun and not being competitive in a class? As mentioned check into either NASA or SCCA's GCR for 2018. Also remember that your consumables (tires, brakes, fuel, etc.) will cost quite a bit more in your car then a lighter small track car.
I know it's hard to save up for a dedicated track car but there are fully caged prepped cars available for even as cheap as 3k. I think the tradeoff in consumables, the cost of making your car compliant, and the risk make saving up worth it.
In reply to Thinkkker :
Thanks for the contact! I'll hit them up soon.
In reply to Ovid_and_Flem :
I plan to sign up this week! I think it's really going to help me hone some skills.
Terrence said:
In reply to Ovid_and_Flem :
I plan to sign up this week! I think it's really going to help me hone some skills.
Please take pics and give us a report on the experience.
So I heeded everyone's warnings on the great possibility of accidents happening on the track. I managed to find a running Miata for a STEAL! Now I'm trying to get the funds together to get the car perfect for racing. I'm sure it's going to take some time (naturally, the ever present child inside me wants it NOW) but I hope to be ready for a track day by fall, and hopefully racing by next spring. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! And if anyone is in the North Georgia area, there's beer in it if Yall wanna help. Lol
