Getting ready to race

#1

Please refresh my memory on what is required to get a license to race. I have basically only done two BMWCCA DDE’s but I just about have my car ready to do more. At this point, how long should it take me to get a provisional license? I have yet to put a cage, racing seats, fire system, etc. in.

#2

Your car will need to be race ready to take the licensing tests. Or, you can borrow/rent someone else’s car in the meantime.

#3

Do some NASA schools - about 4 - get the car ready for racing, and talk to your local NASA Regional Director about applying for a Comp School.

Carter

#4

Here is Rocky Mountain region’s info about getting a comp license. Other regions are likely similar but may vary in the details.

http://www.nasarockymountain.com/nasa_forums/showthread.php?t=66

cheers,
bruce

#5

After 5 years of 6+ DE’s a year and holding my own in the advanced group, I went racing. I could drive but racing was something totaly different. Make sure you are comfortable driving in just about any situation that comes up in a DE before you try racing. When you start racing you will learn just how slow you were in a DE.

I guess what I am saying is that with all the stuff going on in a race, learning the basics is not something that needs to be happening. It can be very intimidating.

Good Luck.

Michael O.

#6

Do some HPDE’s with NASA, get instructors, and move up to group 3 or 4. Then take a competition school, I did Driving Concepts with Nasa (great school). After that you can apply for a provisional license.
Get as much seat time as you can before going to school. Trust me, racing is an entirely different experience, need like 10 mirrors and 20 eyes.

#7

No kidding. A guy whose mind works 10 times faster than mine told me, after his first race, that he couldn’t believe how fast things happen in racing. And he had done several years of autocross and HPDE’s.

Carter

#8

I have a diffrent philosphy when it comes to DEs and racing. Do enogh DEs til you feel comfortable being on track and are familar with the flags but don’t DEs too long. If you want to race get out there and race are as long as you think you can be safe about it. DEs can teach you habits that won’t serve you well in racing.

#9

My advice is before you apply for your Comp License, get comfortable driving under full course passing rules and traffic (that would be NASA’s HPDE Group 4 or NASA’s Time Trials). Get a Hot Lap timer (or equivalent) and start taking in-car video and keep track of your lap times. Start comparing your lap times with the race group your car would fit into and if your times are close (or even better …faster than some of the cars in the group!) then you’ll know that you’re at least driving at a competitive level. Some NASA regions will have an instructor/tester ride along with you or they may go out in their own race car and play lead follow. Keep in mind that NASA testers aren’t looking for you to set a track record during your test….they want to make sure you know the racing line and have complete control of your race car (for example, if the instructor is riding in your car they will look at your braking/downshifting technique). The tester’s yardstick is basically the question: "Would I want this person on the race track with me during a race?" NASA (at least in my region, NorCal) also administers a short multiple choice written test, which focuses mainly on racing flags. If you pass your test then NASA will issue you a Provisional Rookie booklet. You are provisional for 4 races….you give the booklet to the race director (before each race) who during the race keeps an eye on you. If you don’t screw up (like spin out) he signs off for that race. If you spin or have some other issue during your provisional period, the race director may extend provisional status by an extra race or make you go back to HPDE. After your Provisional booklet is signed off for the 4 races then you have your NASA Competition License. You carry your Rookie Plate and marks for 4 more races. After your 8th race you can remove your rookie plate and marks. I hope this helps. Good luck!

#10

Man! thanks for all the great replies. I know I’ve got a lot to learn but it helps to know what the approximate time frame is going to be, at least in the best case scenario. I fully understand the methodology NASA (and other sanctioning bodies) use to make sure a racer is experienced enough to be safe on the track. Believe me, I wouldn’t want to be driving on the track with someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. i will be doing NASA and BMWCCA HPDE’s the rest of this year, more than likely.

Andy

#11

Man! thanks for all the great replies. I know I’ve got a lot to learn but it helps to know what the approximate time frame is going to be, at least in the best case scenario. I fully understand the methodology NASA (and other sanctioning bodies) use to make sure a racer is experienced enough to be safe on the track. Believe me, I wouldn’t want to be driving on the track with someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. i will be doing NASA and BMWCCA HPDE’s the rest of this year, more than likely.

Andy