Moving to ATL and looking for a new class

#1

Hi guys,

I’m moving to ATL shortly from Dallas and looking to ask some questions. I’m currently a NASA/SCCA member here in Dallas and race the 1st Gen Spec RX-7 class. http://www.txspec7.org/Home/tabid/72/Default.aspx

I’m having to relocate due to work and don’t see a SRX7 group. I thought this might be an opportunity for me to inquire about joing the SE30 group. A few questions:

  • hear that both classes are “momentum cars” - big on driver skill - true?
  • hear that both are very reasonable in cost but I know SRX7 is hard to beat on that front. if i wished to buy a race ready car - how much am I looking at?
  • are there cars for rent that I can try it out one race weekend and see how i like it?
  • is there a good local group that is very helpful on and off track in ATL area?
  • how expensive is it to maintain e30s? availability of parts and abundence?
  • when is your next race and who can I contact to come find out more.

Looking forward to learning more and possibly joining the group.

Thanks

#2

I’ll start… others can finish.

  • big on driver skill? Well, Mike Skeen is apparently now pro. So I’d say yes. There are a bunch of celebrity drivers that make appearances (enduros and whatnot)

  • there are a few cars for sale right now. $10 - $20 grand based on car, trailer included, etc. There are three nice cars that come to mind (Jeff Puras, Ken Neuoff and Robert Patton’s). Do yourself the biggest favor and buy one of these instead of trying to start from scratch (pun intended). You will save money and time in the long run and be racing sooner (which is the goal in the first place)

  • Not sure, but you can ask around. You might have better luck trying to see if someone would throw you the keys to one they are selling during a HPDE or something…

  • local group meaning shop? Yes, there are quite a few people/places that are good supporters of SpecE30 cars.

  • low maintenance costs and high availability (which is mildly relative I’m sure). My guess is that someone on the board could tell you prices/costs.

  • next race is Roebling! (outside of Savannah GA) May 17,18… Will be AWESOME. Next race in Atlanta will be Road Atlanta, Aug 8,9,10. Check out http://nasa-southeast.com/ for the full schedule.

  • SE30 is the one to do. The end. Come join us, you won’t regret it. We’re getting approx 20 cars per race now in the Southeast.

#3

Hey Craig,

Thanks for the quick answer. Very helpful. Some further insight:

  • yes I’m big on driver skill - at least developing my own. :laugh: we see quite frequently that drivers who drive the SRX7 after driving higher end cars on track find it a bear as the limitations of the car forces you to be true to driving skill - no room for mistakes

  • maintenance is big for me as I’m not blessed with tons of time and would like to be on the lighter side of this spectrum. Every car is different and gremlins lurk always.

  • a friendly group is invaluable to learn from and compete with. The SRX7 group here has expertise by segment in various members and so diagnosing a problem or working through a variety of race issues is a relative breeze. Someone knows enough to solve the problem and get you back on track. I’m hoping for a bit of the same as I’d have to learn a whole new car.

  • I complete agree with buying a race ready car. Will take your advise and contact one of those guys looking to sell. I’ll have to see how much more this class is going to cost me from what I currently have. Clearly a big step up.

I’m going to mark my calendars to come out for next race and come meet up with you guys. I’ll look for you to say hello.

Murali

#4

suzuka_blue wrote:

[quote]Hi guys,

  • is there a good local group that is very helpful on and off track in ATL area?[/quote]

Even as a newbie, the Southeast Spec E30 group has been incredibly helpful to me (Robert Patton in particular has saved at least two race weekends for me!). It’s a great group (and pretty entertaining in the forums :laugh: )

#5

Some of the Spec E30 guys in and around Atlanta are pretty cool :unsure:

Naw… they’re all cool.

The guys who you’ll find the most helpful with a quick answer are all here on the board, so you’ve come to the right place. As others have mentioned, Robert Patton and Chuck (Factory 3 Performance) Taylor will be your best bet as far as your local go-to guys.

Robert (as mentioned) may even have a car or 2 for sale.

There are lots of videos of Spec E30’s on track… and that should give you a pretty good idea of how the drive.

BTW: The spec e30 racing is fun as hell

The boy in Germany hit the bullseye with the e30. I don’t know that there’s a cheaper car to run. And there certainly can’t be a better group of folks to run with. The level of respect and trust between drivers is very high. They are quick to chip in with part, advice or a spare hand.

And if at all possible… do what you can to make it to Roebling.

You might try to get in touch with Tom Hall. He’s tried to rent his car out as a DE rental before.

#6

I have run a little bit of everything, including first gen RX7. You can not beat the e30 as far as cost per unit of fun. Keith Smith told me has has done pretty much zero in 5 years other than change oil…I know he hasent cleaned his engine…Travis doesnt even open his hood during the weekends…

Al

#7

All,

This is really helpful insight and confirms what I had hoped for. Sounds like a very similar bunch to what we have here. Looking forward to meeting many of you.

I’ll mark my calendar for the next event. I’m very interested in renting a car for the weekend and doing a DE event to get to know the car and class a bit better.

Please advise how to contact some of the people you mentioned in this thread.

Again, thanks for offering such a warm welcome.

Murali

#8

Murali, I’ve been at the Spec E30 game as long as any of them. However, I’m not sure that qualifies me for any level of expertise.

I type really slooow. So, feel free to call with any other questions. The advise you have seen from the others is excellent.

Robert Patton 800-755-1715.

#9

catsailor (Tom Hall)
http://spece30.com/component/option,com_comprofiler/task,userProfile/user,470/

Patton (Robert Patton)
http://spece30.com/component/option,com_comprofiler/task,userProfile/user,142/