new to SpecE30, few questions

#1

Greetings,

I’ve been wandering this site, looking at as much information as I can get, because I truthfully plan to become a SpecE30 Racer this coming December. I am currently on the West Coast in Santa Barbara, about to finish getting my AA in Film. I’ve been saving and will be getting my E30 in December, I’ve already got all the funds I need to bring to decent SpecE30 standards and to fund getting my Regional License.

I plan on doing Skip Barber’s 3-Day advanced school + 2-Day Advanced then applying for the Regional License.

1st Q: Is there a quicker/more effecient, or better approach to getting it? Or is this a pretty solid way of obtaining the Regional License?

2nd Q: How many SpecE30 races per year are there on the West Coast usually? I’m somewhat hesitant because I see so many videos, and hear so much about SpecE30 at Mid-Ohia/VIR etc…but never anything on the West Coast.

3rd: I’ve read about SpecE30 developing in NorCal(I think thats awesome), does this mean that there will be SpecE30 class racing soon?? Or are we waiting for an ‘Okay’ from some higher power?

4th: If say for instance, there is no SpecE30 racing on the west coast yet, and I modify my car to SpecE30 standards, what class can I still be racing in? Even if I’m modified less than the others…

5th: Now, I’ve been googling the crap out of my mind, and either I’m retarded, or it’s right under my noise, BUT:
What or where are the basic oulines for what the KP JS HP etc…classes? I just can’t seem to find any information on what entails each class…I know it designates the amount of modification allowed, but HOW MUCH!!!

This place seems to be an awesome community, and I’ve watched every SpecE30 race video I could find, and I’m beyond committed to obtaining my own SpecE30 + License.

Sorry if there were too many questions :/. I’m just really eager to get on the ball on this so I can start racing ASAP.

-Dan

#2

FYI, I’ve been watching a car on ebay. It is a 1989 325i in Orange, CA, with 2 days remaining on the auction. The car needs alot of work, but you could afford to do alot of work to it for the current bid.

The best way to get your competition license is to do HPDE sessions held each weekend there is a race. I took the quick route of going to a 3 day race school, but in my opinion, my fellow racers seem better prepared with what they learned during the HPDE sessions. It takes longer, but its less expensive and I think you learn more.

#3

spiff wrote:

[quote]Greetings,

I’ve been wandering this site, looking at as much information as I can get, because I truthfully plan to become a SpecE30 Racer this coming December. I am currently on the West Coast in Santa Barbara, about to finish getting my AA in Film. I’ve been saving and will be getting my E30 in December, I’ve already got all the funds I need to bring to decent SpecE30 standards and to fund getting my Regional License.

I plan on doing Skip Barber’s 3-Day advanced school + 2-Day Advanced then applying for the Regional License.
[/quote]

Welcome to SpecE30 community !

[quote]
1st Q: Is there a quicker/more effecient, or better approach to getting it? Or is this a pretty solid way of obtaining the Regional License? [/quote]

Your approach is OK. I would suggest doing few HPDEs (with NASA, BMW CCA, etc) prior to the school just to get used to driving on the track

There were few races on the West Coast, however we are still behind right coast guys. There are 5 or so cars done with much more in build stage (including mine). How many exactly I don’t know, but only if a small fraction of reported cars is true we should be in a good shape for next season…

I/We hope so :)I think only higher power we are waiting on is time or money

Maybe someone else will chime in on this…it would be in Prepared class in BMW CCA IIRC

Just look at Rules for each sanctioning body as it will be explained there what can be done per each class. For example, for BMW CCA click on "2007 Rules (PDF)" link from here:
http://www.bmwccaclubracing.com/Information/ForTheRacer.aspx

Find Rules for NASA, SCCA, etc., and look in there - if you can’t post back and I’ll get you links

[quote]
Sorry if there were too many questions :/. I’m just really eager to get on the ball on this so I can start racing ASAP.

-Dan[/quote]

Not many questions at all - wait untill you start building the car B)

Regards,
Igor

#4

Hey!

Thanks for the quick response guys, I really appreciate it. I’ve already done many HPDE through Driving Concepts, but nothing that has been actually timed yet. So I’m am very familiar with track driving. My Father is an SCCA, BMWCCA, and AudiClubUSA driving instructor, so I’ve been getting TONS of instruction since I was about 14. I can confidentely say that my driving abilities for the track are in good shape, I just need to get the license so I can begin my dream(racing).

I look forward to racing with all of you, and I will check that car on eBay out.

Once again, thanks for the response!

-Dan

#5

within NASA, a Spec E30 car can also race in GTS and PT, so there are lots of options even if there aren’t enough spec e30 cars yet in your area.

In BMWCCA, a Spec E30 car will run in either KP (325i) or LP (318i). Fully prepped KP cars have more allowed modifications but it’s still fun racing.

cheers,
bruce

#6

I just finished my 3 day at SB and it was awesome. You’ll have a blast.

Only way to get better is seat time. After you do your 3-day, try to get on the track and get some seat time.

So-cal has a bunch of guys currently in the build stage with the hopes of getting out there next year. I am one of them.

The only thing they need to get Spec E30 going is more cars. There are only 2 or 3 spec preped cars right now in CA so once more cars get running.

#7

leggwork wrote:

[quote]within NASA, a Spec E30 car can also race in GTS and PT, so there are lots of options even if there aren’t enough spec e30 cars yet in your area.

In BMWCCA, a Spec E30 car will run in either KP (325i) or LP (318i). Fully prepped KP cars have more allowed modifications but it’s still fun racing.

cheers,
bruce[/quote]

BMWCCA actually recognize Spec E30 now I believe so you could race in KP or Spec E30.

#8

Hi Simon,
BMWCCA allows you to run a Spec E30 car in either KP or LP, even though there are some things allowed in Spec E30 that aren’t allowed in KP/LP. However, there is no separate Spec E30 class in BMWCCA.
cheers,
bruce

#9

leggwork wrote:

[quote]Hi Simon,
BMWCCA allows you to run a Spec E30 car in either KP or LP, even though there are some things allowed in Spec E30 that aren’t allowed in KP/LP. However, there is no separate Spec E30 class in BMWCCA.
cheers,
bruce[/quote]

its a bit confusing, you would be in KP but you can preface your class id with E30/ so you know who is running a spec E30 car. You can run other tires though if you wish not just toyos. I still don’t know if that means you can come first in E30/KP or if they throw all the KP cars together.

  1. Car Numbers, Class Identification, Decals
    Cars running under the NASA
    SpecE30 consideration must prefix their class identification letters with
    “E30/�.
#10

the only related comment I’ve heard is that T&S is unlikely to keep the E30/KP guys separate.
cheers,
bruce

#11

spiff

Walter here from Valley Motorwerks in Rancho Cordova, Ca. We had 2 cars at the Thunderhill race over the past weekend. Additionally there were 2 other cars in HPDE gaining experience. We also have approx 8 to 10 other cars in various levels of completion. Some of the guys are, like you, waiting to gain their rookie license. If you want any information with respect to the local racing / BMW scene feel free to call me anytime during business hours. We also carry everything you’ll need for the build up and work with a local cage builder on SpecE30 deals.

Walter Ford
916-636-9526

EDIT: We will be adding some Spec Videos from this last weekend.

#12

Awesome!

When the time comes(which it will, I’m not one to back out on my word), I will probably drive up(after an appointment of course), and get my Spec E30 on the it’s way to track-ready-form.

I can’t wait for December to roll around, I’m extremely anxious.

Thanks!

-Dan

#13

welcome dan,
The norcal group is growing and looking forward to racing with the socal guys in the near future. July 7 and 8 in willow springs.
Hope to see you out there.