View Full Version : some beginner information
SOSkanesumi ARK
12-27-2008, 12:33 AM
i know this is scattered about this site, but i need some information on getting my licence. i havent passed a driving school yet, im still in high school, and im pretty much starting from the bottom. any help would be appriciated, i would like to know what i have to do to get my licence, ect. i would also like some personal advice or some stories about what you did when you first started out racing. this has been my dream for as long as i can remember, to be a pro racer. thank you all for your help on this matter.
p.s., i also dont even have a car to race, some advice on what i should do about that would be appreciated as well. thanks!
svochuck
12-27-2008, 02:07 AM
Welcome to NASA ! lets see here where to start ...
license
http://www.nasaproracing.com/images/rules-forms/form_provisional_license.pdf
To work your way into a NASA race license you could go to a few "race schools" . Or come out and drive HPDE with us and work your way up through the groups. If you don't have the cash for a car and track time then come on out to work for NASA , build up credit to use for track time .
In the off season try to make it to a build party 944-Spec will have 3 before the fist race of the year. From there we can point you in right direction to meet your goals !
SOSkanesumi ARK
12-27-2008, 04:47 AM
thanks bro, when are these, and are they gonna be at pmp?
Coloradomark
12-27-2008, 09:14 AM
If you're serious about going pro, I think the best path in the US is karting; there's a nice track in Centennial. On a high-schoolers budget, autocrossing can be a good way to get started - that's how Randy Pobst got going. I tried to go SCCA racing in a formula ford in college - I quickly realized that my budget didn't come close to cutting it when my first new set of tires wiped out my bank account.
Come out to one of our HPDE events - it will get you on the track, improve your skills and give you a taste of what's ahead.
svochuck
12-27-2008, 10:22 PM
thanks bro, when are these, and are they gonna be at pmp?
date are TBA
yes we will be at pmp in 2009 . a couple of times ...
I will make sure you know about the build parties.
I just got 2 Karts and like Mark said they do cost less than some race cars but you can also spend quite a bit . We have 2 jr honda karts used , price was quite low and the racing is tight. On the other hand $6,000 for a race kart is right on up there with a front running 944-spec or SE30 , and a fun CMC or SM car ...
MHISSTC
12-30-2008, 11:02 PM
Along with autocrossing, if you get a well maintained daily driver out there on the track with a decent set of tires, some fresh fluids, and a set of dual purpose street/track pads, you're guaranteed to have a blast and learn a bunch.
My street legal '79 Mustang 5.0 4-speed coupe I got on Ebay a few years ago cost me a grand total of $1100 to buy, take care of a few maintenance items, and prep it for track use. It's stupid amounts of fun and has been super reliable for almost no money. Over the last three years, all I've done to it between events is change the oil ($30), put gas in it ($150?), air up the tires, vacuum out the interior and wash it twice, flush the brake fluid ($5), and change a set of brake pads ($25).
http://www.st-tel.net/~mhisstc/79STANG/wPcar.jpg
http://www.st-tel.net/~mhisstc/79STANG/HPDE4b.jpg
ah, the long lost rustang, what a beauty:D and passing a porsche to boot ;)
svochuck
12-31-2008, 12:04 AM
passing nothing it's Screaming by it !
first build party 25th Jan
SOSkanesumi ARK
01-02-2009, 12:58 AM
aww...where is it?
AvantAddict
01-02-2009, 09:55 AM
The first 944-Spec build party of the year ! (http://www.nasarockymountain.com/nasa_forums/showthread.php?t=2646)
bpanther
01-02-2009, 10:16 AM
I know exactly where you are coming from. This is where you will want to start your racing career w/NASA.
http://www.nasarockymountain.com/nasa_forums/forumdisplay.php?f=23
SOSkanesumi ARK
01-08-2009, 11:10 PM
I know exactly where you are coming from. This is where you will want to start your racing career w/NASA.
http://www.nasarockymountain.com/nasa_forums/forumdisplay.php?f=23
so you are saying i should try to start out as a track offical or something along the lines of that to get my foot in the door?
svochuck
01-09-2009, 02:52 AM
yep, its a great way to start
95sprtcpedrvr
01-09-2009, 12:11 PM
so you are saying i should try to start out as a track offical or something along the lines of that to get my foot in the door?
Starting out working corners and such, is a big benefit. This will give you a perspective on the other side of the track compared to being a driver. Having a good amount of experience in both area is nothing to laugh at.
bpanther
01-10-2009, 10:09 AM
Plus it pays for your addiction. Race for free.
Based on your questions you have been asking, I know exactly who you are (kinda psychic in this manner) and what you need.
i know this is scattered about this site, but i need some information on getting my licence. i havent passed a driving school yet, im still in high school, and im pretty much starting from the bottom. any help would be appriciated, i would like to know what i have to do to get my licence, ect. i would also like some personal advice or some stories about what you did when you first started out racing. this has been my dream for as long as i can remember, to be a pro racer. thank you all for your help on this matter.
p.s., i also dont even have a car to race, some advice on what i should do about that would be appreciated as well. thanks!
I might suggest your first purchase (besides a NASA membership) be the book "Go Ahead - Take the Wheel" by Dave Gran. IMO it's an excellent primer for what you are seeking to do. You can find it on Amazon.com for $10-15 or so.
UnsafeAtAnySpd
02-05-2009, 08:27 PM
Even though I'm not the OP, thanks for all the info everyone. After my first track experience last August at Buttonwillow in California (I just moved up here), I've been wanting to get back on so bad. :)
Being that I'm not experienced enough to drive in the first event of the season this next month (if I'm reading the schedule right), I was interested in helping out. That said, how soon do people need to sign up for these type of things? I think it's too late to take leave for next month, so I'll just have to wait to see if I'm off that day.
MHISSTC
02-05-2009, 09:45 PM
The first scheduled track event is a training event for instructors and persons seeking a competition license. PM sidekick to see if she needs any volunteers for that event. Even if he doesn't, come and hang out anyway and meet some of the folks involved in making the fun happen. Our Season Opener is definitely where you want to be for our first HPDE event. Sign up early once registration opens up.
As one of the small handful of cars I'm considering as a replacement for the wife's van once it dies (which can't be soon enough for me) I, for one, am VERY interested in experiencing your CTS-V on the track!
Scott
LeannKM
02-06-2009, 08:42 AM
Even though I'm not the OP, thanks for all the info everyone. After my first track experience last August at Buttonwillow in California (I just moved up here), I've been wanting to get back on so bad. :)
Being that I'm not experienced enough to drive in the first event of the season this next month (if I'm reading the schedule right), I was interested in helping out. That said, how soon do people need to sign up for these type of things? I think it's too late to take leave for next month, so I'll just have to wait to see if I'm off that day.
If you click on the Event Registration and find the upcoming one at PPIR you can check "Officials" and choose from the drop down box if you want to flag, help out on grid, etc.
UnsafeAtAnySpd
02-06-2009, 07:27 PM
The first scheduled track event is a training event for instructors and persons seeking a competition license. PM sidekick to see if she needs any volunteers for that event. Even if he doesn't, come and hang out anyway and meet some of the folks involved in making the fun happen. Our Season Opener is definitely where you want to be for our first HPDE event. Sign up early once registration opens up.
As one of the small handful of cars I'm considering as a replacement for the wife's van once it dies (which can't be soon enough for me) I, for one, am VERY interested in experiencing your CTS-V on the track!
Scott
The V is a great car IMHO. Not to mention the prices are so low on them now. This is one of my favorite pictures from Buttonwillow:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/VP__4459.jpg
UnsafeAtAnySpd
02-06-2009, 07:28 PM
If you click on the Event Registration and find the upcoming one at PPIR you can check "Officials" and choose from the drop down box if you want to flag, help out on grid, etc.
Oh nice! Once I find out my schedule for next month I'll have to do that. Is there like a 'training' session beforehand or something?
MHISSTC
02-06-2009, 08:41 PM
Ohhhhhh! It's even black!...my favorite V color. We may have to talk if/when you're ready to get rid of it.
The V is a great car IMHO. Not to mention the prices are so low on them now. This is one of my favorite pictures from Buttonwillow:
http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg149/UnsafeAtAnySpd/VP__4459.jpg
bpanther
02-07-2009, 08:21 AM
Oh nice! Once I find out my schedule for next month I'll have to do that. Is there like a 'training' session beforehand or something?
PM Sidekick
raybob9289
02-07-2009, 06:34 PM
That Caddy is a future AI car. :cool:
UnsafeAtAnySpd
02-27-2009, 08:15 PM
Well turns out I'm going to be able to get the day off! I sent that PM (no reply yet) and checked out the event registration page. So am I going to have to buy my membership now to help out?
Well turns out I'm going to be able to get the day off! I sent that PM (no reply yet) and checked out the event registration page. So am I going to have to buy my membership now to help out?
which event? you can join at the same time you register on-line. have you checked out the hpde group guidelines to know which group you'll be in (need to do that before registering)? you can always ask questions here or pm for clarification/questions.
UnsafeAtAnySpd
02-28-2009, 06:38 AM
which event? you will need to be a nasa member to participate. you can join at the same time you register on-line. have you checked out the hpde group guidelines to know which group you'll be in (need to do that before registering)? you can always ask questions here or pm for clarification/questions.
The Pikes Peak event this coming March. I know I can't drive in it, but wanted to help out being a corner flagger or something. Thanks.
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