Q: How can I get started in SpecE30 Racing?
A: Step 1 is to join NASA and get on the track! You start your adventure by participating in NASA High Performance Driving Event (HPDE). NASA's HPDE program provides you with an experienced racer to help guide you through the event, one on one, as you learn how to handle your car at the limit. You set your own goals and go as fast as you feel comfortable going. You can progress as far as you want, even get a competition license. Basically, all you need is a safe car and a helmet. The car does not have to be fancy or fast. Students bring everything from a Hyundai to a Ferrari. Read the requirements for the other miscellaneous items required. If you are serious about becoming a road racer do yourself a favor and purchase Dave Gran's new book "Go Ahead Take the Wheel - Road Racing on Your Budget".
Q. What's it take to get my competition license?
A. Unless you have a license with another organization, you will have to participate in a region's licensing program to obtain a Provisional License. Contact your Regional Director for more information about programs in your home region. NASA requires you to work your way through it's HPDE program before you can apply to test for you competition license. HPDE has four run group levels; Group 1 through Group 4. Group 1 is for novice drivers while Group 4 offers unlimited passing for seasoned drivers. Success in Group 4 allows you to apply for you Competition license. A general rule-of-thumb is to plan for a solid year of HPDE events before applying for your Competition license.
Q. Where can I find a car for SpecE30?
A. SpecE30 uses the popular 3-series BMW built between the years 1984 and 1991. Over 2.2 million E30s were produced between the years 1984 and 1991 so there are plenty of donor cars available to the prospective racer. SpecE30 uses the 6-cylinder (M20) or 4-cylinder (M42) engined 3 series models. SpecE30 allows both the 318 and 325 models and compensate using weight and final drive ratios. Most SpecE30 racers utilize the 325i or 325is models for the added torque of the 6-cylinder M20 engine. Used cars and parts are plentiful and decent donor cars can be found for less than $1000.
Q. What makes a SpecE30 race car?
A. The rules for SpecE30 are very simple and straightforward. Basically the engines and drivetrains remain stock. Suspensions are upgraded for racing conditions using spec parts; race springs, shocks, camber plates and aftermarket sway bars. All SpecE30 race cars use Toyo RA-1s as the spec tire but will be switching over the the new Toyo R888 mid 2008. Cars are required to meet a minimum weight and all are required to have NASA approved safety upgrades such as roll cages, window nets, race seats and harnesses. See NASA Club Codes and Regulations for minimum safety requirements. The intent of SpecE30 is to provide a highly competitive, affordable, fun, and safe racing series that showcases driver's skills as well as the spec component manufacturers, distributors and dealers.
Q. How much does it cost to build a SpecE30 race car?
A. Depending on the condition and cost of your donor car and your mechanical skills, competitive SpecE30 race cars can be built for between $5,000 and $10,000. Your personal safety equipment (helmet, fire suit, gloves, underwear etc) will cost an additional $1000 to $2000. Note that in mid-2008 NASA will require an SFI 38.1-approved head & neck restraint.
Q. What does a season of racing cost?
A. A full season of sprint racing in NASA NorCal typically has 8 weekends of racing during the year. Race entry fees are $349 for two days of racing which includes two practice sessions, two qualifying sessions and two sprint races. Each sprint race is 30 minutes long. Add to this the cost of gas, lodging, food and other consumables and you're looking at about $500-$700 per race weekend. This equates to approximately $4000 to $6000 per year (assumes 8 race weekends) not counting major repairs or maintenance on your race car.
For more info please e-mail your questions to NorCalSpecE30.
Website hosting and support provided by:
|
