Endurance racing...Where to start?

[Doc Hollywood]

Hey Guys,

I seen a thread on here not so long ago saying that drives in the Nurburgring 24hr are priced anywhere from EUR3000 upwards. A very inrtresting prospect in the future!

Would you have any suggestions on where to start in order to build up to such a race, taking budget into consideration? My thoughts so far are something like uniroyal funcup and britcar 24hr but being a total endurance virgin I could be miles off the mark! I dont even know what licence is required!



Le Mans '08 here I come!

[MGDavid]

as a rookie with similar aspirations it occurs to me there are some key aspects to consider - the circuits, the race durations, and the team. You are probably going to buy a drive with a team (unless funding the team yourself in which case please PM me ) and presumably they would prefer to see some credentials such as experience of the specific circuit and also some longer races on your CV. Perhaps this steers you in a particular direction... FISC have a 1 hr race at the Nordschleife most years. Races run under NEAFP rules just require a Nat A licence, otherwise I guess it'll be an Int'l C.

[JamesH]

I had a short drive in a Uniroyal fun cup car a couple of years ago - seemed very heavy, slow, and not much for the very high price tag (I think it was >20k for a new one)

However, the races do appear to be well supported and look like fun.

James

[Simon Mason]

As with all racing it comes down to budget. There is nothing more fustrating than putting Xamount of thousands into your weekend of racing fun only to be let down by something that could easilly have been planned for and in endurance racing I see it all the time.

The big problem with Endurance racing is you need pit crew and spares. Now getting a team of mates together is one thing but experience is everything in Endurance racing if you want to save money and to have a serious shot at winning.

For this reason you should only ever consider either doing it for a laugh with some mates running your own car but prepared to make numbers up unless your lucky to have an experienced team member or by hiring a drive with an established Endurance race team and paying a bit extra for the privealdge.

The best start is easily the Uniroyal Fun Cup. Its relatively cheap and a total hoot. Its also tacticaly very basic which makes it fairer.

There is a "2 driver" series run by the BRSCC in the Uk for all sorts of cars I can't think what its called now but at 1 hour long races its hardly endurance racing but lots of fun no doubt.

Moving on from that you have Production S1 in the UK. Part of Britcar, sadly this is where it starts getting expensive but the cars are quick, plus you will race against some very clued up drivers.

Next up you have the VLN in Germany which includes the 24hrs. This offers many options but is a high risk race on the accident deposit stakes.

You can dive into any but I would recomend anyone with even the smallest interest in Endurance racing to do the Uniroyal Spa 25hrs at least once. The cars are strong reliable and not to hard to drive so its a huge fun option. You will be hooked for life.

If you must have proper grip, a bit of a grunt and frankly a much sexier car and to be honest a bigger test of Endurance then S1 and the VLN are the best options.

PM me if you want any more information.

[Chris Y]

You could always do the 24hr 2CV race! The cars are brilliant fun to drive, the atmosphere quite friendly and relaxed, and it won't break your bank manager's heart either.

[Doc Hollywood]

Cheers for the help guys! Had a good look at the Uniroyal page and I think that will be a good starting point. Maybe one or two races next year to see if its my thing and then look at moving up if budget allows! Perhaps the Brands hatch 3hr. I am very very intrested in Britcar 24hr but I wouldnt even consider it without prior endurance experience.

I had thought about 2CVs but as Simon mentioned I am looking for something a bit quicker.

Any suggestions on how to prepare for endurance racing? Fitness, mentally and adjusting driving style? Im used to 10-15 lap formula vee and fiat uno races. Is there a big difference with how you should drive?

[Suze]

Simply just because of what Sam did I would suggest Uniroyal fun cup, he loved it and it did help with endurance races. Ask him in two weeks what he thinks of them still, we're off to the US for him to compete in IMSA Lites at Petit LM - sure he'll still be raving about them!

[martinparsons]

Originally Posted by Doc H

Any suggestions on how to prepare for endurance racing? Fitness, mentally and adjusting driving style? Im used to 10-15 lap formula vee and fiat uno races. Is there a big difference with how you should drive?

This is just from a personal point of view, the most important thing for long races is to be relaxed, after 15 years of 10 lap club races i know how worked up you get before start, in long races have to approach it with more layed back attitude (remember you've got ages to pass the car infront, not the next corner) and your driving style needs to reflect this, no need to hang your whatsits out the window, you have plenty of time.
Also very importent is the car must be comfterble to drive, seat has to be dead right, steering has to be light, and i find very importent carry fluid to drink, long races can be boring at times so only thing to do is drive your pit crew mad on the radio so keep your throat wet so you can shout at the appropriate time lol.

We are running in the belgium touring cars, not so long races, (2 races in day normaly 90 mins each race), worth looking at, if you in south of england its quicker to travel to spa and zolder than oulton park, and the driving and organisation in belgium makes english racing look sad i'm afraid to say. (average 20,000 crowd at each event)

If you like to know any more please email me.

Hope this been of some help

MP

[martinparsons]

also doc my team does ring every year (24 hrs not my cup of tea) give them a look at following
www.brunswickracing.co.uk

[kickstart]

I am in the same boat as the longest circuit race I have done to date is 30mins. What I plan to do is try a few 2 driver longer races (90 mins - 120 mins) to see whether I like it.

But like Simon Mason says the cost goes up a lot given the kind of mechanical back up you need, the spares you need to carry and the fact that some of the races will be on the continent.

The other race series that certainly gives decent track time is the V de V (french series) and if you have a suitable car or can afford to buy one then this is certainly worth thinking about.

[Peter Mallett]

From a historics point of view the one hour top Hat series is a good starting point. You gret to race with a good mix of cars and talent and the one-hour format let's you get that relaxed feel.

I have limited time at the moment so I've not been out with Top Hat this year but I did a couple of races (75km and 100km) at silverstone in June and I find it more fun than a 10 lap sprint.

Sadly I couldn't get on the Top Hat grid at spa but I'm entered for the BSCC race there in two weeks time.

One hour races are good to start with, whether I want to do longer is a moot point.