The Beginner’s Guide to All Things Racing

Guide to all things racing - Tips For Beginners

When choosing to start a new hobby or activity, it’s crucial to gain experience in order to have the most potential for success. While the route to becoming a professional car racer may seem like a complicated one, there are still a number of opportunities to get involved into entry level racing in a safe, affordable, and most importantly exciting manner.

According to the Sport’s Car Club of America (SCCA), Autocross is a great opportunity for amateur drivers looking to get their foot in the door (or on the gas pedal) of the car racing world. Autocross is a way for drivers to gain experience racing cars in a safe environment and is a great first step for individuals looking to gain more car racing experience.

According to the SCCA’s website, Autocross is an event that offers “low to medium speed car control events” that are held in large parking lots, airports, or sometimes race tracks and go-kart tracks. These courses are created by using traffic cones to map out the tracks. Participants then drive the course one by one and their results are determined by comparing times. There may be penalties given for “significant contact with a cone or if a competitor misses part of the course.” To learn more about the SCCA, check out their website.

While it’s great to have information on different ways to get into racing, it doesn’t do much good if a driver doesn’t know exactly where they can put their skills to the test.

The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) was founded in 1991. Their website states that the NASA has “created programs that allow owners of both racecars and high-performance street-driven vehicles to enjoy the full performance capabilities of their cars in a safe and controlled environment.”

NASA’s headquarters are based in Napa Valley, California and have chapters in a number of regions throughout America, so there are a number of opportunities for those interested in car racing to get involved. For more information on where events are being held, click here.

The National Auto Sport Association offers a number of competitions that vary in skill level which allows a driver to continue building their confidence behind the wheel. These racing options vary from Autocross to Time Trials, where drivers put the pedal to the metal and perform on some of the best race tracks across the company.

Racing licenses are required once a driver feels ready to take on other drivers on a race track. There are a number of different car racing associations throughout the United States that offer licensing programs, which are then accepted nationwide at different events put on by varied companies.

Autocross may be appealing to inexperienced drivers because they have the opportunity to race their own cars without any sort of modification needed. While improvements may be desired as a driver gains more experience, they are not necessary for the introductory levels of racing. All types of cars are accepted in the racing world as long as they are not large SUVS or minivans.

The SCCA suggests double checking tires before race time to make sure they are in pristine condition and do not have any cuts or damage that are going to cause problems during the race. They also recommend that drivers raise “tire pressures 5-10 psi (pounds per square inch), over factory settings to minimize wear on the edge of the tire.”

High quality tires may be a good purchase for drivers once they gain more experience racing, though basic tires are just fine for beginners.

When it’s time for your first race, there are a number of steps to take to become prepared for the event. First and foremost, it’s important to arrive early in order to make sure you are prepared and allowed time to become familiar with your surroundings.

While you may be excited and energized to make your debut on the track, it is still your responsibility to understand the rules of the road in order to make the most of the event. This will improve your own race as well as make everything smoother for those in charge as well as other drivers.

Upon arrival, it’s crucial to make sure that your car is in tip top shape. The SCCA requires drivers to check car fluids, the battery, and to remove any loose items from the car. Technical inspection teams are located at these events for an extra look on the vehicles to make sure the riding condition is safe for drivers. These inspectors will check for a “working seat belt, good return on throttle, brake pressure, a secure battery, tight lug nuts,” and more.

The excitement that comes with your first race is inevitable, but it’s important not to forget all of the things you have learned while preparing for your turn behind the wheel. The moments leading up to a race are just as important as the race itself, and while it’s important to have fun, it’s just as important to be safe, focused, and alert while on the track. No matter if you are at an introductory level of racing or are about to make your professional debut, don’t forget to have fun!

To learn more about the licensing process, as well as the road to racing, check out the video below!