GHIT 0180: Racing 101 Easy Entry Paths to Performance Driving and Racing aka So You Wanna Racecar - Part 3

Published: March 5, 2021, 8:30 a.m.

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This is part 3 of the series (of ~10) we go over several of the easiest and most popular paths to get your start performance driving and/or racing journey.\\xa0 This should be considered a starting point to work from and not an exhaustive, detailed list as there are many other potential paths and organizations available across the globe.\\xa0 We have already talked through several of these areas in prior episodes and will continue to cover each of these areas in future episodes.\\xa0 As always, each if us if forever \\u201cIn Training\\u201d no matter what our current level of performance.

The outline for the series is:

Part 1:\\xa0 Building Your First Racecar (and options to not)

Part 2:\\xa0 Safety and Safety Related Equipment Needed

Part 3:\\xa0 Best Entry Points To Start Performance Driving

Part 4:\\xa0 Buying and Selling Cars (With Special Guest Lara Vernon)

Part 5:\\xa0 Expectations between Going To and From The Event/Track\\xa0

Part 6:\\xa0 Paddock and Pit \\u2013 Best Practices

Part 7:\\xa0 Perspective of a New Driver (With Guest Adam Owens)

Part 8:\\xa0 Tools, Spares, Supplies Needed for a Race Weekend

Part 9:\\xa0 Common Issues All Drivers Will/May Experience in When On Track For the First Time

Part 10:\\xa0 Miscellaneous Topics (& Things We Forget to Mention Earlier)

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Continuing with our racing 101 Series within our Dominating with Dawson segment, we go over a condition that is to be avoided.\\xa0 It is commonly referred to as the \\u201cred mist\\u201d when racing or driving.\\xa0 This is somewhat like road rage and not only negatively impacts your performance but also increases the risk of damage to you, your car, and your fellow drivers on the track.\\xa0 Being cognizant of the red mist is often the biggest step to avoiding it by early recognition before becoming fully \\u201cmystified\\u201d

You can subscribe to our podcast on the podcast provider of your choice, including the Apple podcast app, Google music, Amazon, and YouTube etc.

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Also, if you could give our podcast a (5-star?) rating or even better, a podcast review, we would greatly appreciate it and it would help us to grow the passion and sport of performance driving.

For instance, leaving an Apple Podcast rating\\xa0is very easy.\\xa0 If you go to your podcast library, under shows and click on the podcast you can leave a (5?) star rating and enter your review.\\xa0

We hope you enjoy this episode!

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PS\\xa0 Please don\\u2019t forget that if you are looking to add an Apex Pro to your driving telemetry system, don\\u2019t forget to use our discount code for all Apex Pro systems you will receive a free Windshield Suction Cup Mount for the system, a savings of $40.\\xa0 Just enter the code \\u201cghitlikesapex!\\u201d\\xa0when you order.\\xa0 We have two systems for our team and Bill is looking to add a third for this season, pending CFO approval from Vicki.\\xa0 They are a great system and truly invaluable in safely increasing your speed on track and/or autocross etc.

Best regards,

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Vicki, Jennifer, Alan, and Bill

Hosts of the Garage Heroes In Training Podcast and Garage Heroes In Training racing team drivers

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Highlights from this episode include:

1)\\xa0 After some initial recording issues, \\u2026\\u2026.

2)\\xa0 Attending an amateur driving event is a great way to start learning a bit and feeling comfortable with going to a track or racing event etc.\\xa0

3)\\xa0 We often joke about autocross being the \\u201cgateway drug\\u201d for performance driving and racing.\\xa0 It is easy, requires very little equipment and preparation for your car, and is one of the most inexpensive ways to start performance driving.\\xa0 Budget requirements are usually well under $100 or so for the day.

4)\\xa0 If autocross isn't appealing to you because you always had the dream or desire to drive on a track, then perhaps SCCA\\u2019s Track Night In America is the best choice for you.\\xa0 You take your daily driver or your fun road car to a local track during the week and race it at the local track.\\xa0 This costs a bit more but is still usually less than $200 for the evening.

5)\\xa0 If you are looking for a bit more hands on coaching and structure, we always recommend attending an HPDE event.\\xa0 These can be at a track or even focused on autocross, depending on the event organizer and location.\\xa0 It is usually a blend of in class instruction and track time, often approximately 50/50 split, but the class time is very helpful and valuable.\\xa0 Budget around $500 or so for a two-day event.\\xa0 If you are looking of an HPDE targeting autocross, we enjoy going to the EVO School that costs about \\xbd as much for each day.

6)\\xa0 If you want a bit more track time and a bit less instruction, there are several track days at local tracks with a bit less structure and instruction, but usually a bit more time on track.\\xa0 We would recommend starting with an HPDE event, especially as a first time.

7)\\xa0 Road Rally events aren't really racing but a great way to get started and meeting your newest bunch of friends to be.\\xa0 Rally events are not a speed event but can be timed or can be based on finding checkpoints or completing challenges.\\xa0 These can be a single day or multiple days; costs vary greatly from $40 to much more and are often used as a charity fundraising activity or to help the local community in some way.\\xa0 These are usually on public roads and are often relaxed.\\xa0 Not every rally is like the Burt Reynolds movie Cannonball Run, lol.

8)\\xa0 We started by entering a race as our first event.\\xa0 It is a potential path.\\xa0 We would recommend at least one HPDE, but several series cater to first time race drivers and are set up to help you achieve this goal.\\xa0 The cost of entry can be low for an autocross event or over $1,500 for an endurance event to enter.\\xa0 There is also a higher level of car preparation and safety equipment involved.\\xa0 The shortest races would be an autocross where the races are usually under 1 minute each.\\xa0 Then there are sprint races where the race can be for a single stint searching for your one best lap (usually called Time Attack) or for some short wheel to wheel races the race can be 20-40 minutes or so.\\xa0 Endurance races usually start at 4 hours and can be single 24+ hour events or multiple days of multi hour races.\\xa0 Costs can vary from a less than $100 for an autocross race to over $1,000 and up for endurance races.\\xa0 Budgets can also grow dramatically depending on the event and the cars being used.\\xa0

9)\\xa0 An alternative to racing your own prepped car in a race is to either rent a car or a seat in a car to try your hand at racing.\\xa0 The costs again can vary depending on the car and the race, but with this option, you do not have to purchase and prepare the car.\\xa0 This reduces the start up costs and effort required to get out on the track and that is the most importance thing to getting started.\\xa0 You will still need a helmet and the required safety equipment, but he car and associated supplies, tools, etc. are usually covered.\\xa0 Pricing can vary dramatically from a few hundred dollars minimum to several tens of thousands of dollars for high level events in semi-pro and professional events.\\xa0 NOT recommended for your first time, lol

10)\\xa0 At many events you will need to either bring a racing helmet or rent one on site.\\xa0 Always make sure to contact the organizer for their specific requirements and if there are rentals available ahead of time.

11)\\xa0 We did neglect to mention going on track with an \\u201cexperience\\u201d type of event where you can drive on a real track in some very fancy car or race cars.\\xa0 These are usually lead follow and you get to go up to the speed that you are comfortable with a pacing guide ahead of you.

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