There was a problem loading this content.
HOW TO… Take part in Circuit Racing There are many different categories of Circuit Racing, some which are ideal for beginners and others that are more suited to people who have racing laps under their belt. To pick what is right for you, do your research, both online and through speaking to people involved. Popular categories across the UK include Fiesta STs, Minis and MX5s. CAR / EQUIPMENT BUDGET AND LOGISTICS Do you need to buy a car and if so, how do you get one? What are the general costs of Circuit Racing? You can hire a car through ‘arrive and drive’ packages, which is a good way to get a taste for a particular series. If you want to buy something, talk to other people, and look at the Facebook groups of circuits and race series, where there are often people selling cars. There can be a lot of interest in these, though, so you must be quick off the mark. Costs can vary massively depending on the series, but most have the same basic requirements – a club membership, championship registration and race entry fees. Then there is the cost of the consumables such as brakes, tyres, fluids, and fuel, as well as any travel and accommodation. As an example, Kev estimates racing in Mazda MX5s will cost around £2,750 for a season of eight rounds, with roughly £1,500 consumables costs over the year. Lucy’s Fiesta STs budget is roughly £1,000 for a race weekend including everything – transport, fuel, tyres, entry fees, and so on. What makes a good car? Whatever the series, pick a car wisely and make sure you know its history. Make sure it has been well prepared and maintained. All being well, it will then be relatively inexpensive to continue to run, maintain and repair. Do you need to prepare the car? Even if you buy a pre-raced car, you will usually need to do something, whether it is new pads or tyres or just a simple tune-up. If you buy a donor car – a road car that needs to be converted – there is clearly a lot more to do. You can prep a car yourself if you are skilled enough to get it to the level to pass scrutineering, or you can hire a company to do that for you. What other kit do you need? How far around the country do you have to go? If you live near a circuit and pick the right category, you could find a good number of races to compete in without even travelling far. To take part in a full championship, however, you will often have to do long distances and stay overnight. For example, Lucy only races at Knockhill while Kev goes to all the major UK circuits, from Brands Hatch in the south to Knockhill in the north; Anglesey in the west to Snetterton in the east. >>>>> The main things are a helmet, HANS device, race suit, gloves, and boots. All of these must be in date and meet the current safety regulations. Check reviews to find the best kit and speak to others in your club or series, as they can be knowledgeable not only about the things you need but also things you do not. As a Motorsport UK member, look at the member partners for possible discounts. 52 Revolution - July 2022