So You Want To have a go?
One of our Members, Andrew Dinner explains a little more
The motorsport discipline that I have competed in since 1989, speed hillclimb and sprinting, has with its multiple class structure, always allowed anyone that has a car and wanted to compete the chance to have a go.
One of the yesteryear masters of local motorsports from Launceston Sid Broad, would, along with his fellow competitors, compete in many events at the weekend’s with cars that got them to work Monday to Friday. Scoring incredible results, with what was essentially a road car. They invented the phrase, ‘race on Sunday work on Monday’
The cost of motorsport has never been low but If you want to have a go, hillclimbing and sprinting with a road car, is possibly one of the most cost effective ways to get involved.
What car?
So to compete in Speed hillclimb and sprinting, you don’t need a car like mine.
The Pilbeam MP82. A specifically designed single seat race car. Constructed of carbon Fibre and aluminium, powered by a Vauxhall 2litre engine. Does 4 miles to the gallon and has no room for the shopping.
You don’t actually need a car like this
The Escort Cosworth, Designed and built solely as a rally car by the Ford Motor Company. 2 litre turbo charged fire breathing engine four wheel drive, very loud , no back seats for the shopping or in laws
So what can you use to start this specific motorsport.
A Peugeot 106 perhaps?
Well you could use on of these…
A Subaru Impreza, a few stickers but fully road legal
Our own team member Ian Harrison has competed in many classics, his current mount is a TVR Vixen. Race prepared yes but still road legal.
Do I have to carry out much modification?
Motorsport can be expensive and the car you use will undoubtedly be one of your first considerations. Thankfully road cars need very little modifications to be able to compete, just a few safety related items and a beam breaker which is used to set off the timing clocks. You personally have to wear a flame proof race suit, a helmet and gloves. All of which have to be approved by the motorsport UK.
So it doesn’t matter what you chose to drive, a modern shopping car or a traditional classic. With very little modification, you can buckle up and have a go.
