How To Start Racing - 2022 Update.

This article is an update to my previous work last year. Some of the content is the same, some is new as there are plenty of lessons I've learnt since I last wrote about this subject and I'd like to think my writing has improved so I can offer you more then just a list of items that are mandatory to all race series.

If your thinking of going circuit racing then you have most likely already done some research regarding what you need to line up on the grid as a racing driver. As such I intend to add to your knowledge and provide you with information about the series I compete in.

Step one,

Register with Motorsport UK and purchase a go racing pack. The pack costs £99 and contains your license application form and a key-shaped pen drive on which you'll find all the information you will require to pass your racing license (ARDs) examinations. The pack purchase fee also includes the cost of processing your license and issuing your documentation.

Step two,

Book your Racing license test also better known as the ARDs test. Almost every major circuit in the UK has a racing school certified to deliver training and conduct the ARDs Examination. All test and training sites are listed on the ARDs website.

Step three,

Book your mandatory eye test. The marshals communicate with drivers via flag signals and lights so it's vital that you can see the signals clearly to act accordingly. The eye examination is quick and must include a colour test. As part of your go racing pack, you will receive a voucher for a 10% discount to opticians in partnership with Motorsport UK.

Step four,

Attend the ARDs test. Provided you have done the required reading the theory test paper is common sense and takes a multiple choice form. The practical is also straightforward. The Examiner is looking for you to be able to safely hold a racing line around a circuit and note where the marshal posts are at a reasonably quick pace. Provided you don't run onto the grass and your examiner hasn't been frightened you cant really fail. On passing your ARDs test you'll have your license application form stamped. Send the completed license application form back to Motorsport UK in the prepaid envelope provided in your go racing pack..

Step five,

Join a motorsport club. All motorsport is organised by a club, be it BARC or BRSCC etc. The joining of a club is required as they are the host for the race you want to enter. In my case and the case of the 2RacingUK team, we are members of the BRSCC. There is normally a membership fee to be paid to your chosen club but not always. When setting up the 2Racing team we purposely looked for the most cost effective way into racing. By joining the BRSCC and competing in the #ClubSportTrophy we are exempt from the large one off payments required by most clubs. This is because our membership is included in our race entry fees.

Step six,

Sort a car. Obviously the car you chose will depend on the series you chose to race with, but hopefully since your reading this blog article your thinking about joining us and racing a Mazda2 . There are three ways to line up on the grid as part of 2RacingUK. Firstly you can hire a race car which will come ready built to spec and delivered to the circuit ready for use. Secondly, you can partner up with an existing driver and share the driving duties by swapping over at the mandatory 2min pit stop. Thirdly, you can obviously build your own car which must comply to our standard yet simple regulation. Any Mazda2 sport with the 1.5 engine produced from factory between 2007 and 2014 will be eligible to compete so long as it has the safety equipment and control parts specified in the regulations

Roll cage

Homologated bucket seat

Homologated harness

In date fire extinguisher with internal and external activation points

Electrical cut off with internal and external activation points ,

Tow hooks front and rear

MeisterR ClubRace coilovers,

MRF ZTR tyres.

To build, my Mazda2 Race car cost £2800 including performance upgrades plus an optional spare set of wheels and tyres. Post pandemic that price is closer to £4500

Step seven,

Buy the best personal safety equipment you can afford. All your safety kit will need to have been homologated to comply with the correct standard for your championship. On average a beginner will need,

two-layer fireproof race suit

Fire proof race gloves ,

Fire proof boots,

Fire proof balaclava ,

Helmet with FHR posts

Frontal head restraint (FHR)

All items will be checked for compliance at Scrutineering before each race.

Step eight,

Book your first race and turn up on the day, attend the briefings, line up on the grid. Then when the lights go out your racing.

Additional help,

Feel free to contact me at ns2racing@gmail.com for further information

Opinion of Stefan, 2Racing driver who shares car 334 with David on his first round of Clubsport trophy..

ClubSport Trophy

The BRSCC ClubSport trophy is a 45 minute endurance race in which one driver can complete the whole race or two drivers can share a car. We picked the ClubSport trophy as in our opinion it offers the most cost effective racing in the country. The premise is you can opt to split the costs between two drivers if you wish. Our plan for 2RacingUK is to be able to run five Mazda2 race cars which would entitle us to our own class within the ClubSport Trophy. Presently we have a three car line up and are generating great interest in Mazda2 racing and are on track (pardon the pun) to achieve our own class before the end of this season.

Once we have the numbers we aim to run our own grid in the same friendly format as the ClubSport trophy.

ClubSport Trophy + Mazda2 = Fun racing.

Cheers all

Neal

Race Team Manager