Track-car Racing?

[The Gunslinger]

It's been decided.
Instead of modifying my C4 (and possibly even the future 300C) for performance, I'm going to buy a cheap circuit car and let out the racing urges with that. I had a poke around, and I can pick up a nicely modified Gemini for six thousand dollars, totally track-ready. No skyrocketing insurance for a modified car, no massive loss if I crash it, no loss of a day-to-day driver. All the obvious appeal, however I didn't know how cheap ready-to-go racers actually were!

So, I throw the question out to all Aussie members involved with track racing, do I need to register with CAMS if I'm only racing casually, and where do I go about registering a track car for limited road use? Apparantly you can get a rego that's limited to weekend use, driving to the track and back. What kind of requirements are there for these licenses?

[JXQ]

Originally Posted by The Gunslinger

It's been decided.
Instead of modifying my C4 (and possibly even the future 300C) for performance, I'm going to buy a cheap circuit car and let out the racing urges with that. I had a poke around, and I can pick up a nicely modified Gemini for six thousand dollars, totally track-ready. No skyrocketing insurance for a modified car, no massive loss if I crash it, no loss of a day-to-day driver. All the obvious appeal, however I didn't know how cheap ready-to-go racers actually were!

So, I throw the question out to all Aussie members involved with track racing, do I need to register with CAMS if I'm only racing casually, and where do I go about registering a track car for limited road use? Apparantly you can get a rego that's limited to weekend use, driving to the track and back. What kind of requirements are there for these licenses?

To start out you need to be a member of an club that is registered with cams. MG car club is the one at $80 a years (you do not need to own an MG). You can then apply for your S2 licence that will allow you to enter sprint meetings and time trials. You just fill out the form and pay the money less than a $100. This is a good way to get a start and try it out with out getting in the way of every body. After six months or so once you have perfected your skills you can upgrade.
Your car needs to comply with cams regs. Extra bonnet catch,fire extinguisher etc (see Cams webs sit). You will need a compliant helmet and gloves etc. For the next level of racing you will also need a race suit.

For road registered cars you have to have a ctp extension to race which you can get free from your ctp insure on a race by race application in person at your nearest insurance outlet.

I hill climb and sprint a BMW Z3 which is great fun. The next level of racing is not cheap as to be competitive you need to keep upgrading. I suggest you start out and have some fun and see if you get the bug before spending a fortune

[Risk]

As JXQ said, join a club... costs bugger all and you get a CAMS license for a year PLUS club track days are a heap of fun!

something to remember - racing is a drug... you'll be hooked sooo easy so maybe consider spending more money on a car that will be better in the long run. Ive got a pair of nissan silvias at home, parts are dead easy to get (and cheaply) and they are a great track car.... plenty of power too...

also comes down to the sort of racing you want to do... drag, circuit, time attack, motokhana, drift, hill climb.... make sure you get the right car.... i spent years in the wrong car - and wished id done my research better in the begining.


Risk

[The Gunslinger]

Well, I've been poking around on MY105.com, and spotted a ready-to-go Gemini 2.0L for $6800. Trumpet intakes, Weber carbs, solid diff, stripped interior and a full rollcage. It could be fitted with the bare minimum of street-legal fittings (brake lights, headlights, blinkers etc), as I don't want to incur the costs of a trailer, and as I mentioned I've heard of 'limited use' registrations that allow you to drive the car on the street to the track and back.


What would you guys recommend as a good 'starting' car and race class? I think this Gemini would be versatile enough for some basic circuit racing, and if 'hill climb' is driving around winding tracks with lots of vertical traverse, I'm all for it.

[simmo_24]

not a gemi.... there are plenty of sprinters going for that sort of cash, a much better balanced car. search the www.ae86drivingclub.com.au or if you can wait i have bought a couple cars from here J-Spec Imports mailing list or locally Japanese Wholesale Spares

hope these help.

cheers.

[Risk]

Personally my shopping list would be:

Casual Circuit work / drifting / drags

Nissan Silvia - cheap and is a good all rounder

More serious circuit work

GTR - R32 GTR's are damn cheap at the moment... yes, they are getting old but if your not using it everyday, that can be a cost-effective track weapon!

EVO - mmmmmmm evo! buy one and own the track!! *thinks about buying one*

WRX - another 4wd that is coming down in cost...


So, in my opinion if $ was the major factor id buy a Silvia/180SX... if you have alittle more money id look at a GTR or EVO.... at the end of the day everyones tastes are different, so get something you can be passionate about...



Risk

[simmo_24]

definately a silvia or 180 are good buys for a track car, you can pick up for $6g not a prob. i personally would steer clear a little only because of its age and constant servicing when being dedicated for the track. i would prefer something N/A like a sprinter. yes i know it isnt as quick, but given to the right person can definatley beat the above mentioned cars. but bang for buck definatley something japanese.

[Hemi57]

Oh No

We have been infiltrated by a group of Ricers

[simmo_24]

hey come on....
im not a ricer, just stating the obvious. bang for buck would be a jap import. cant we all just get along

[The Gunslinger]

Originally Posted by simmo_24

definately a silvia or 180 are good buys for a track car, you can pick up for $6g not a prob. i personally would steer clear a little only because of its age and constant servicing when being dedicated for the track. i would prefer something N/A like a sprinter. yes i know it isnt as quick, but given to the right person can definatley beat the above mentioned cars. but bang for buck definatley something japanese.

Bahahahahahaha! My C4 eats 180's for LUNCH! The only ones that I wouldn't take on are the top-model ones with psychotic turbo and cam kits. Even some of the modded lower-model 180's don't break the 180hp mark, and I'm getting that N/A!

Personally I'd love to get my hands on an RX-7 for about <$5000, something like a Gen 5 or 6. Preferably stock, so I know what I'm working with. The gemini was worth consideration as it has worthwhile mods and is track-ready.

The car would definately be used for more casual racing, maybe get into more serious stuff at a later stage, but at the moment I just want a cheap car (so it doesn't hurt as much if I crash) that I can pour mods into without hassle from dealers and insurance, and legally drive it like it's stolen.