How do I get started

DaleBrown · 03-28-2003

I'm really wanting to get started in this and just about have my car ready. Can someone give me some good pointers on how to get into this area of racing and give you opinion on my setup below and any thing you might would do differently before hitting the track.

95 GTS
347 stroker with Kenne Bell Supercharger (being finished now est. 500 to 600 HP)

Kenny Brown AGS Level 5 suspension (full setup)

Many bushing bla bla bla

Race seats and 5 point harness

Using 17x9 Borbets rims with G-Force R1 rubber..

thanks for the help and I'm really excited about this forum.

Mike Austin · 03-29-2003

Looks like you've devoted considerable effort to preparing your ride! Do you have a roll bar, or just the harnesses?

DaleBrown · 03-29-2003

Just a harness right now but I was considering the Kenny Brown street cage for my rollbar. Knowing that is a 6 point but it does only have the low (ride) to the front (not angled) is that acceptable for this type of racing?

JWL · 03-29-2003

Dale-

In order to roadrace, you need a full cage which has a halo surrounding the windshield and cowl. The KB street cage is fine for HPDE but won't cut it in competition. Check out the CCR at www.nasaproracing.com under "Rules" for some detailed drawings at Section 15.

-JWL

b_tone · 03-29-2003

Realize that low door bars make it easy to get in and out of your car but don't forget the safety aspect. You want to have a cage that will protect you as the first priority.

A key to developing your car is to get as much seat time as you can. The more you drive your car the better you will be able to diagnose what changes you will need to make inorder to lower your lap tims.

Mike Austin · 03-29-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by DaleBrown
Just a harness right now but I was considering the Kenny Brown street cage for my rollbar. Knowing that is a 6 point but it does only have the low (ride) to the front (not angled) is that acceptable for this type of racing?

For open-track only, the KB would be O.K., BUT any research I've ever looked at says to get yourself a bar to handle the harnesses, which is attached to the main hoop.

DaleBrown · 03-29-2003

Are there any made that you recomend that don't make normal life too hard, in getting in and out, since this is a daily driver but also meets all the rules?

Mike Austin · 03-29-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by DaleBrown
Are there any made that you recomend that don't make normal life too hard, in getting in and out, since this is a daily driver but also meets all the rules?

If you're thinking about road racing, other than a custom bar or cage, the only ones I know about are those from Maximium Motorsports or Autopower. Max Moto makes a six-pointer with a swing-out side bar, but I don't know if that one has a road-racing brace. Personally, I like the design of Autopower's because it has a removable harness bar and a diagonal in addition. Max Moto might now have similar designs, too.

DaleBrown · 04-01-2003

I really like the AutoPower full cage but do you recommend the bolt in or the weld in version?

Mike Austin · 04-01-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by DaleBrown
I really like the AutoPower full cage but do you recommend the bolt in or the weld in version?

Dale - It depends on how hard-core you're gonna be at the track. The welded-in bar has stronger mounting points and is therefore less prone to poking through its mounting points during stress. You might also need subframe connectors depending on the cage.

The bolted-in ones are easier to remove if you ever plan on selling the car and also easier to install unless you've got your own welding rig.

Either the bolted or welded ones will want painting by the time they arrive at your door. Also think about getting some SFI-rated foam for two reasons - fire retarding properties and also the foam's actually rated to cushion heads, arms and the like from severe impacts. That'll be important if the car's street-driven, but also important for the track.

If you think you might race in timed events, consider going Full Monty to begin with and look at the cage specs at the N.A.S.A. site. Full, custom cages built for your car might only run you around $1,100 installed. By the questions your'e asking, it sounds like you wanna race, so think about a custom-welded cage and check on pricing with someone in your neck 'o the woods.

Ron · 04-02-2003

I have a quick question for you Mike..... How much does it cost to enter HPDE event? I am thinking about signing up for the Willow Springs event in May.

Mike Austin · 04-02-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Ron
How much does it cost to enter HPDE event? I am thinking about signing up for the Willow Springs event in May.

Ron - On the Left Coast it's around $130-$150 per day or $210 to $250 for the weekend. Varies by track. Am I gonna meet you on April 13th in Long Beach? I'm REALLY looking forward to the Trans-Am and Grand Prix!

Ron · 04-03-2003

Thanks for that Mike. Sorry will not be able to make it down there on Sunday, have a meeting that is a must attend. I know there will be some great racing that day. I am look forward to hooking up with you sometime soon.