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| Become a Racing
Driver! If you don't already hold a race license then you will need to gain this qualification in order to race. It's much easier than you might think and far less involved than taking a standard driving test. First of all you'll need to get yourself a Go Racing Starter Pack from the Motor Sport Association (MSA). The MSA are the governing body for Motorsport in the UK and the pack includes an instructional DVD, Yearbook and the all important application for your race license. You must take this with you to an Association of Racing Driver Schools (ARDS) approved course at the circuit of your choice. There you will be a given some instruction followed by a practical and theory test. For the practical test you must drive a car around a race circuit, demonstrating to the examiner that you can correctly identify and utilise the entry, apex and exit points on a corner and that you can proceed around a circuit at race pace without falling off. The theory examination will test your knowledge of safety, flag recognition, race start and finish procedures and race etiquette. One of the easiest ways to learn all of this is to actually visit a circuit on a race weekend observe - racing drivers are generally a friendly bunch and will normally guide you through the process if you ask them! Once you've passed your ARDS test, the school will stamp your application and you can return it to the MSA (along with the appropriate fee) to be exchanged for a National B Race License. This is the minimum requirement for racing competitively in the UK, and is sufficient to enter the MR2 Super GT series. Congratulations, you're now officially a novice racing driver! Before you jump into a race car though, you'll need to buy some safety gear. At the very least you will need an approved race suit and helmet, and these will be checked by scrutineers at every meeting before you're allowed out on circuit. It is strongly recommended that you consider adding suitable gloves, boots, underwear and a HANS device. Building, Buying or Hiring a Race Car Now that you're qualified to race, you need something to race in! Your options are various and will most likely be dictated by your circumstances, budget and personal preference. |
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