NEW TO RACING

If you are new to motorsport or circuit racing you may have a lot of questions and not know where to begin. Thankfully we provide a support service from start to finish so we have collated all the essential information to help you get on track as easily as possible.

This is a difficult one to answer because it really varies from driver to driver and depends on which series you are competing in. We find that the most competitive drivers tend to spend the most money. 

A track or test day with a competent driver coach offers the best value for money as this helps the driver to understand car control, car  positioning, braking points, heel and toeing, mechanical sympathy and race-craft.

When calculating your budget you should factor in:

Club registration cost

Race entry fees

Team support fees

Testing fees

Testing and racing fuel

Datalogger

Transponder

Full kit (helmet, boots etc)

Servicing

Repairs

Damage

Hotels

Food and drink

Travel

BRSCC and 750 Motor Club are the organising clubs that we use for Mazda racing. 

The BRSCC offer three championships for MX-5 racing. For the mk1 model there is the Mazda MX-5 Championship and the MX-5 Clubman. For the mk3 model there is the Mazda MX-5 Supercup.

750MC have a single mk1 series 5 Club Racing.

If you need advice or guidance choosing which club or series is best for you please get in touch.

Once you have decided which formula or series you wish to race in you will need to become a member of the organising club and submit your entries for each round you wish to compete in. You will need to pay for your annual membership and/or registration fee upfront and will need to pay a small deposit for each entry with the balance due shortly before each event.

You may wish to purchase your own car or hire one from a team such as ourselves. Whether you are buying or hiring a car it is important to look at a cars history, who built it, who has raced it, has it been in any accidents, its results etc. There are some cars that have been around for a long time but that does not mean they aren't well taken care of and reliable. In fact some of our oldest cars are still winning championships now, it just depends how meticulously they have been maintained throughout their lives. Whatever option you choose, it is mandatory that the car is compliant with the regulations of the series you will be competing in. We have weighed up some of the pros and cons for each.

 + If you buy your own car then you are free to carry out additional work, upgrades or permitted modifications that you wish. 

+ You can go on track or test days on your own (if you have a tow vehicle and trailer) which is cheaper than a hire car.

+ You can choose if/when to repair minor damage.

+ You can sell the car when you are done with it - as the mk1 mx-5's are a classic car, they hold their value well.

- You will be solely responsible for any maintenance cost or damage that occurs to it.

- You will be responsible for ensuring that it has been prepared to a high standard before each event.

- You will need to find somewhere to securely store it.

-You will need to make sure that it is completely regulation compliant.

- You take a risk if you do not have a good idea of its history.

There is a lot to think about when choosing a support team. Teams will provide different services such a driver coaching, vehicle storage, vehicle transport. This can influence your decision depending on your requirements e.g. you want to buy your own car but don't have anywhere to store it. Some teams also have better results than others. 

Speak to as many drivers and team owners as you can. This way you can find out what each team can offer but also feedback from their drivers. Find out how long they have been around, their results and their ethos. Some teams are there for results and some are there to make money. You need to find what is right for you. The right team should make you feel at home, be transparent and supportive of your goals.

You will need approved safety equipment such as

Racing boots

Fireproof racing gloves

Helmet

Hans device

Overalls

Without all of these items you will not be allowed to start a test sessions, qualifying session or race.

There are a few reputable companies we use for these items. Be aware of buying things second hand or from less mainstream channels as many things have expiry dates or are not FIA approved.