QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I am 16 years old, live in the middle of Missouri, and I am interested in getting into rally racing. I would like to know how to get a start in the sport. And what car should I use? I have a 1989 Pontiac Firebird. Should I use that or should I look into getting a different car? If I use that one, what should I change on it? Where could I go to check out some races and volunteer? Is there any age restrictions on the sport? I have my intermediate license. I have some skills. I know how to control a car at speed. Are there Any books that I should read and such? I have a very limited budget so I'll have to be able to save as much money as possible while doing this. I would like any information that I can get on the sport. Should I be looking for an automatic car or a manual? My Firebird is an automatic with a 305 V8 and a 350 turbo Trans but that's the only things that aren't stock on it, and I haven't stripped it of excess weight yet as it is my daily driver. Also, should I look into getting a new engine and transmission? Maybe a performance level part or do you think I could use it the way it is? I drive a car HARD so I know I'll need tires nearly constantly. I also wouldn't mind knowing about drifting as that is an interest of mine as well. Thanks for your help. -Aaron
ANSWER: Hi Aaron
I can only give you partial answers. I am not involved with rally racing , when I was your age (50 years ago) we ran a few time and distance rallies but that's it. All I have ever done is road racing . BUT:
A lot of rally activities go on in the Sports Car Club of America which also sanctions our racing adn if you will go to their web page at <www.SCCA.org> I'm pretty sure you will find references to rallying. You will also find a list of regions, and one will include central Missouri. SCCA will also let you volunteer to work at real races, rallies, and Solo events where you can learn car control and some of the things needed to prepare a car.
As far as your questions about cars, transmissions, and so forth, I really can't help you much, You will learn a LOT more by getting involved with the SCCA group. You may find that your local group is mostly older people, but then, they're the ones that have a lot of experience. They will be able to help you. And I'm truly sorry I cant offer you more advice. Study Hard, keep those grades up, and plan on staying in school
sincerely,
Dan Liddy
Sarasota , Florida
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Okay. So for the past few days, I've been on that site constantly. I've decided that I'm gonna start with some solo races near where I live. Do you know which forms I should fill out? Or should I just wait until I get there to fill them out after talking to someone there? Also, do you know if my parents would have to be there as well, or could they just sign a release and I take it with me? Cause there's a ton of minor release forms. There's so many, I'm having some trouble figuring out what I need. I already have the Minor Proof of Age Affidavit, Minor's Assumption of Risk Acknowledgement,Release And Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement, and the Minor Release And Waiver of Liability And Indemnity Agreement. All of them are for all the SCCA events. I was just wondering if they would need to be Signed by my parents there and notarized or if my parents could just sign them at home and send the papers with me to go there? Cause I remember reading somewhere on the site that my parents have to sign them on site of the race. Sorry for all the questions. Also, is there anything I should make sure of with my car before I go? I know I need a helmet, clean out my car, and that I need white shoe polish to write my number on my window with. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
-Aaron
AnswerI would buy a small can of white latex paint for numbers, but if they suggest white shoe polish, go for it.
Yes, I believe your parent(s) should be there to sign waiver forms, but call someone in your area to be sure.
I don't see a reason to drag both parents to an event unless they want to be there. Unless they are interested in the sport, it's going to be a dull day for them. Years ago, I told both my sons NOT to expect me at any Little League games, and I simply wouldn't allow them to play football, because of the danger of serious and permanent injury. Plus, both those things absolutely bore me stiff.
One thing, if your parent(s) do accompany you they would not need a notary's signature,. The safest thing would be to have both parents sign in the presence of a notary (nearly any bank has them) then ask your dad to come along..
AS far as the car goes, go over everything, make sure the tire pressures are correct, all lugs tightened, hubcaps if any, should be removed, all wheel bearings in good condition, water, brake fluid and oil are up to the full mark. The Battery must be solidly mounted, check by shaking it. No bare wires or cables.
Then go from front to rear and put a wrench on every nut and bolt on the car and make sure they are tight. You don't have to really pull on them, just make sure each one is snug. This should be done every day of a competition. It's embarrassing to have your starter fall off during a run and I've seen it happen !
Your first weekend is going to be a continuous series of disasters and emergencies. Be sure to write everything down , so you'll be ready next time. This will go a long way toward making future events more enjoyable.
Good luck with it, and be sure to let me know what happens. Oh, you are probably not going to win anything the first two or three times out. Take it easy and LEARN !
Good luck,
Dan Liddy
