Paul Morcom Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 I have started another topic to keep the discussion away from the Class topic..... I see from a number of post the start up costs are seen as a barrier to "having a go". We all know that once you have a go, most (if not all) are well and truly hooked. This outcome is even more probable in the WSCC Speed Series because of the friendliness and banter in the paddock plus the mentoring and advice that is freely given by those with a little more experience. So how do we reduce the cost of "having a go". What do you need to start..... 1. MSA Licence - unfortunately this is mandatory and can't be avoided or borrowed. Speed Non Race Nat B - £43 2. Car - most Westfields are built to a spec that needs very little to enable it to be eligible and pass scrutineering. You do not need ignition cut off switches and fire extinguishers but you do need a 1l oil catch tank, some stickers to show where the ignition key is and direction to turn it, 2 throttle return springs and not be too noisy. You do not need sticky sprint tyres. There are other things but not big cost items. £ depends on the spec of your car, most of it is your time in preparing your car. Timing strut, Stickers and an oil catch tank cost very little c£20 3. I would recommend as a minimum a 4-point harness and a MSA spec roll-bar with bracing. Though you can compete with a standard Westfield roll bar and 3-point seat belt. £0-£100 4. MSA spec helmet - motorcycle spec helment tend not to be valid for motorsport. Can be borrowed but personally it is one bit of me that I want to have properly protected so I wouldn't borrow a helmet and would buy one that fitted me perfectly. There are plenty of budget helmets that are compliant for not a lot of money. From £150 5. Fire proof race suit and gloves - can be borrowed and budget versions exist. Borrow for £0, eBay for under £80 or new start from £250 6. Entry in the WSCC Speed Series £25. Even this is not actually necessary as are own event at Blyton is open to all WSCC Members. £0 7. Event entry fee - can't be avoided £100-120. 8. The desire to have a go. If you are still reading this then you are probably a candidate to have a go. So if you go down the borrow route and your car is about there, other than a bit of time to sticker properly and make a timing strut out of an old bit of ali sheet, then start up costs can be no more than the MSA Licence (£43). Then you have your event entrance fee (£220 for 2 days at Blyton or £115 if only do 1 day) and travel costs. Read the "Beginner's Guide" by clicking here for some excellent guidance. When I started in 2009 I went on eBay and manged to buy a pair of racing boots and suit (valid for hillclimbs and sprints) all for £70 and oil catch tank for £20. The boots lasted me 2 years and the suit is now rather faded but still is within the regs. What happens is the more risky forms of motorsport (circuit racing, rallying etc) have tighter regulations on safety equipment and they go out of date but are still valid for hillclimbs and sprints and perfectly serviceable - so bargains are out there on eBay. I already had a valid helmet and a Westfield car so for under £100, a bit of time plus MSA licence fee I got started and won the novice championship in my first year! I don't think I am alone in the WSCC SS in so far as not only do I upgrade my car I also upgrade my kit - so I have a spare suit (the one I purchased on eBay in 2009) that I carry around as a spare for when I get rained on. I also have (but still valid) 4 point harnesses (but in all honesty most road based Westfields already have them fitted) and various other bits in the garage that I should sell. So we could have a "pinned" post on here offering surplus kit that new starters could borrow for the odd event/short time period. So I will start with free loan of.... 1. Nomex Race Suit 2. 4-point harness 3. RAC type braced roll bar (for an SEiW) 4. Advice, guidance and mentoring 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FILFAN Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 with all the reg changes regarding hans devices coming about next year. im sure there will be a few spare helmets knocking about that would still be suitable for use within the road going classes. would it be possible to get a few sets of second hand gear put together that we could lend to newcomers for their first season with a deposit to secure their return. I have my old suit which i would be happy to offer out once i get the zip replaced and if i replace my lid next year i would be willing to offer that too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Morcom Posted June 19, 2015 Author Share Posted June 19, 2015 I will have a SA2010 helmet (large) available for the start of next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexander72 Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 I have kit spare for this season - will only fit racing snakes though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onliest Smeg David Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Reducing costs - Travel to events. No need to hire or buy a trailer! Drive to them in the Westie I drove to all sprints in my first year and to 60% last year & 2 trackdays. Pick a few sprints that are closest to have a go. (Chris Won Novice Champ in 2013 driving to many events, & that was with an aeroscreen) There's usually a friendly competitor near to you who will help with transport of gear if you cannot fit it all in the Westfield. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephenh Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 I will have a SA2010 helmet (large) available for the start of next year.That might go nicely with Filfan's extra-large suit!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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