Beginner - Where to start...

[mark.anson]

Thanks for all the advice. I wasn't looking to dive straight in this year but I could have a go at the odd thing if there are good novice circuits.

Like Terry says just join the Speed Series and have a go at a few rounds.

Do a track day or two to get used to your car so you have some confidence in it but other than that just get out there and compete.

Be realistic about your times at the events and don't expect to be up there with those who have more experience of the tracks, instead concentrate on improving your own times.

Your times will improve as you get to know the tracks.

If you want a go at a hill climb Harewood is as good as anywhere, and depending on where you are in the country TyCroes takes a lot of beating for a circuit.

[John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison]

Shenstone and District car club run one at Curborough near Lichfiled http://user28967.vs.easily.co.uk/curborough-sprint-school/

[Paul Morcom]

Underlined,

 

I am sure this all looks very daunting to you - it did to me in 2009 when I started.  My main advice is just have a go, once you have your first event under your belt you will be hooked and will be struggling to remember why you were so worried.

 

Terry's advice on Blyton is spot on - you can enter as a WSCC member but will need to be a MSA member (£40 something) and your car up to spec.  There is a track day on the Friday, loads a Speed Series folk there to advise and also Terry and I ran our own "Sprint School" - class room, track walk and a couple of runs of the course with nobody else on and it's Free (well was in 2015). Not discussed 2016 yet but I will run if it is wanted. Last year some people with no competition experience did the school and then the actual events on Sat and Sun and loved it.  There is really no pressure in sprinting/hillclimbs - you go as fast as you want and Blyton is a very forgiving circuit - long run offs. Just make yourself known and friendly advice and guidance will be there in bucket fulls.

 

If new to a Westfield then a couple of track days are worthwhile.  I did 2 track days and a test day at Gurston Down before my first event.  I was more worried about the size of the numbers on my car and scrutineering than the actual driving!  I was first in my Class and went on to win the WSCC Novice chamionship in my first year and have never looked back!

 

All the main hills (Loton, Shelsley Walsh, Prescott, Gurston Down) run schools - very popular and probably already fully subscribed.  Shenstone at Curborough is good.  Very useful but not essential before your first event - the WSCC membership will support you before and throughout the season.

 

Graham mentions speaking to Speed Series people at your local club meeting/area.  Again really good advice, I have mentored a couple of guys local to me in their first year and it worked well. Checked their cars before (dummy scrutineer) advise on entering, walked the courses, and general support during the season.  I am confident that anyone currently in the WSCC Speed Series would do the same for you.

 

Paul

[Underlined]

Hi Paul.

Really useful info, thanks. I have owned a Westfield before, but it was a while ago and I never did any competitive driving. I feel like I'm new to a Westfield all over again so I plan to do some track days first. I have booked on at Rockingham for Easter Monday and there is a lot of other members there so hopefully will pick up a few pointers from them.

From the sounds of it Blyton would be a great place to get a chance to see some action. Depends when this is I doubt I would have my car up to msa spec to compete, but this may be easier than I think to do.

The track day sounds like a must on the Friday and if there is a chance you are running some Tuition again I would be first in the que!

Thanks, Neil

[AdamR]

The track day sounds like a must on the Friday and if there is a chance you are running some Tuition again I would be first in the que!

 

I've already put my name down to run it, so yep, it will be available

 

As others have said, grab a few track days in the car and then either come along to a sprint and have a good chat with a few competitors, or just get stuck in. Three Sisters is early in the calendar this year (10th April) so would be a good opportunity for either a chat or to enter if you are available.

 

You've already found that everyone is super friendly and willing to offer advice, happy to add myself to that list if needed

[John Williams (Panda) - Joint Manchester AO]

Sorry now i'm back at a pc with a Keyboard.....

 

Blyton is on 9th/10th/11th july and we are doing the trackday on the friday and the sprinting on the saturday and sunday.

 

icheers

 

john

[Underlined]

That sounds great. What day would the tuition be on? I will certainly try and and make three sisters if I can as that is nearby and I have karted there before.

The track day is probably a realistic option and a chance to see the sprints on the weekend at blyton.

Thanks again

[DamperMan]

I'm in the same position and would like to join the WSCC speed series for a few drives.   There has been so much written on here since I considered it.   It seams a bit daunting to start.   Lots of different classes.   Then the DAY one expences like race suits, fire extinguishers, tow eyes, cut off switches, straps in date, helmets, sound regulations.  Racing is not cheep, and starting off is even less so...So this summer i'm just going to shake down the car on the raod and maybe a few track days and see how the wallet looks by next year!   

[1959grantura]

Standard road going shouldn't be that bad you (Did) only need overalls , Helmet , tape on your battery , Ignition sticker , MSA  License?

 

I am actually rather interested in current feedback as beans as its my 40th birthday year was thinking of making a little return to the hills

[Paul Morcom]

That sounds great. What day would the tuition be on? I will certainly try and and make three sisters if I can as that is nearby and I have karted there before.

The track day is probably a realistic option and a chance to see the sprints on the weekend at blyton.

Thanks again

 

All the tuition is on the Friday (Trackday).  Terry and I provided the Sprint School at lunchtime (I am sure we will do again this year) and Adam provided in car tuition during the trackday itself.

 

The day should not be missed by anyone wanting to see what it's all about.  Camp or B&B for the weekend and enter, spectate or help out at the WSCC Sprint on the Saturday and Sunday.  

 

If not competing then John (Panda the organiser) will really appreciate your help on the competition days - track marshals, paddock marshals, start line marshals and other jobs are always needed to be filled by willing volunteers.

[John Williams (Panda) - Joint Manchester AO]

All the tuition is on the Friday (Trackday).  Terry and I provided the Sprint School at lunchtime (I am sure we will do again this year) and Adam provided in car tuition during the trackday itself.

 

The day should not be missed by anyone wanting to see what it's all about.  Camp or B&B for the weekend and enter, spectate or help out at the WSCC Sprint on the Saturday and Sunday.  

 

If not competing then John (Panda the organiser) will really appreciate your help on the competition days - track marshals, paddock marshals, start line marshals and other jobs are always needed to be filled by willing volunteers.

 

Couldn't have said that better myself... the web site will be up after the regs have been confirmed by the MSA.

[B.RAD]

Fortunately not too many car mods are required on a standard Westfield although I'd agree that it's daunting at the start! In addition to your speed licence and entry fees, in a road going class, the things you need are:

Car:

Rear roll bar that confirms to MSA regs (can advise on here if you're not sure)

Earth lead clearly identified with tape

Battery terminals covered (duct/gaffer tape is fine!)

Ignition on/off marked clearly

Tow points marked

Timing strut of the right dimensions, fitted at the right height from the ground

Any seat belt is technically ok but we all agree a suitable 4 point harness is the minimum (dates irrelevant for sprinting)

Clothing:

Snell SA2010 approved helmet (are HANS required for road classes next year?)

Race suit (FIA1986 or FIA 8856-2000)

FIA 8856-2000 approved gloves

Any suitable shoes

For my first event I managed to get a second hand FIA1986 race suit off eBay for £36, a snell SA2010 helmet brand new for £75 (Koden stock clearance), some Puma gloves from eBay for £13 and some cheap kart boots for £20, so you can give it a try without too much initial outlay.

I made my own timing strut (still going strong!) and did the relevant marking up of the car as above. Blyton was my first ever competitive event and it was a hoot! Not only was the competition absolutely amazing, a true thrill and utterly addictive, but the banter and comradery of the WSCC competitors was also fantastic. I'm hooked!

As others have said, get yourself along to a meet where there are a few speed series competitors and ask away, even better if you can take your cars long for an inspection and advice. Otherwise just get stuck in, it's only you and the clock after all!

[1959grantura]

Fortunately not too many car mods are required on a standard Westfield although I'd agree that it's daunting at the start! In addition to your speed licence and entry fees, in a road going class, the things you need are:

Car:

Rear roll bar that confirms to MSA regs (can advise on here if you're not sure)

Earth lead clearly identified with tape

Battery terminals covered (duct/gaffer tape is fine!)

Ignition on/off marked clearly

Tow points marked

Timing strut of the right dimensions, fitted at the right height from the ground

Any seat belt is technically ok but we all agree a suitable 4 point harness is the minimum (dates irrelevant for sprinting)

Clothing:

Snell SA2010 approved helmet (are HANS required for road classes next year?)

Race suit (FIA1986 or FIA 8856-2000)

FIA 8856-2000 approved gloves

Any suitable shoes

For my first event I managed to get a second hand FIA1986 race suit off eBay for £36, a snell SA2010 helmet brand new for £75 (Koden stock clearance), some Puma gloves from eBay for £13 and some cheap kart boots for £20, so you can give it a try without too much initial outlay.

I made my own timing strut (still going strong!) and did the relevant marking up of the car as above. Blyton was my first ever competitive event and it was a hoot! Not only was the competition absolutely amazing, a true thrill and utterly addictive, but the banter and comradery of the WSCC competitors was also fantastic. I'm hooked!

As others have said, get yourself along to a meet where there are a few speed series competitors and ask away, even better if you can take your cars long for an inspection and advice. Otherwise just get stuck in, it's only you and the clock after all!

Great stuff !! Thanks for that :0)

[Underlined]

Really helpful. I was thinking of picking up a second hand race suit for now as that seems an expensive part of the initial costs. There is a couple of things I need to do to the car on that list and I will no doubt be starting a few threads to get some advice on those soon.

[B.RAD]

No problem at all, really pleased it was a useful post. There may be something I've missed, hopefully others will correct if needed

When you apply for your speed licence, you'll be sent the MSA yearbook (blue book) which tells you everything you need to know, but deciphering it is an artform in itself! If anyone needs any guidance with anything specifically then I, along with many others, will be happy to help in any way i can.

Thinking about it, I've actually still got all the materials i used to make my timing strut so could easily knock up a couple if anyone needs one?