Anyone into car racing?

[jenic]

Did a search but couldn't find anything, i know this should technically be in motoring but think it will be better here.

Anyway, I really want to learn to race, professionally. Been talking to one of the new electrical tutors today, who used to do motorsport, write for autosport and commentate for eurosport!

Anyway, he said it would be a good idea to get some lessons in. I've had a look on the internet but all i can find are experiences which dont offer what i want.

I want to spend a full day (to start with), on the track and in the classroom, learning how to drive fast (well the basics to start with). I'll be happy in something like an MG ZR, doesnt have to be a supercar like the experiences, just a fastish car which is good to learn in.

I think i am a good driver atm, I can drive a kart pretty fast as i re-discovered this weekend.

Dont care where it is (well must be in the UK), anyone got any suggestions where i could do something like this? Anyone done it before?

Thanks
Mike

[mickevh]

I can't imagine there's a shortage of "racing schools" at your local track, especially the bigger more well know ones. Have you tried looking at the circuit web sites.

Last time I was down at Brands Hatch there was a "Nigel Mansell School of Racing" (or "school of whinging" as my mate likes to call it) and I think Johnathon Palmer has something at Rockingham.

[jenic]

Originally Posted by mickevh

I can't imagine there's a shortage of "racing schools" at your local track, especially the bigger more well know ones. Have you tried looking at the circuit web sites.

Last time I was down at Brands Hatch there was a "Nigel Mansell School of Racing" (or "school of whinging" as my mate likes to call it) and I think Johnathon Palmer has something at Rockingham.

Had a look, but there all advertised as experiences, with little track time, including nigel mansell.

[loz]

I am sure it is not always the case, but it seems that most professionals will have learned their sport long before they are adults and will be almost full-time amateurs before turning professional.

Not trying to put you off - heaven forebid - but breaking into the professional circuit in any sport is going to be difficult if you haven't already been winning amateur and junior events since you were young.

That doesn't mean you can't be competing in sporting events and enjoying yourself, but the dream of being good enough to make a full time living from any sport is a privilege that is extended to very few people at the end of the day.

Very few people get paid to race cars. More often it is the other way round, they spend a huge amount of their own money to participate...

[mickevh]

From a quick squint at it's web site, Silverstone's "Motorsport Academy" might fit the bill.

Personally, I'd be inclined to phone a few places and have a chat rather that rely on web pages. They may be able to point you in the right direction.

[loz]

See the list of schools on MSA
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/conten...sp?article=789

As the governing body of motor racing, I would expect their recommended schools to be good.

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) is recognised as the sole motor sport governing body for the United Kingdom by the world governing body, the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA).

As the governing body, the MSA is responsible for the governance and administration of all major forms of motor sports in the UK.

[jenic]

Originally Posted by loz

I am sure it is not always the case, but it seems that most professionals will have learned their sport long before they are adults and will be almost full-time amateurs before turning professional.

Not trying to put you off - heaven forebid - but breaking into the professional circuit in any sport is going to be difficult if you haven't already been winning amateur and junior events since you were young.

That doesn't mean you can't be competing in sporting events and enjoying yourself, but the dream of being good enough to make a full time living from any sport is a privilege that is extended to very few people at the end of the day.

Very few people get paid to race cars. More often it is the other way round, they spend a huge amount of their own money to participate...

Probably worded it wrongly in my original post.

I dont expect to ever get paid for racing, i know it will purely be an expensive hobby. Just for fun, racing in clubs, on trackdays and the like.

Maybe even eventually training others.

[jenic]

Originally Posted by mickevh

From a quick squint at it's web site, Silverstone's "Motorsport Academy" might fit the bill.

Dont know how i missed that, looks spot on as to what i want

Originally Posted by loz

See the list of schools on MSA
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/conten...sp?article=789

As the governing body of motor racing, I would expect their recommended schools to be good.

Thanks, really useful list that!