GHIT 0180: Racing 101 – Easy Entry Paths to Performance Driving and Racing aka So You Wanna Racecar - Part 3

Listener Request - Re-Release

GHIT 0180:  Racing 101 – Easy Entry Paths to Performance Driving and Racing aka So You Wanna Racecar - Part 3

 

This is part 3 of the series (of ~10) we go over several of the easiest and most popular paths to get your start performance driving and/or racing journey.  This should be considered a starting point to work from and not an exhaustive, detailed list as there are many other potential paths and organizations available across the globe.  We have already talked through several of these areas in prior episodes and will continue to cover each of these areas in future episodes.  As always, each if us if forever “In Training” no matter what our current level of performance.

The outline for the series is:

Part 1:  Building Your First Racecar (and options to not)

Part 2:  Safety and Safety Related Equipment Needed

Part 3:  Best Entry Points To Start Performance Driving

Part 4:  Buying and Selling Cars (With Special Guest Lara Vernon)

Part 5:  Expectations between Going To and From The Event/Track 

Part 6:  Paddock and Pit – Best Practices

Part 7:  Perspective of a New Driver (With Guest Adam Owens)

Part 8:  Tools, Spares, Supplies Needed for a Race Weekend

Part 9:  Common Issues All Drivers Will/May Experience in When On Track For the First Time

Part 10:  Miscellaneous Topics (& Things We Forget to Mention Earlier)

 

Continuing with our racing 101 Series within our Dominating with Dawson segment, we go over a condition that is to be avoided.  It is commonly referred to as the “red mist” when racing or driving.  This is somewhat like road rage and not only negatively impacts your performance but also increases the risk of damage to you, your car, and your fellow drivers on the track.  Being cognizant of the red mist is often the biggest step to avoiding it by early recognition before becoming fully “mystified”

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Also, if you could give our podcast a (5-star?) rating or even better, a podcast review, we would greatly appreciate it and it would help us to grow the passion and sport of performance driving.

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We hope you enjoy this episode!

 

PS  Please don’t forget that if you are looking to add an Apex Pro to your driving telemetry system, don’t forget to use our discount code for all Apex Pro systems you will receive a free Windshield Suction Cup Mount for the system, a savings of $40.  Just enter the code “ghitlikesapex!” when you order.  We have two systems for our team and Bill is looking to add a third for this season, pending CFO approval from Vicki.  They are a great system and truly invaluable in safely increasing your speed on track and/or autocross etc.

Best regards,

 

Vicki, Jennifer, Alan, and Bill

Hosts of the Garage Heroes In Training Podcast and Garage Heroes In Training racing team drivers

 

Highlights from this episode include:

1)  After some initial recording issues, …….

2)  Attending an amateur driving event is a great way to start learning a bit and feeling comfortable with going to a track or racing event etc. 

3)  We often joke about autocross being the “gateway drug” for performance driving and racing.  It is easy, requires very little equipment and preparation for your car, and is one of the most inexpensive ways to start performance driving.  Budget requirements are usually well under $100 or so for the day.

4)  If autocross isn't appealing to you because you always had the dream or desire to drive on a track, then perhaps SCCA’s Track Night In America is the best choice for you.  You take your daily driver or your fun road car to a local track during the week and race it at the local track.  This costs a bit more but is still usually less than $200 for the evening.

5)  If you are looking for a bit more hands on coaching and structure, we always recommend attending an HPDE event.  These can be at a track or even focused on autocross, depending on the event organizer and location.  It is usually a blend of in class instruction and track time, often approximately 50/50 split, but the class time is very helpful and valuable.  Budget around $500 or so for a two-day event.  If you are looking of an HPDE targeting autocross, we enjoy going to the EVO School that costs about ½ as much for each day.

6)  If you want a bit more track time and a bit less instruction, there are several track days at local tracks with a bit less str