08-17-2007, 02:44 AM
Chris,
I can't help you with PCA racing as I've never done it, but I can give you a clue about SCCA and the smaller EMRA group.
I think you are wise to not use your current car
First, you should ask yourself "what do I want to get out of racing?". Is it winning? Is it the thrill of close racing? Is it the comraderie? Is it skill enhancement?
Next, thing to determine is how much $, and time, do you want to dedicate?
The answer to these questions will help you determine how to move forward.
For example: If winning is an objective, then you must study the class structures to find out which cars are dominate in each, what mods need to be done to that car to be competitive, etc. Organizers try to group cars with similar capabilities together, but there are always better cars than others. Also, be prepared to have to change cars as the cars get reclassified. When I was racing in the SCCA ITS class, the 2nd Gen RX7 was the car to have, until they let the E36 BMW's into the class. Irregardless, be prepared to spend $ in non-spec classes to win as you will be constantly chasing the ever changing rules.
OTOH, if close racing is your goal, there are lots of "spec" classes that significantly limit the mods you can make. You mentioned on of the most popular, Spec Miata. There's a 944 spec class as well if you want to stay in the Porsche family. The spec classes usually require a smaller investment, have larger fields, and winning is more determined by skill vs. $ spent.
If improving your skills is the main objective, I'd recommend a lower hp car and associated class that will require you to be incredibly smooth to maintain momentum.
As far as SCCA vs. PCA... Look at the cars in the paddock at a race. From what I've seen, the SCCA guys seem to view their cars more as tools-of-the-trade. There are folks that are incredibly meticulous with their machines, but I think you'll see a greater % of cars that can best best described as "cobbled together" than you will on the PCA side. This doesn't mean the SCCA guys are any less intense than the PCA crew, in fact - I would say they are more intense, but they are less concerned about how their car looks vs. how it performs.
For real low key racing, try a group like EMRA. They are a smaller org that basically uses SCCA rules, but are much more laid back.
That's my $.02. I'm sure other will chime in with their perspectives.
Jack
I can't help you with PCA racing as I've never done it, but I can give you a clue about SCCA and the smaller EMRA group.
I think you are wise to not use your current car
First, you should ask yourself "what do I want to get out of racing?". Is it winning? Is it the thrill of close racing? Is it the comraderie? Is it skill enhancement?
Next, thing to determine is how much $, and time, do you want to dedicate?
The answer to these questions will help you determine how to move forward.
For example: If winning is an objective, then you must study the class structures to find out which cars are dominate in each, what mods need to be done to that car to be competitive, etc. Organizers try to group cars with similar capabilities together, but there are always better cars than others. Also, be prepared to have to change cars as the cars get reclassified. When I was racing in the SCCA ITS class, the 2nd Gen RX7 was the car to have, until they let the E36 BMW's into the class. Irregardless, be prepared to spend $ in non-spec classes to win as you will be constantly chasing the ever changing rules.
OTOH, if close racing is your goal, there are lots of "spec" classes that significantly limit the mods you can make. You mentioned on of the most popular, Spec Miata. There's a 944 spec class as well if you want to stay in the Porsche family. The spec classes usually require a smaller investment, have larger fields, and winning is more determined by skill vs. $ spent.
If improving your skills is the main objective, I'd recommend a lower hp car and associated class that will require you to be incredibly smooth to maintain momentum.
As far as SCCA vs. PCA... Look at the cars in the paddock at a race. From what I've seen, the SCCA guys seem to view their cars more as tools-of-the-trade. There are folks that are incredibly meticulous with their machines, but I think you'll see a greater % of cars that can best best described as "cobbled together" than you will on the PCA side. This doesn't mean the SCCA guys are any less intense than the PCA crew, in fact - I would say they are more intense, but they are less concerned about how their car looks vs. how it performs.
For real low key racing, try a group like EMRA. They are a smaller org that basically uses SCCA rules, but are much more laid back.
That's my $.02. I'm sure other will chime in with their perspectives.
Jack
Jack Kramer
'95 993 Black - Track (for sale)
'97 993 Arena Red - Street
'05 M3 Imola Red
'03 Chevy SS Black
'08 Audi A3 Misano Red Pearl
'95 993 Black - Track (for sale)
'97 993 Arena Red - Street
'05 M3 Imola Red
'03 Chevy SS Black
'08 Audi A3 Misano Red Pearl