7 replies to this topic

[slapin]

Hey all, I wanted to start a topic to introduce myself and hopefully learn more about the Bay Area SM scene. I'm 31 and relatively new to the Bay. Born and raised in the Northeast, I moved to SF last June. I recently did the 3 day SM course at Skip Barber and got the hook pretty deep. I'm in the process of applying for my SCCA license and hope to hit the track in the next few months. I came by the Infineon race last weekend and took some photos that I'll upload shortly. My goal with this introduction is to see if there are meeting groups in the Bay where I can learn a bit more, meet some of the locals, and just connect with other car people. The path to my first race isn't very clear. Since I live in the city and have limited space, I have a few specific questions about the best way to get up and running for the space constrained.

I am thinking of buying a used SM prepped car, but I have nowhere to store it or work on it. I also own a sedan, which means that I have no way to tow. Are there people in the area the lease spare space in a warehouse/mechanic shop and are there people with extra towing space? What should I expect to pay for these services? Would I be better off just renting an SM car for a few weekends? What is the best way to get involved? I've posted a link to a few of my laps at Laguna Seca and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

Cheers,

Steve

[dp35]

Welcome to the addiction Steve.

To answer one of your questions - IMO yes you should rent a Spec Miata at first. I rented from Off Camber Racing for the school & first few races. Besides providing a good car & great coaching, they taught me more misc stuff about racing than I would've learned in several years on my own. Renting isn't cheap, but once you do the math & understand the true total costs involved, you understand that it's actually a bargain.

[fotostars]

Welcome... It was indeed a good WE to hang-out at Sears Point.
You can certainly rent a SM and get your feet wet that way. There is a true total cost involved (tow vehicle, trailer, storage for it, maintenance, etc,...) and it's not negligeable.
I know Al Angulo (AAngulo@placercoe.k12.ca.us) is renting SMs at Thunderhill at a very reasonable rate.
Hope to see you around! I mostly race with NCRC (www.ncracing.org) but will be doing another NASA event this year at Sears and may do a few SCCA next year...

[Alberto]

Renting is a good way to get your feet wet and see what an entry level car is like. Off Camber and Larry Oka Racing are the local rental establishments.

Meeting groups - check out Bay Area Miata Drivers. Good bunch of people but very selective about letting people in. They do good tech days. Also, come hang out at the track and meet the racers. Come on up to the SCCA race July 28-29 and hang out and ask questions. I did that a few times before committing and deciding between renting, owning, safety equipment, towing etc. My car is white #05.

I got licensed in 2011.

[Sacslider]

PM sent. Welcome aboard!

[Juan Pineda]

Hey Steve,

I'm an East coast transplant too. The winters are much milder here. And the racing is awesome. Welcome!

-Juan

[slapin]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. Really eager to get out there and hope to meet you all soon.

[SeventhCircle]

I'm in a similar situation and only a year or so ahead of you, having done the SB schools in early '11 and the SCCA school just this past spring. All things considered, I'd recommend renting until your progress is genuinely hampered by not owning your own car. I bought a more-or-less race ready car back in March and have been having a great time with it, but the aggravation of shuttling it from storage to garage to track and back is definitely a drag and the regular maintenance requires a real commitment. Here's a list of race car renters from the SCCA site: http://www.sfrscca.o...carsjan2011.pdf

If you do decide to take the plunge and buy a car, keep in mind you don't absolutely have to tow it to the races. You just absolutely have to have a way to get it home (or to your mechanic) if bad things happen. I've driven mine to six race weekends this season, and so far, so good. I actually know a guy who uses his race car as his daily driver, so don't hesitate to get creative if need be.