Racing - Who does it?

[XYZ]

Okay-

We've seen a couple of threads the last month or so on street racing vs. taking it to the track. So here's the question.... Who races at a track and who doesn't? I'm sure this doesn't cover everyone but we can find out who does and does not take it to the track. I think this could be a very interesting poll, so lets be honest.

I should preface this by saying I really don't know what would constitute frequent vs. infrequent racing at a track as I have never done it. Further, I would be curious to know who races their car and also drives it around town vs. who has a dedicated race car. Maybe we'll find out something interesting here about who actually races and who is just dangerous to be around on the streets!

I forgot on catergory and that would be-

I never race.

[zorro]

I voted never raced on track only on street. This is true however in 6months time that's all gonna change when my 240Z is born and look out Turbo Porsches. Go Zed...........

[zr240]

I have a dedicated race car as well as a street car. Although my street car is getting more and more like my race car every day!

[hmsports]

My first 72 240 was street legal (loosely used here - no horn or emission control stuff) and SCCA ITS prepped (again, loosely used - stock suspension). I used to drive it to work on nicer days until I replaced the suspension and added a full-locker rear. Has since been retired (crushed).

My second 72 240 was SCCA ITS only. Also retired.

My third 72 240 is being built as a an SCCA E-Production race car only.

My 1971 is being finished up to use as my daily driver. Will slowly convert to daily driver/SCCA ITS racer. I don't plan on ever taking this off the street.

[smg1404]

If autocrossing counts as any kind of track I have done both. otherwise only street racing. I will say that for the most part my street experiance has been for my own enjoyment, meaning one car and myself against the environment. I try to refine my driving skills. I do not consider drag racing to be real racing. Not that I havn't had a few in my time. But anyone can hold down the accellerator. It takes l little more skill to properly negotiate corners. I would love to get into SCCA racing but am not sure I can afford it. I am afraid the cost would be many thousand's and that is too much for me.

[hmsports]

The nice thing about racing SCCA in the ITS category is that you can get into for a relatively small investment... as long as you don't expect to win.

The intent of the IT (Improved Touring) class is to provide a way for low budget (or No budget like me) to race.

Here's a quick breakdown of what it would cost to just get out there...

Bolt in roll cage - $400-$600

Seat belts (5-point harness) - $85

Fire extinquisher - $20

Helmet/Suit/Undies/Gloves - $800

Tires - $600

So, for about $2000 you could be on the track.

But one point of caution... This is a VERY addicting hobby.

"The quickest way to end up with a million dollars in racing... start with two million!"

[smg1404]

What about engine mods I have added a few parts, do I have to go back to the SU's . I guess I should look it up. any way $200.00 looks big today. So I guess I am still waiting. Something to think about though.

[hmsports]

Engine:

Stock L24 (can be bored 40 over - stock style nissan pistons), stock crank and rods, any 240 head - stock. Stock valves, springs, rockers, cam. No porting/polishing. Can be balanced. Stock SU's - can modify the needle only. Any header/exhaust. Any radiator. Can remove fan. Stock alternator, flywheel, starter. Can add a fuel cell. Can run any stock style oil pump (most run one from a turbo), can add an accusump. Any air cleaner assembly (no forced air induction allowed).

Chasis:

Lower to 5" ride height measured at bottom of rocker panel (not including vertical welded lip). Any anti-swaybars, can shorten strut towers and install coilovers with racing springs. Can install camber plates (or slot upper mounts). Can install excentric busings on front and rear control arms.

Interior:

Gut with the exception of the dash. Keep stock windshield, rear deck glass and small side windows. Can remove driver's door glass only (if roll cage extends into the door)

Driveline:

Stock transmission, any R180 rear with open, limited slip or locker.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell

[smg1404]

Looks like I have already started down the wrong path with this car. It also sounds like a dual purpose car ie street and track may not be too practical.. For now I will autocross, maybe I will win a lotery or something..

Sure .... Thanks for the info.

[kmack]

Well, I had to choose "never raced" because...well, I've never taken a car out on a track. I don't street race, but I do drive fast. Maybe a little too fast at times. But like Smg said, when I drive fast, I'm always testing myself and the car; learning it's abilities and limitations.

But this will all change later on this year as it looks like I'm finally getting things in order to start autocrossing and doing a few "high-speed driver's ed." racing.

I have a '71 240 that is used only for street now and had plans to make a dedicated race car. But that has changed and my car will now be built for street/track duty.

[dohc]

I'm a racer. Road and Track

The Zed hasn't seen too much of the track yet as it is currently getting a new engine into it! but my old Gemini (Holden) has seen about four years worth.

Once the Zed is finished it will be ready to compete in targa events which is very similar to the category that Hmsport is racing in except it is on open roads not the track.

I'll get some photos from the next run at the local circuit down here and see if I can post them.

Cheers,

R.