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I want to go racing - what do I do next?

There are a large number of classes in NZ - some better supported and organised than others. This section outlines what steps you can take on your journey to racing cars.

 

The NIFF club has published a useful guide about what to expect and how to prepare for racing a Formula Ford. Have a look at the document here

 

We have included some other information you may find useful below...

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I am thinking about going racing - what next?

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Go and visit your local race track. Have a look at the cars and see what looks interesting. Talk to the competitors and old timers and see what they think. Ask about costs - costs of cars, cost of racing, cost of parts.

Try your hand at a racing school or at a test drive session. You can try the Canterbury Race Driving School at Ruapuna or the YOURlaps experience at the new Highlands Motorsport Park or Hampton Downs.

Once you have a taste for racing and have decided on a class look to purchase a car. As you are on the NIFF site we can presume you are interested in Formula Ford - see the section on costs to get a clear idea of what you are in for.

Once you have this under control you will need to get yourself an approved helmet, 2 layer race suit, boots and gloves. Then get yourself a race driving license (see the MSNZ site for this).

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I want to take the next step after Karts - why Formula Ford?

 

Karts provide an excellent basis for progressing to Formula Ford - open wheeled, limited aero, all about driver skill. Formula Ford is the next logical progression - the same basis as karts but with gears, suspension alterations, brake bias and access to full circuit race tracks. Formula Ford is a world recognised step on the single seater ladder with talented drivers progressing to the Toyota Racing Series or into "tin top" (or taxi racing - depending on who you are talking to) series such as NZV8's.

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How to buy a Formula Ford
 

See the section at The Kent Lives. Its an excellent summary.

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What Else?

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Buying the car is just the start of the journey. You will also need to consider beg, borrowing or ​stealing (not really) some of the following:

  • Tools (metric/imperial) - spanners, sockets, allen keys, vice grips, clamps, vice, hacksaw, riveter + large selection of rivets, screw drivers, hammers, torque wrench, air compressor, generator, side cutters, needle nose pliers, files, helicoil, electrical tape, 0-30psi tyre pressure guage (needs to be very accurate, ideally with blow off valve), split pins, large collection of bolts and nuts
  • Spare Parts - ideally full set of suspension components, spare tyres/rims, spings, clutch, coil, coil leads, spark plugs, brake discs, disc pads, water pipe, pipe clamps - the list here is endless and sometimes the spares can run to more than the value of the car
  • Refueling gear - 5l measuring jug, 2*20l jerry cans, oil, gear oil, funnel, dip stick (oil and petrol)
  • Trailer (enclosed are definitely better)
  • Notebook - hardcover to capture your settings and results

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What about race driving lessons?
 

Getting some lessons is possible, either in your car or hiring someone elses. Lessons are available from the Canterbury Motor Racing School - http://www.racingschool.co.nz/



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