Getting Started

If you think you might be interested in racing a hot rod the first thing to do is to go along to the next days racing at Waterford Raceway and observe the day. Talk to the drivers about their cars, they have a lot of knowledge as some of them have been racing for years. Observe the races, watch how the drivers set up for overtaking maneuvers, how these maneuvers are counteracted and how different cars handle.

The Car:

In order to keep costs down it is better to start in class one or two. (If you are between 14 and 17 you can only race class one or two as a junior) These classes are limited to standard engines and minor modifications, (see class). This does not mean that these races are not competitive, as all the cars are very similar they provide very tight races. For class one at present it is mostly made up of 903cc uno's, they are getting hard to find and there is a good possibility that 1 litre 12 valve starlets will be allowed to race in class one in march when the new rule book is issued. Class 2 is mostly made up of 1.2 litre corsa's. Again the proposed change in rules will allow 12 valve 1.2 litre engines to be used. If you want to start racing straight away your best bet is to talk to some of the class one or two drivers and see if they have a car to sell. Other wise search the buy and sell and local scrap yards to find a suitable donor, strip it and put in an acceptable roll cage and seat and petrol tank as per the rule book.

License:

In order to race you need a racing license. You can apply for this at any days racing at Waterford raceway. Simply bring your driving license and two passport photographs and the annual fee to the sign in office at the pits area. You will receive an application form to fill out, simply fill this out and post it to the address on the form and your license will be posted to you. Juniors need a guardian to countersign the form as well as countersign the entry book for each days racing.

Other stuff:

Before you are allowed out to race your car will go through scrutiny. There is a list on the back page of the rule book so go through it yourself while you still have time to correct anything you might find wrong. 

At present road tyres must be used in class one and two, Yokohamas and kumho tyres are not allowed. This is under review and the new rule book may allow any tyre to be used.

Also make sure your helmet and your overalls are ok.

The other stuff you need are a few tools to keep your pride and joy running through out the day, a few spare wheels, a transporter and something to pull it around. Transporters can be expensive but cheap ones are available and will be ok for carrying a light class one or two car short journeys, ask around some of the drivers will probably know where there is one for sale.

YOUR FIRST DAYS RACING:

Get to the track early and unload your car, you will have enough to think about without worrying about missing scrutiny. Get signed up and get the car through scrutiny and relax until the race. If you are in class one or two you will more than likely be in one of the first two races so be prepared, put your helmet in the car and have your overalls on when you go to the drivers briefing. If you don't feel comfortable being bunched up in your first race ask the marshal at at the gate to start from the back. That way you can get a feel for the car and observe rather than jumping in at at the deep end. You will more than likely have three races on your first day out so there is plenty of time to battle for places, don't be to eager or your day will be over early!!!

Keep an eye out for flags, make sure you know what they mean. You might get a blue flag in your first race, this means a faster car is coming up behind you. Hold the wide line around the bends and let him through.

Don't forget to do a cool down lap. As you cross the finish line do another lap as you slow down. Remember that the person behind you will be racing to the finish line so DO NOT stand on the breaks and turn into the pits, do the cool down lap.

Enjoy yourself, racing is great fun, and if participate with clean driving and good humor you will love it.