Getting Started- Speed Events- Part 2
Before you start
Licence
The first thing you need is an RAC Motor Sport Association (MSA) licence.
These come in a wide variety of forms, from rank amateur (you) to international
super star. Your licence will cost £27.00 and you need a minimum
of a "Non-race Class B" license which is the lowest grade you
can get (and therefore the cheapest). You don't need to worry about doctor's
declarations or any training, just fill in the forms and they'll send
it to you in the post. You can contact the MSA on 01753 681736. The club
also has forms and they are also down loadable from the MSA website.
With
your license you will receive a thick rule book (called the "Blue
Book") and four issues of the MSA's own motor sport magazine. The
Blue Book lays down every rule associated with all forms of motor sport
but thankfully you won't have to comply with very much of it! I'll highlight
here what you do need to take note of but it is worth reading through
as much of the relevant stuff as you can. One word of warning however:
MSA licenses run from January 1st till the end of the year. If you apply
in August you will pay the full amount but you will have to renew in January.
Joining a championship
You will need to join a Championship in order to get information about
what events are coming up and how to enter them Undoubtedly the best one
in the north of England and Scotland is the Wigton Motor Club organised
BOC Gases Northern Speed Championship. This championship is run by enthusiasts
for enthusiasts and does not have a huge list of complicated rules that
some series have.
The Championship organisers keep you informed as to your Championship
position, results from events and send you the regulations for each forthcoming
event. Once you receive the regs, it is best to send these off as soon
as possible as many events are heavily over subscribed. Each event will
cost you about £60.
Personal Safety Equipment
There are two pieces of personal safety equipment that you must have: a crash helmet and a flame proof suit. As usual, there are differing levels of equipment and the level necessary for this grade of motor sport is the lowest. The flame proof suit can be single layer Nomex, Proban or similar (full race suits must be triple layered). Helmets must conform to certain British Standards and should display the correct sticker and should fit properly. Wigton Motor Club can obtain these race suits at a discount price. If you are running an open car, you will need a helmet with a visor or goggles. If you are buying an open face helmet check whether an approved visor can be fitted as an accessory.