need road race info please

[97_eclipse]

Ok, so i have been playing forza and similar video games for quite a while now. I know video games and real world do not coincide. But none the less its very inspiring for me to give it a wack. My questions are: what are the prizes for events? How hard is it to get sponsored? What do sponsors do? And i assume road tracks are closed sanction? Not streets shut down for a day right? I love doing the things i know i shouldn't with my car, and would love to be able to push the car legally. I've had my eclipse to 110mph, but ram out of room. Ya, one day ill probably get a ticket. But the main thing is, traffic. I try to do it responsibly, if that's plausible. By only doin the things i shouldn't on only roads i know, and with little to no traffic. Anyways, that's getting in a bad area i know forums don't like being discussed. I live in east central Ohio and any input would be great. Maybe spring/summer i can give it a go. Also my questions aren't pertaining to wheel to wheel as i wouldn't want to do that. In interested in time attack and open track day for fun. Thanks guys

 

[snowborder714]

My questions are: what are the prizes for events?

Usually cash and/or car parts I believe.

How hard is it to get sponsored?

Fairly hard. You need to have a proven record of winning, getting on the podium, or have one crazy project to have sponsors consider working with you. When approaching this, you need to think "What can I do for them?" and not "How can I get free parts?"

What do sponsors do?

They will usually give you discounted/free parts in exchange for advertising space on your car and mentioning them when asked about your car. Each sponsor will have different requirements, so this will vary on a case by case basis.

And i assume road tracks are closed sanction? Not streets shut down for a day right?

Correct.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

First off, realize that it is a very hard and long road for Road Racing if you intend to have any sponsors at all. And realize for most of the time, the time you spend appeasing/working with/attaining sponsors is the equivalent of working at minimum wage. Focus on a better job/career to support your habits.

I have/had sponsors, it is not what you think it is. Not only do you have to have already proved yourself, built a bad ass car that grabs attention, look responsible, be reliable, and win; but you will also have to show them that for every $ they spend on you, they will get a ROI that sustains their investment in you.

In fact, before I had sponsors, I spent LESS money. You are expected to make events and do things you wouldnt normally, and that involves spending money.


If you are interested in road racing, especially as a beginner, go out, have fun yourself, and spend what you can afford. Start talking to people and see what you can get in.

All that said, I have seen random sponsorships just from "buddies" with shops that have no business being sponsored. Those shops typically dont have great business managers, but if you are on the better end of the deal good for you.

PS- Sponsors can lead you astray, I had a brake kit a sponsor talked up and sent me. It actually had so many issues it hampered my racing instead of helping. After trying to work with them to improve their kit (for which they said there was no problem, then why the F did you send it to me for my opinions); I dropped them.

 

[TSiAWD666]

I've only just started "racing", doing time trials for the first time this summer, but I can contribute my experiences:

What are the prizes?:
This completely depends on the events you'll participate in. Sometimes, nothing more than maybe a piece of paper. Sometimes a plaque. Maybe a trophy. Maybe cash, maybe parts, maybe a sponsorship, maybe a car. In the beginning chances are you will be participating in events where you'll win nothing but the feeling of success, or more likely just an empty bank account

How to get sponsored:
Before I mention methods, I want to reiterate what's been said in that you have to have something to offer. Sponsorships are a business relationship. You're offering to advertise for your sponsor, and your sponsor offers some sort of compensation. If the advertising on your platform though is unlikely to generate any return on the sponsor's compensation to you then it's not worth it. You have to have a reason they should have their name on you or your car, and that reason always comes down to whether or not you can help them make money.
1) Networking. Just like anything in business meeting new people, making relationships, and maintaining those relationships is huge. Just even having just met the right person somewhere can get your foot in the door to talk about some sort of sponsorship.
2) Being known. Generating some sort of reputation (hopefully a good one!). There are a lot of ways to do this like having a blog on a popular car forum that people pay attention to (like build threads here), being at car shows (and winning), being at car events and winning, being on websites, having a popular facebook page, etc. Having the attention of others mean higher chances that people will pay attention to your sponsors (which is what they're after).
3) Cold calling and emailing. The only option usually (unless options 1 and/or 2 have you talking already) for smaller companies. This is what's been the best route for me so far since I'm so new to this. I have a document prepared outlining my car, my exposure opportunities, and pictures, for sending out to prospective sponsors.
4) Submitting for them. Many larger company websites have sponsorship request forms on them. For a new guy with little to offer a big name sponsor this usually won't do much I don't think (hasn't for me), but sometimes it pays off. I have a Meguiar's sponsorship thanks to finding the form on their site (and having a car they were interested in).

What do sponsors do:
This is a pretty open question with lots of answers. It's like asking what would friends do? Sponsors can do anything you can think of. They can provide you a tent to sit under. They can give you free drinks. They could pay for gas/hotels. They could give you free car wax. They could give you a new car. It's completely up in the air, and depends on the agreement you come to with them, and varies quite a bit. What I've recieved are free parts/items, free services/labor, and discounted parts/services/labor, but I'm still very new to this and my racing "program" is still in its infancy.

Road tracks:
There are actual tracks around the US that are completely closed facilities with the sole purpose of being for road racing. There are also events that take place on public roads and those are all closed down for events. Organized races are not run on public roads when the public is using them (Need For Speed doesn't happen).


Advice:
Do a high performance driving event (HPDE for short) in your area. Look for groups like NASA, SCCA, and Porsche Club of America. All you'll need really for these is a helmet that meets their requirements, and a car under good maintenance (no leaking fluids, good tires, good brakes). You will learn a LOT by doing these events about your car and driving. These aren't cheap though. Expect to be spending about $600 for a full weekend. For this you'll get track time usually with an instructor. It's the cost of a vacation for some folks, but worth it

 

[97_eclipse]

Hey thanks guys for all the info and help. Looks like ill just use open track time. Lol. Sounds easier and more fun. So far I've found two tracks in Ohio. Ones in Cleveland, the other is mid Ohio. Both have good points and bad points. Like the one in Cleveland allows passenger with prerequisites, but to me the track is "boring" . Too short and not enough aggressive turns so to speak. The one in that's called mid Ohio looks more exciting. Looks like it has two good straights with other nice turns, and a chicane, but no passengers allowed ever. A Google search only shows me these two. Does anyone else know where close tracks to me? Again east central Ohio. Thanks guys!

 

[reallyslowfwd]

Idk about the track in Cleveland, but mid Ohio is a blast! I've done a few parade laps between races, only got kicked off the track once . very nice layout and very technical track. few laps will definitely tell you if your lacking in driver skill

 

[97_eclipse]

Lol if i may, why did u do? Too fast?

 

[arrowhead]

I think you better take a driving course or go to a driving school have an instructor next to you so he can bring you back to earth, the last thing you want to do in road racing is to be agressive you first have to learn to be smooth, before you can be fast.
Dont want to dash your dreams but you still have a lot to learn.

 

[97_eclipse]

All do respect arrowhead, i am right here on here. I didn't mean me driving aggressively on the track, i mean having an aggressive track. Not a track that's all straight and long obtuse turns. I like windy survey turns like country roads. But i do appreciate the concern, honestly. Not to be overly boastful, but i am quite confident in my driving skill. Within my own car anyway. I know it only takes one mistake for a catastrophic failure, and it would be quite different then what i do on the road. But mid Ohio requires you take their driving course before they turn you loose by yourself. I hope you honestly believe I'm not trying to be arrogant, and do want to learn.

 

[Scott McIntyre]

Not to be overly boastful, but i am quite confident in my driving skill. Within my own car anyway.

Heh heh. I felt exactly the same way about myself until my first motorsport event. It was a real eye opener!

Get yourself to a track school. It's the first step. We've all done it, and continue to do so. You never stop learning in this sport.

 

[theamsoilguy]

I brought a POS car to a competition school to get my competition licence ( my track car was in pieces ). I thought I was driving it well and then the instructor hoped in my car and drove a better lap than I had done all day. If you think your confident in your driving skills you might have the wrong attitude. Please go into it with a open mind as you cant duplicate performance driving on the track by using the public roads, they just are very different things. Learning car control is one thing, then the fast way around the track is next, then wheel to wheel is another game. You also need to factor in you probably know nothing about car setup, how to adjust balance with just tire pressures, toe, camber, what tire pressure to start with cold, etc.

Autocross is a good place to start. Some clubs have lapping sessions ( no passing ), but I would recommend starting Autocross.

Things for racing you can consider.
1) Autocross or Rallycross
2) Lapping sessions ( DE - Driver Education )
3) Ice racing ( I do this also and its by far the cheapest and most fun racing )
4) Road racing

I have sponsors, its a lot of work. I really dont get anything for racing. Its the car shows, the parades, the promoting the sponsors with displays that brings in sponsorship. Getting cash is near impossible. Getting free tire installs or cost on parts is very realistic. I got landscaping supplies better than contractor pricing. I get oil cheaper than dealer cost. I got windows on my home at a greatly reduced price, If you can find a product\service that you need you have a better chance of sponsorship. It might not even cost the sponsor anything or they may still make money, but it can save you a small fortune.

But honestly, if you have not been to the track before, what the other guy said. You need to go to a event and get involved with it before having any hopes of sponsors or being a fast driver.

 

[reallyslowfwd]

Lol if i may, why did u do? Too fast?

yeah, was going a bit faster than I should have. put my 1gb in the grass coming out of the keyhole and they pulled me off the track. at the time I was having a blast, looking back all I can think is man I was a dumb kid

 

[theamsoilguy]

Normally the DE event will let you make one mistake like a off. Part of being out there is pushing yourself and learning and mistakes happen. Flagrant breaking of the rules, ie follow too close, passing where not allowed, not listening to instructions or consistent lack of car control is what will get you pulled off the track.

 

[arrowhead]

All do respect arrowhead, i am right here on here. I didn't mean me driving aggressively on the track, i mean having an aggressive track. Not a track that's all straight and long obtuse turns. I like windy survey turns like country roads. But i do appreciate the concern, honestly. Not to be overly boastful, but i am quite confident in my driving skill. Within my own car anyway. I know it only takes one mistake for a catastrophic failure, and it would be quite different then what i do on the road. But mid Ohio requires you take their driving course before they turn you loose by yourself. I hope you honestly believe I'm not trying to be arrogant, and do want to learn.

If you are serious about learning how to drive then go to a driving school or to a track day and get an instructor.
Taking, off or on, ramps on a freeway fast or driving downhills or uphills do not make you a driver, whether your car or not. You may be confident of your driving skills, I am more confident that you DO NOT know how to drive.
Tracks are not rated as aggressive or not, I have seen a lot of guys go to a track and make fools out of themselves .
Are you aware that even pros take driving lessons?
Are you aware that when you get a NOVICE PERMIT after the schools they brand you with a big X so other drivers look out for you because you are a rookie?
Are you aware you could turn your car over to an experience driver on a track and he will be a lot faster than you will, by a large margin.

Some people are born with natural skills for many sports, but those skills have to honed by learning and practice.

AGAIN, you do not know how to drive, so go and learn and good luck.

 

[97_eclipse]

If you are serious about learning how to drive then go to a driving school or to a track day and get an instructor.
Taking, off or on, ramps on a freeway fast or driving downhills or uphills do not make you a driver, whether your car or not. You may be confident of your driving skills, I am more confident that you DO NOT know how to drive.
Tracks are not rated as aggressive or not, I have seen a lot of guys go to a track and make fools out of themselves .
Are you aware that even pros take driving lessons?
Are you aware that when you get a NOVICE PERMIT after the schools they brand you with a big X so other drivers look out for you because you are a rookie?
Are you aware you could turn your car over to an experience driver on a track and he will be a lot faster than you will, by a large margin.

Some people are born with natural skills for many sports, but those skills have to honed by learning and practice.

AGAIN, you do not know how to drive, so go and learn and good luck.

so, you're telling me i do not know how to drive,when you don't know me at all? That's great. I understand i don't know about track racing and whatever. I know expert drivers still take lessons, there's always room for improvement. And you're going to say a nascar track is as aggressive as a rally road worse? Or any track that has something besides left hand turns that require little/no braking? That's absurd. Tracks are more aggressive then others. Look at the nurburing or however you spell it. Very aggressive. Yes i understand you can roll your car or what ever. Do you realize on Any given day a drunk driver could plow into you? Of course you do. But does that stop you from going to work or to walmart? Probably not. I came here looking for advise. 99% of the replies were great. And oh ya, of course an experienced driver will do better then a novice. Common since. Thank you for the insight. What you just made was out of line. Thanks

 

[kbiker76]

From the sound of it Im going to guess you are pretty young, possibly just got your drivers license not too long ago? I thought OI was an amazing driver when I was younger and I know I wasn't now. I have improved so much and learned so much in just the last few years. One day at the track with an experienced driver and you will realize how far you need to go. I'm speaking from experience here I thought I was the best driver in the world but I learned fast and I'm a better driver now because of it.

Id take a driving course at a track with a experienced instructor to get your feet wet and go from there. It isn't like forza in the real world

Also the mods will definitely get you for grammar if your not careful.

 

[97_eclipse]

I am 21, driving for bout 6 years. In not saying in the best driver, not even close. If you read my first post i said i know video games and real world do not coincide.Id love to be able to get an instructors help. One day i will. Hopefully. can this thread now get back on track to helpful info instead of slanderizing someone trying to get help who you guys don't know? As stated, most often replies were very helpful. These last few, well, not so much.

 

[DSMnoobsause]

I am 21, driving for bout 6 years. In not saying in the best driver, not even close. If you read my first post i said i know video games and real world do not coincide.Id love to be able to get an instructors help. One day i will. Hopefully. can this thread now get back on track to helpful info instead of slanderizing someone trying to get help who you guys don't know? As stated, most often replies were very helpful. These last few, well, not so much.

Take what everyone is saying as constructive criticism. Everyone is telling you that it will take years of track days and auto x to start getting the hang of things. Any talk from you being a good driver can only apply to street. Not the track.
But like everyone is saying start off with auto x then get some track day experience most in the pnw will require an expert to ride with you or you ride in there car before you get on the track. With time you will learn that some are just trying to smack alittle sence into you before your bubble gets burst when figuring track driving out.

 

[97_eclipse]

Thanks everyone. I would like to end the discussion now.

 

[arrowhead]

What I have told you is not a personal attack, I am sure you do well going to Wal mart or to anywhere else outside of a track.
I do not have to know you, to know that in a track you would only be one more in the group.
I have not slander you, I have only stated facts, and your opinion about different types of racing I am sure most people would disagree with you.
I hope that you take all what has been posted as positive and dont choose only the ones that you like.
If you ever have the chance of getting involved in any type of racing, you are going to think back and say, well those guys told me as it was.

Wish you the best in your quest to learn.

 

[Diamond Star Werks]

Go to driving school and tell your instructor you to learn everything. Ask your instructors for advice.

They are not busting your balls. They, are telling you not to make the same mistakes they made. Think about your skills compared to the world. Your an entry level driver regardless. Basically they are saying your attitude is wrong.

Don't go thinking your a good driver needing improvement, think your a noob that doesn't know a, damn thing and want to learn everything.

The thing with tracks is not how aggressive they are its how unaggressive you can make it. The fastest driver on the track is the one that can make the track the straightest.

You have a long road ahead. Work hard and learn everything you can. Never EVER think your a better driver than the next.

Best advice I can give you man.

 

[97_eclipse]

Sorry guys. Things have been a bit hectic. Im going to go to the Akron autocross track in the spring time and give it a go. All advise has been taking to a thought. And we'll see what happens from there. Fair enough?

 

[starfish]

Im guilty of pushing my car to the limit on highways also.I'm 45 and I still haven't learned.If you look at my front plate.its has the same curves as my front bumper.I know It was perfectly staight when I put it onAny how,its eay to reach high speeds,trying to get the car slowed down from over 130 is alot harder so BE CAREFULL!!!Ive warped alot of rotors!By the way what are some good top speeds people have reached!I kinda run out of gear around 135.I know alot of exotics reach some impressive speeds,Is it the gearing or just sheer power?

 

[Diamond Star Werks]

How far are you running your,rpms? I've been 140 I'm the car I wrecked and (since my speedo doesn't work) almost 6grand in fifth which is,supposed to be about 150 I think. My car was almost stock when I went 140

 

[Scott McIntyre]

In road racing, it's not about your top speed in a straight line.... It's about how much speed you can carry through a given corner. I think you guys are in the wrong forum section.