SPEC for Average Joe?

[gage]

First off this is extremely intrigueing to me on a hobby level (is this same level most take it to? Or do people get serious sponsors?). And I think that I am going to buy a used dtec and start the process of building this car for a late 06/07 debut.

My concern is that I am by no means a seasoned track driver and I am assuming others on track don't want me tooling around smashing into stuff like bumper cars at the fair. I've done some autocrossing and competition Go-Kart racing but have never taken my current car on a track. I am also not some teenager with a death wish either.

So what do I have to do to get myself ready to race? What do other drivers demand of me? How can I make sure that I am safe? What credentials do I need? How do I get them?

TIA

[MichaelXi]

I'll let others address the Credentials, but for starters, you'll want to run a few High Performance Driver's Education (HPDE's for short) Open Track Days.
Instruction is always good, but is not necessary to simply try out an open track day to wet your feet the first time.
Just don't drive any harder than you are comfortable with.
AFAIK, NASA will then REQUIRE that you graduate to some series of actual INSTRUCTED HPDE's, so that you may be "Certified". (To what level, I'll leave to others who know to explain).
Seat Time, Seat Time, Seat Time.
Getting into Auto-X every chance you get is a GREAT tool too.
Auto-X is another beast due to the speeds, but many of the lessons learned translate well.
After you get into Track driving, you may or may not continue too much w/ Auto-X, due to various factors, but it never hurts to get some Auto-X under your belt.
MANY (Not All by any means) of the BEST drivers have a few years of Auto-X under their belt, even if it was years ago.
Top running Trans-Am driver Johnny Miller is from my Region, and he even came back to run an event in his street 'Vette a couple years ago just for fun.
Auto-X is where he started, and he's still QUITE an Ace.

[Ted7rns]

Pretty much what Michael has said what you need to do. Each NASA region is a little different. But, NASA will get you on the track fast with instructor in our HPDE program http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html
Now, once you move through the different levels of HPDE you'll be able to do a NASA race school, or some regions use their HPDE as their Race School.

Once you get this far you should be ready to get you Provisional License. http://www.nasaproracing.com/proracing/license.html.

But, the HPDE program is great, because you can use your future SF car in the driving program up until your ready to race. But, Seat time is important.

Also hardy anyone has big money sponsors. This is an amature racing series, and we all love our hobby

[MichaelXi]

As you may have already seen, Ted has now posted a thread regarding licensing which is useful for ANYONE wanting to run ANY level of Fender-to-Fender NASA Racing.

[gage]

Thanks for the Info!

I took a look at last years schedule and it appears LRP, Pocono, and Watkins Glen are the only tracks where events take place? THose would be 8 hr drives minimum. Any plans to visit NHIS or some other tracks in New England ie the northern north east?

What frequency does the SPEC series take place on?

[Ted7rns]

The Spec series is a regional event. So, it will take place at every region. Unless there's no cars there.

[CCC]

What is the general timeframe from no license to regional racing competition? Thanks...


CCC

[Ted7rns]

It depends on what track experence you have. You could just take a approved racing school and then get a provisional. Now that might not be the best way, because of lack of track time. You could take 2 or 3 HPDE weekends and then take the school..... or you could spend a few years doing HPDE and TT and then asked to get waived from the Racing School... I think the best way is to move up through the HPDE ranks within the season, and then take the school.

It all depends.

[vitoal18t]

I don't mean to hijack the tread, but how reasonable is a California Street Legal Spec Focus?

By passing Trailer/Towing cost is another advantage for an Average Joe.

Reading the regulations It appears that SVT Focus is completely street legal. It has Stock Exhaust manifold (NO AFTERMARKET HEADER), but removes stock cat (can be reinstalled in 20 min before hitting public road).

I don't remember seening anywhere that it is against the law in California having Full Roll Cage, race seat or stripped interior and/or racing decals. I could be wrong, please advise!

I am sure that Spec Focus with decals and Roll Cage will attract attention of every CHP officer. But provided that I cork my exhaust, have CATs on and drive the speed limit there is nothing illegal about Spec Focus in California.

I can't imagine the pleasure telling CHP officer, who just pulled over a race ready Spec Focus..."Sorry, officer this car is 100% street legal, here is paperwork!!! Have a nice day!"

I know it is not a good idea to drive a competition car on a street, and this may sound like a childish idea, but I thought it would be real neat in theory! What do you think gentelmen?

-Vito

[JimmySolo2]

The only problem with a Street legal racecar [and my Focus is street legal and drive it to all events] is in the event of an incident. I broke my Axel at Watkins Glen, 5 hours away from home. I was lucky my friend didn't mind driving his ITR Racecar home while I used his tow rig to get me home.

[BUR_ZX3]

Actually.... by virtue of removing the airbags (which is required) you make the car no-longer street legal.

So technically, there is no way that you can stay street legal and be in the Spec Focus series. And its not entirely legal to put an SVT Header on a non-SVT engine. You have to register the engine as being an "engine swap" with CARB and have it inspected.

[02_smurf]

Originally Posted by BUR_ZX3

Actually.... by virtue of removing the airbags (which is required) you make the car no-longer street legal.

So technically, there is no way that you can stay street legal and be in the Spec Focus series. And its not entirely legal to put an SVT Header on a non-SVT engine. You have to register the engine as being an "engine swap" with CARB and have it inspected.

Where in the CVC does it say that you can't remove the airbags from the car? I can't find it..... I could of sworn you were allowed to.

[vitoal18t]

I see a lot of people removing their Airbags...I don't think it counts as illegal.

Full Roll cage must be an issue I heard people saying that it is dangerouns when you are not wearing a helmet in the car. But it all comes down to what is stated in California rule book.

[Penguini66]

Originally Posted by vitoal18t

I know it is not a good idea to drive a competition car on a street, and this may sound like a childish idea, but I thought it would be real neat in theory! What do you think gentelmen?

-Vito

I don't think it's a childish idea at all. Personally, I think it would be really cool to see somebody do it.

As far as the air bags go, if you get the mexican air bag covers I really doubt anybody would notice.

[BUR_ZX3]

Originally Posted by Penguini66

As far as the air bags go, if you get the mexican air bag covers I really doubt anybody would notice.

Except, specially in certain areas of SoCal.... you go driving down the street looking like a race car (cage, required stickers, etc....) and some cop will go over it with a fine tooth comb.

I'm not saying don't do it... but i'm just pointing out that if you're overly concerned with being 100% street legal....

And Lee... the airbag law is federal.

[garyk]

well we drive squirt on the street sometimes

[BUR_ZX3]

And my car is certainly nowhere near "street legal" with its race header and un-CARB approved Supercharger..... but I take her to work every day.

[Penguini66]

Originally Posted by BUR_ZX3

Except, specially in certain areas of SoCal.... you go driving down the street looking like a race car (cage, required stickers, etc....) and some cop will go over it with a fine tooth comb.

I'm not saying don't do it... but i'm just pointing out that if you're overly concerned with being 100% street legal....

And Lee... the airbag law is federal.

OK, point taken.

"23.14 Airbags must be removed or disabled."

Then install a switch to turn off the airbags. Assuming that it is legal with the law, the Spec Focus Rules and the NASA CCR.

[Ted7rns]

Yes, you can install a switch to turn off the airbags.

[vitoal18t]

I did some searching in CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) and found a procedure for installing a switch. It sends shivers down my spine!

http://frwebgate5.access.gpo.gov/cgi...i on=retrieve
-Some stupid form must be filled out
-Switch must be in a form of a ignition key
-A light in a cockpit must illuminate saying it is disabled
I don't like the LAW really!

It is clear why 99.9% of people choose to trail their cars. Street legal Spec Focus is only some sort of rebelious act to "stick it to THE MAN!".
Now here is the better questions, where I can find "punishments" for various California/Federal Regulations violations. If a cop gives me $10 fix-it for no airbags I couldn't care less. If I lose my car, it will matter to me!

I am sorry to turn this thread in to some Law debate, but I think our cars should be in our hands. People who take their cars to track and think of racing usually have safety in mind and 100x more responsible than the rest of street drivers.

Plus air bag won't save me when soccer mom slices through my car with her SUV.

Thank you guys!

[vitoal18t]

I COULD BE WRONG!!!

I just read on a Miata.net forum that there is no law prohibiting car owner from removing his/her airbag. Dealership/Mechanics Shop does need written permission to remove airbags and/or install airbag disable switch.

I am still looking for document that says removing airbags is ILLEGAL.

[BigSandwich]

I was always under the impression that the owner of a car could remove the airbags legally. It was just that you had to have a legal document before a mechanic would do it for you.

I know several people here in NC that have street legal IT cars that they simply drive to the track, change tires, and race. I think with the rule set for spec focus you could make it happen even in California.

[Hal]

Ted would be the person to ask about this. But I know that most people here in the east who use their car for track days and some streetable race cars disable their air bags by pulling the fuse.

I searched the NASA CCR as posted on their web site and did not find any mention of air bags.

[Ted7rns]

Yeah, all you have to do is disable the bag. They don't have in the CCRs. The rule is in the Spec Focus Rules under rule # 23.15, and it says the following.

23.14 Airbags must be removed or disabled.

[JimmySolo2]

Originally Posted by BigSandwich

I was always under the impression that the owner of a car could remove the airbags legally. It was just that you had to have a legal document before a mechanic would do it for you.

This is how I read it too. Having Air Bags isn't part of the PA inspection process, Seatbelts are, Airbags are not.

If you wreck your car and the air bags go off, you don't have to replace them. I know it's a Federal Law that manufacturers have to have two front air bags since 1996 [or some such year] but no law we have to keep them.