First timmer....need HC info
03-06-2006, 11:18 AM
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First timmer....need HC info
hey guys,
So I'm planning on participating in The HC H1 class...I have never raced before so i think it would be stupid to just show up at the track. can anyone tell me what i need in terms of a competition license in order to compete? And Where and when I could acquire such a thing. I looked online and it looks like the HPDE open track sessions in may are what I'm after but I'm not sure...Any info would be appreciated...
Thanks in advance!
So I'm planning on participating in The HC H1 class...I have never raced before so i think it would be stupid to just show up at the track. can anyone tell me what i need in terms of a competition license in order to compete? And Where and when I could acquire such a thing. I looked online and it looks like the HPDE open track sessions in may are what I'm after but I'm not sure...Any info would be appreciated...
Thanks in advance!
03-06-2006, 11:19 AM
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03-06-2006, 11:21 AM
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Re: First timmer....need HC info (Xhaven1)
#1 - read the rulebook (hondachallenge.com)
#2 - read the forum FAQ at the top of this forum, especially those topics pertaining to the cost of racing
#3 - read the NASA CCR (nasaproracing.com)
#4 - if you have never been on a racetrack before, you cant just dive into it. Building a competitive H1 car will be $25k if not more. If you are on a budget, buy someone else's H4/H5 car for sale.
#2 - read the forum FAQ at the top of this forum, especially those topics pertaining to the cost of racing
#3 - read the NASA CCR (nasaproracing.com)
#4 - if you have never been on a racetrack before, you cant just dive into it. Building a competitive H1 car will be $25k if not more. If you are on a budget, buy someone else's H4/H5 car for sale.
03-06-2006, 11:21 AM
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Re: First timmer....need HC info (Xhaven1)
The FAQ thread at the top of this forum is your homework reading assignment. Also, the NASA HC rule book on the same page....
Good luck!
Good luck!
03-06-2006, 11:22 AM
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Please search, the competition licensing process has been covered before.
Do you have any racing experience? (Autox, track days, driving schools, etc?)
Start off with HPDEs, they are around $300 for a weekend. I would also look into driving school, those run around $1000 for a single day event. I would recommend you do atleast 15-20 HPDEs before you think about getting a comp license.
Do you have any racing experience? (Autox, track days, driving schools, etc?)
Start off with HPDEs, they are around $300 for a weekend. I would also look into driving school, those run around $1000 for a single day event. I would recommend you do atleast 15-20 HPDEs before you think about getting a comp license.
03-06-2006, 11:25 AM
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Yes, HPDE is a great program and will put you on a path to get a competition license and be a pretty good driver as well. It's pretty easy to get started in HPDE Group 1... you just need a car in decent shape (needs to pass tech), decent brake pads with freshly bled fluid, some money, and a desire to learn. SCCA is starting to offer similar programs, but NASA already has a pretty good system in place.
The other way to go about getting a license is to take a racing school or two, which can be a faster option, but the cost is much higher than HPDE.
You'll need to read up on the NASA regulations to get the car legal for HC racing, but you can work on that gradually as you go throught the HPDE program... it's also a good opportunity to sort out any performance issues that the car may have.
The other way to go about getting a license is to take a racing school or two, which can be a faster option, but the cost is much higher than HPDE.
You'll need to read up on the NASA regulations to get the car legal for HC racing, but you can work on that gradually as you go throught the HPDE program... it's also a good opportunity to sort out any performance issues that the car may have.
03-06-2006, 11:26 AM
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Re: First timmer....need HC info (Xhaven1)
First thing you gotta have is a resume.
Now since you're new to racing, you'll have to be creative.
Have you driven fast on the street?
Ok, list the top speed you take well known local corners at for around a dozen turns (most tracks have somewhere around 9-12 turns).
Then make a list of mods you've made to your car...headlights, pedal covers, shift ****, etc (so the race officials will know how to class you).
Then, get some glamor shots of you and your car. Not David Hasselhoff type stuff - sexy yes, but not over the top (so the race officials will know that you know how to market yourself). Like Danica Patrick - there you go!
Before you send this off in the mail, post it all here so we can give you constructive criticism. We've got experts on this stuff on this board. You've heard of Andy Hope right? If you do what I've listed above you will eventually become almost as well known.
Scott, who has been trying to think up a new career lately...."I've got it! I'm gonna start a new Racing School!"
Now since you're new to racing, you'll have to be creative.
Have you driven fast on the street?
Ok, list the top speed you take well known local corners at for around a dozen turns (most tracks have somewhere around 9-12 turns).
Then make a list of mods you've made to your car...headlights, pedal covers, shift ****, etc (so the race officials will know how to class you).
Then, get some glamor shots of you and your car. Not David Hasselhoff type stuff - sexy yes, but not over the top (so the race officials will know that you know how to market yourself). Like Danica Patrick - there you go!
Before you send this off in the mail, post it all here so we can give you constructive criticism. We've got experts on this stuff on this board. You've heard of Andy Hope right? If you do what I've listed above you will eventually become almost as well known.
Scott, who has been trying to think up a new career lately...."I've got it! I'm gonna start a new Racing School!"
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03-06-2006, 11:30 AM
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Re: (94accordsedan)
Thanks
In terms of "just jumping into racing" that's what i am trying to avoid...As for the expense of the car....I am in the process of building one....by "in the process" i mean i need all the safety things like roll cage Fire extinguisher, harness, seat...but as far as the engine goes it's pretty much done...Breaks and alike are finished as well...I have read the requirements for the class so i know all about that...i'm not concerned about the price...
Thanks for the advice! sorry for the premature post. obviously more research needs to be done.
In terms of "just jumping into racing" that's what i am trying to avoid...As for the expense of the car....I am in the process of building one....by "in the process" i mean i need all the safety things like roll cage Fire extinguisher, harness, seat...but as far as the engine goes it's pretty much done...Breaks and alike are finished as well...I have read the requirements for the class so i know all about that...i'm not concerned about the price...
Thanks for the advice! sorry for the premature post. obviously more research needs to be done.
03-06-2006, 11:34 AM
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Re: (Xhaven1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Xhaven1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...i'm not concerned about the price...
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Ok, now I'm serious. For....uhm, One Million Dollars...I will coach you to the World Challenge Touring Car Championship...in fact, I'll even be your wingman in the second team car!
Scott, who didn't realize how much potential you have...
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Ok, now I'm serious. For....uhm, One Million Dollars...I will coach you to the World Challenge Touring Car Championship...in fact, I'll even be your wingman in the second team car!
Scott, who didn't realize how much potential you have...
03-06-2006, 11:40 AM
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Re: (RR98ITR)
lol! a million is a little out of my range...but thanks!
in terms of willing to learn that is def me! i spent the last two summers (granted in the scheme that is not alot of time) building me and my "teamates" (haha) cars....I have already put alot of money into it. Now i need the track knowledge to back it up...
I'm not planning to get on the track and win tomorrow...I just want to put things in motion...
Thanks again for the help! In a month ill try to get some pics together with a parts summery and stuff!
Oh yeah and i forgot i need to buy a helmet too! haha...not funny
Modified by Xhaven1 at 12:55 PM 3/6/2006
in terms of willing to learn that is def me! i spent the last two summers (granted in the scheme that is not alot of time) building me and my "teamates" (haha) cars....I have already put alot of money into it. Now i need the track knowledge to back it up...
I'm not planning to get on the track and win tomorrow...I just want to put things in motion...
Thanks again for the help! In a month ill try to get some pics together with a parts summery and stuff!
Oh yeah and i forgot i need to buy a helmet too! haha...not funny
Modified by Xhaven1 at 12:55 PM 3/6/2006
03-06-2006, 12:01 PM
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Re: (Honda318dx)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Or, just buy my H1 car for A LOT less then building one!</TD></TR></TABLE>
Hahahaha...thanks for the offer
Where were you when i started the build lol
besides I think i learned more building the car myself rather then buying someone elses....but you're right my wallet would be a lot less barron if i went that route!
Hahahaha...thanks for the offer
Where were you when i started the build lol
besides I think i learned more building the car myself rather then buying someone elses....but you're right my wallet would be a lot less barron if i went that route!
03-06-2006, 05:16 PM
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Re: (FlyZlow)
ok....sorry if i forget a few things..
98 civ ex body
b18c1
skunk2 springs with koni yellow shocks and GC
apexi N1 exhaust...planning on changing it
skunk2 stage 2 cams
ill have to check my shed lol there is alot of stuff waiting to be put into it yet
but new cam gears...
toda timing belt
retainers
skunks2 vavles and springs
AEM fuel reg
new fuel pump
magnacore Spark plugs....but i think they are too thick cause soon after i had to get a new distributer
port and polished head....
ummmm....i want a comtech header....but right now i have just the stock header and stuff....
ACT clutch and lightned flywheel
ARP bolts
sorry i can't get real specific on the build....ill go out and look at all the stuff tomorrow...
98 civ ex body
b18c1
skunk2 springs with koni yellow shocks and GC
apexi N1 exhaust...planning on changing it
skunk2 stage 2 cams
ill have to check my shed lol there is alot of stuff waiting to be put into it yet
but new cam gears...
toda timing belt
retainers
skunks2 vavles and springs
AEM fuel reg
new fuel pump
magnacore Spark plugs....but i think they are too thick cause soon after i had to get a new distributer
port and polished head....
ummmm....i want a comtech header....but right now i have just the stock header and stuff....
ACT clutch and lightned flywheel
ARP bolts
sorry i can't get real specific on the build....ill go out and look at all the stuff tomorrow...
03-06-2006, 05:18 PM
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Re: (Xhaven1)
To be honest, you're way off the prep for engine for H1 if you want to be competitive. If you just want to go out and have fun, then go for it 
But the top guys are putting down 210+ at the wheels (guesstimate). You could sell the swap, put in a stock D16 and run H4 too
But the top guys are putting down 210+ at the wheels (guesstimate). You could sell the swap, put in a stock D16 and run H4 too
03-06-2006, 05:25 PM
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Re: (.RJ)
Like i said....I don't have the exact list ill have to look at it....and yeah i'm not done with the car...I'm not gonna sell the swap and race in H4 that would be a complete waste of my money (if you were being sarcastic or not) And yeah I kinda do wanna just have fun and see how it goes and build from there....
On a side note what am i messing from the convoluted description of my build?
On a side note what am i messing from the convoluted description of my build?
03-06-2006, 05:33 PM
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Re: (Xhaven1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Xhaven1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Like i said....I don't have the exact list ill have to look at it....and yeah i'm not done with the car...I'm not gonna sell the swap and race in H4 that would be a complete waste of my money (if you were being sarcastic or not) </TD></TR></TABLE>
No, I was being completely honest and serious. H1 is fast, and its a lot of money. Money in the engine, and the faster you go the faster you wear out tires, brakes, wheel bearings, etc - everything. I've seen a few guys try to build a car ends up being over their head and give up and neve finish. Adding safety gear alone is going to be at least $3000 (custom weld in cage - $2500, seat, belts, etc)
How much track time/experience do you have and whats your budget to complete the car?
No, I was being completely honest and serious. H1 is fast, and its a lot of money. Money in the engine, and the faster you go the faster you wear out tires, brakes, wheel bearings, etc - everything. I've seen a few guys try to build a car ends up being over their head and give up and neve finish. Adding safety gear alone is going to be at least $3000 (custom weld in cage - $2500, seat, belts, etc)
How much track time/experience do you have and whats your budget to complete the car?
03-06-2006, 05:34 PM
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Re: (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">To be honest, you're way off the prep for engine for H1 if you want to be competitive. If you just want to go out and have fun, then go for it But the top guys are putting down 210+ at the wheels (guesstimate). You could sell the swap, put in a stock D16 and run H4 too </TD></TR></TABLE>
Crap i guess its to H1 with me..
Damn motor swap.
But the top guys are putting down 210+ at the wheels (guesstimate). You could sell the swap, put in a stock D16 and run H4 too </TD></TR></TABLE>Crap i guess its to H1 with me..
Damn motor swap.
03-06-2006, 05:43 PM
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Re: (.RJ)
As I kinda pointed out above...i have never been on a track before. I also understand that this is a learning process and i plan on participating in as many lessons and pre race activities as i have to before i approach the actual track....I also understand that something like this is not free by any means. But it's something i really want to do. Further more, i totally understand your reservations. i realize that things will inevitably have to be replaced numerous times without warning...that being said you didn't really answer my question...are the parts not good enough, are there things i left out?
In no way do i intend to just show up and think i will win every race or even finish....or for that matter even race anytime soon. I'll just restate that so you don't think i'm romanticizing the issue.
In no way do i intend to just show up and think i will win every race or even finish....or for that matter even race anytime soon. I'll just restate that so you don't think i'm romanticizing the issue.
03-06-2006, 05:46 PM
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Re: (Rene M)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Rene M »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Crap i guess its to H1 with me..
Damn motor swap. </TD></TR></TABLE>
meaning you meet the requirements? or...?
Crap i guess its to H1 with me..
Damn motor swap.
</TD></TR></TABLE>meaning you meet the requirements? or...?
03-06-2006, 06:03 PM
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Re: (Xhaven1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Xhaven1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">meaning you meet the requirements? or...?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah i was just reading the rules and I have to go to HU.... I am in the same position as you for the most part.
Yeah i was just reading the rules and I have to go to HU.... I am in the same position as you for the most part.
03-06-2006, 06:09 PM
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Re: (Xhaven1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Xhaven1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">that being said you didn't really answer my question...are the parts not good enough, are there things i left out?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Well you've got a good start, and its enough to get you on track - you will need to get some track brake pads, fluid and new rotors but if you are planning on keeping the engine and running H1 you will need a brake upgrade - 11" front rotors, and probably discs in the rear, a set of wheels with decent tires but plan on getting 8 or 12 15x7 wheels with track tires and rain tires (no matter what class you will run in). You'll also need a LSD if you plan on keeping the engine as well, and the already mentioned saftey gear (it puts a huge dent in your budget).
Well you've got a good start, and its enough to get you on track - you will need to get some track brake pads, fluid and new rotors but if you are planning on keeping the engine and running H1 you will need a brake upgrade - 11" front rotors, and probably discs in the rear, a set of wheels with decent tires but plan on getting 8 or 12 15x7 wheels with track tires and rain tires (no matter what class you will run in). You'll also need a LSD if you plan on keeping the engine as well, and the already mentioned saftey gear (it puts a huge dent in your budget).
03-06-2006, 06:15 PM
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Re: (.RJ)
Yeah I have LSD probably should have mentioned it...and I do have enough funds for wheels and tires and spares (lots of lol) and i also know that a roll cage....at least the one i would consider is like 2400 and i should have also mentioned that i plan on redoing the breaks and making it disc all around....as for the seat and fire extinguisher and harness I figured that would be a given....since most of that stuff is required to race...
in terms of performance...i know you can't touch the bottom end so what else would you recommend?
in terms of performance...i know you can't touch the bottom end so what else would you recommend?
03-06-2006, 06:22 PM
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Re: (.RJ)
I think the best thing for you to do at this point is sign up for the next hpde and study up. you'd be surprised how much you can learn from these guys anecdotally. SEARCH button is your friend. the more you learn, the greater understanding you'll have, the better you'll get at asking poinient questions. it's all exciting stuff, but pay attention to the resource you have in front of you. it's all there for the taking and you're better off in the long run doing the footwork yourself.