Newbie with a couple of questions

[rthompsonjr]

So after a couple of years of dancing around the idea of getting rid of my truck and getting a car that would be fun for SCCA Solo I'm finally ditching my truck. I've always loved Mustangs, My grandmother had a 1964 1/2 which was stolen a few years back :( So I'm looking to buy a 96-98 Mustang Cobra to run in FS.

Only problem is that I'm not sure that I will be able to find one before the Novice School on April 15. The only car that I might be able to borrow (everyone else I know has SUVs/Trucks) is a 98 V6 Camaro automatic. Even though its an automatic and only has all season tires would this be an ok car to take to the Novice School?

My other question is if there are any other learning opportunities like private instructors that would be benefical for Solo. I know of a guy up in Louisville that a freind has taken road racing classes from, would actual track experience and lessons translate to Solo?

Thanks for any help!

[00 SS]

Obviously it would be best to learn in the car you intend to compete with. However, anything you can do to get seat time and improve your ability will be beneficial. The oly problem I see with the Camaro you're thinking of borrowing is the tires. It will work, but you might really tear up you friends tires.

[lundgren]

Street tires are a good thing for a solo school actually. Last longer, and will let your mistakes stand out more... more to learn. Automatics are ok, they can be, but most prefer the control of a manual. You can still learn with an auto, and some even get competative with them.

As for other motorsport instruction, sometimes it can help, but not all 'race car' drivers will be able to give you special details for solo type driving. But any seat time is good.

[khammack]

You can also come to events even before you have your car and catch rides with others who have similar cars:eek: . Even though there is nothing like seat time, you can learn a lot from riding along and asking questions.

Ken

[Clay Turner]

As a former novice chief, my advice is free (and worth every penny!):

The Camaro will be a great car for the novice school. The school will be all about you, not the car: Looking ahead, being smooth, finding the correct line, hand placement, threshold braking, late apexing, etc., etc., etc. You'll find at least 6-8 things about the way you drive that you'll have to change, and if 2-3 sink in, you'll be exceptional.

No one needs to shift in a skidpad or a triangle, and you'll do a lot less damage to hard all-season tires than you would to expensive, gummy race rubber. And you won't learn any less.

Enjoy yourself!

[rthompsonjr]

I'm hoping that I'll have found my car by the school, but who knows.

How early do I need to register for the school?
What is the fee?

Thanks for all the info so far!

[Donnie]

acctually... an ex GF of mine learned in an automatic, it was less overwhelming to her learning to read a corse and not having to worry about anything else, after a few events in the auto she said she was ready...

Donnie

[JHixon]

It's been a long time, but my autocross experience began with a 70 Camaro, 350 with automatic. My best result was second overall in a Corvette club event.

[lundgren]

How early do I need to register for the school?
What is the fee?

Thanks for all the info so far!

Registation for the school will be in March. The entry fee will be around $70 or so, which is a really great price actually for the seat time, it's great.

You'll need to be an SCCA member.

[rthompsonjr]

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll probably have my 'Stang by the school, so now I need to join SCCA and go get a helmet. Any suggestions to get a cheap helmet?

[Eric Pollock]

There was already a thread about this discussion and you can find it here:

http://www.rmsolo.org/forums/showthread.php?t=174

[rthompsonjr]

Guess I should make freinds with the search button, sorry.

[Eric Pollock]

Guess I should make freinds with the search button, sorry.

Don't have to be sorry, just figure I'd save some time.

[rthompsonjr]

Another question, and yes I have the rule book and have read it but I can't figure it out.

For mustangs they sell braces that run from the rear subframe to the front subframe, weld in or bolt in. What class are these subframe connectors legal in?

Thanks and sorry if this has been asked before.

[Eric Pollock]

Another question, and yes I have the rule book and have read it but I can't figure it out.

For mustangs they sell braces that run from the rear subframe to the front subframe, weld in or bolt in. What class are these subframe connectors legal in?
If you are talking about a subframe "cross reinforcement" X-brace the only thing I've heard is of the BMW M3's ruling which is this:

BMW X-BRACE
Cross reinforcement (X-brace) from 1995 BMW M3 (E36) Lightweight
and Convertible is not legal for the ST category M3 coupe.
Cross reinforcement was not available from the factory on eligible
coupe models, nor does it qualify as a standard part (see 12.4) via
parts manual supercession, thus making it illegal for both ST and
Stock category usage.

So I'm not sure of the ruling on braces for Ford Mustang's. I guess it would put you in SM or *SP class?? Don't know.

[rthompsonjr]

They're not X braces but I'm sure the ruling would be the same. I'll contact one of the suspension manufactures and see what they say.

Thanks for all the help by the way Eric.

[Eric Pollock]

They're not X braces but I'm sure the ruling would be the same. I'll contact one of the suspension manufactures and see what they say.

PaulL has a Cobra (mustang) in ESP and he might know a little more about the rules for these cars better.