Watch: Getting Into Wheel-to-Wheel Racing

https://www.youtube.com/embed/XV11TlpbjT8

One of our readers describes his path into wheel-to-wheel racing–and why he went with an SCCA Spec Racer Ford.

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I had done some club racing (SCCA IT-7 class) back in the late 90's when the wife gave me the Skip Barber introductory school class for my 40th birthday.  I have to tell you, if you ever drive a purpose built proper racecar, ( think open wheel ) you can't go back!  I took the advanced Skip Barber class at Roebling Road then bought a Formula Mazda open wheel racer.   Open wheel race cars are nirvana for racers.. you have been warned!

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Part of the joy of racing is the joy of discovery.  The idea that one should buy instruction like a commodity offends me.  

One starts racing.  Period.  At first you learn perhaps by being passed by a better driver in a slower car, or by reading every word you can find. 

Knowledge and skill  comes-as you are ready to learn it.  Those glorious moments when your fingers actually feel the limits of traction as you edge by that better driver in the slower car.  Your muscles force your body back firmly into the seat while braking forces throw it towards the dash.  Your heel delicately dictating the rate of retardation whilst your toe dances on the throttle  to allow the transmission to find the next gear.  

Knowledge isn’t a commodity to be bought and sold it’s a gift you can give yourself. 

In reply to frenchyd :

Of course - However, three days in the cockpit of an open wheel racecar is worth the money, instruction be damned..