QUALIFYING SCHOOL
If you want to get a road racing license, you need to go through a qualifying school. The SCCA holds qualifying schools at many tracks across the country.
The prerequisites are simple: a race-prepared car, proper driver equipment comprising of a fire-resistant suit, shoes, gloves, helmet and neck restraint (such as a Hans device), all of which must meet the current standards for racing (which are published yearly, and should be clearly indicated when you sign up for the school).
To sign up, you'll need to fill in a bunch of forms, including one that requires a physical examination by your doctor, a photocopy of your drivers license, some passport photos, you'll be required to join the SCCA (more forms), and they'll expect you to have read their General Competition Rules book. Entry fees run from $200 to $400. More information can be found at the SCCA's Club Racing Guide.
If you don't have a race-prepared car, renting one is popular, and suprizingly cost-effective. For example, Hagerman RacEngineering in the Northest/Mid-Atlantic will rent a fully race-ready Spec Racer Ford for approximately $2500 for use at a licensing school. This includes fuel, tires, trackside servicing, and any mechanical requirements. Body damage is extra, and remember, there's no collision insurance in motor racing. For more information, contact John Hagerman at: 410-452-0045.
The schools are great fun, since you get to experience high-speed, close racing, and you get to put into practice all of those driving tips you took away from Street School.
| Other pages: | |||||||