I like to go racing. Where do I start

[Bertroex]

Hello Everyone,

During my last stay in Belgium I got in contact with my (late) dad's solicitor, who happened to sell his 1965 build, 1966 MY 911.






I am looking for help and advice before I make an uninformed mistake. The aim is to be able to participate successfully in races such as 6 hours of Spa, 6 stunden Nuerburgring, relay races etc within 5 years. Possibly, in about 8 years time, come to a level where I have accrued a solid basis for being competitive in serious international events such as the Tour de France etc.

I'm 31 now, so I'm willing to have 8 years of "though time" and I'm prepared to commit myself for it. I planned to start off gradually by learning to sprint and to hill climb in a relatively modest 2.7 impactbumpered nail.


However, the owner of the 1965 opened up a whole lot of opportunities due to its FIA homologation and eligibility for tons of events.

My questions:
1. A novice buying a FIA eligible car. Uninformed and expensive or an interesting challenging learning curve ?

2. Limited budget and no experience. Is it worthwhile starting with a SWB? What are your opinions regarding learning with a SWB as opposed to LWB?

3. If we are talking SWB, is it worthwhile to go for a 1965 immediately or perhaps better to start off with a later model which can be found for less than half the purchase price of the 1965.

4. What about the "practicalities" and the dynamics of a 2litre vs the later 2.4/2.7 and 3 litre cars. Btw, the car ran the nuerburgring with a 210 bhp 2.7 litre engine and is currently equipped with its original 2.0 litre but packing 174 bhp at 7200 rpm.

5. What additional challenges will I face, having a 1965 2 litre car with regards to the inevitable replacing of clutches/rebuilding engines/gearboxes/SWB bodywork when I bend it

6. What is the "done" way if I were to aim for a FIA historic licence?

7. In spring I would like to be on a circuit. Who can I contact to learn the ropes of driving a historic 911? Also is there a racing stable looking for a dogsbody?

Thanks in advance for all your pointers about SWB vs LWB, racing info and other tips.


Best regards,


Bert

[Evil J Guano]

Hi Bert,
Stuart wrote a great article on his experiences racing a 912 in the HSCC series. Good place to start...
http://www.912register.co.uk/Articles/hsccracing.html

[IanMcLeod]

Bert.

I see you are not far from where I am. I have pm'd you with details of someone you might like to talk to.

I am going to be sprinting/hills next year too.

Ian.

[23e Heure]

You should definitely have a chat with Paul Aslett (Defender47).
Just finishing his first ever season of racing, HSCC series in a 1970 911E...

[912uk]

Yes I agree Paul is very keen on the racing and said that the HSCC seam a good bunch to race against..

also have a word with Andy he should be able to help you understand what you have there with the 65 car.. sounds like a plan you need to get out your system.... nice one.

[Ian Donkin]

Probably a big bank balance might help too Bert - good luck though

[Peter]

You could start with getting your MSA licence!

[keith fellowes]

Good looking car but it is for rallying not racing. Looks like it is made for Belgian lanes. Depends on what you want to do rallying or racing, but if you want to try rallying in this country or abroad then please get in touch. Getting bits for SWB cars is not a problem and there plenty of people around to help you. I have just sold my SWB but never had a problem getting bits for it, they are so strong that you can panel beat any dents! Rallycars are not pristine.
Regards
Keith

[johndglynn]

Buying a car with potential for FIA papers (I presume that is a possibility; am no expert) is a good idea mate. I don't think it matters that it has been built for rallying, you would still learn plenty running it on or off road, as long as you had the setup adjusted to suit. I would skip the 2.7 and just crack on in that; plenty of fun in store and some nice big bills too I'll wager

Do you know who built it? That is the first question I would ask (about the car). Looks pretty good. If I was in your position I would be talking to Tuthills about the various options.

[Lightweight_911]

I suggest you speak to Robert Barrie (one-two on DDK) - he has raced all over Europe in FIA events in a 2-litre 911 (& other 911's).

[Bertroex]

Hello again,

WOW the replies. Thank you immensely.

Right here goes:

I have pm'd you with details of someone you might like to talk to. I am going to be sprinting/hills next year too.

Okay, will pm you back. doing research on what needs doing and whats desireable. Will talk to someone I might want to talk to

You should definitely have a chat with Paul Aslett (Defender47).Just finishing his first ever season of racing, HSCC series in a 1970 911E...

Paul's post were an inspiration but it looked far more professional than first ever season. Blimey

Probably a big bank balance might help too Bert

Quite. Its as if I hear my grandmother talking. Absolutely right. The point is in the first 3 years investing in education, learning how to be gentle on the mechanics, trying to finish and gain experience. Second set of years doing it with own car, possibly in partnership. After learning the ropes, get a good build engine and do the FIA races.
The first 6 years should be within the scope of my umm expenditure.

You could start with getting your MSA licence!

Yup, started today.

Good looking car but it is for rallying not racing. Looks like it is made for Belgian lanes.

Do you know who built it?

clever observation. It is a FIA homologated car, built from a full history 911 converted into a rally car in 1985 by umm a German guy who was featured in an article. Sorry name is escaping me. In the 1990-ties it was converted to a racing car by Oettinger motorsport, Hamburg. Racing set up over a period of 5 years by SG racing, Verviers (belgique). Latter quite renowed within the French speaking circles for historic racing.

I suggest you speak to Robert Barrie (one-two on DDK) - he has raced all over Europe in FIA events in a 2-litre 911 (& other 911's).

Aha, okay.

Exciting times. It does become clear though that at this stage a FIA car is about 50% more expensive then a converted, slightly later 911. Latter is as eligible for HSCC racing events here in the UK. Trouble is that this particular 911 is set up juuuuuuust right for racing. Difficult: i am on the fence whether i should pass this one on to someone more experienced to lay their mitts on it.

Please do keep your posts coming: sucking it all in.

Bert

[Helen]

as a taster how about doing a sprint day at Curborough Nr Lichfield on April 14th for just £40.... i only have 7 spaces left

Ian-uk..not received your e-mail yet, i need your address to send the application form.

[Bertroex]

as a taster how about doing a sprint day at Curborough Nr Lichfield on April 14th for just £40.... i only have 7 spaces left

Helen, is my road car up for that? What the heck, yes please I like to join.

thanks,

Bert

[Helen]

yes. its purfect.last year Larry used my 944..

sprint (as im sure your aware) is one car on track at a time, so there no worries about being over taken or over taking, you just go as fast as you are comftable with.

e-mail me your address and i'll send you the information and application form.

its a great fun day out with a great group of guys (and a few girls)

[moggy]

Come join us in the www.hrcr.co.uk I'm gonna do my first season (actually more like a splatering of which races I can fit in my diary) next year.

Cheers

Mogs