Racing Licence

RSR · 14 Sep 2009 at 19:20

Hi Chaps,

Just a quick question, do any people on OCUK hold a racing licence?

If so, how hard is it to get one?

I take it http://www.msauk.org would be the first point of contact

Thanks

Andy

AtomicBanana · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:26

I'm in the process of getting mine at the moment, I've got the 'go racing' pack, had the medical and my ARDS training/test is now booked.

Basically, buy the pack, it'll tell you the rest - http://shop.msauk.org/product_details.asp?id=4023

Have a look through the other sections, but I'm guessing that's the one you're looking for. The basic process is (explained in more detail on the site, and in the pack) :

* Get the pack, fill in the details, study the 'blue book'
* Get a doctor to handle the medical section (I got one done for 45 quid)
* Take the form with the medical section filled in to an ARDS centre. (I'm going here: http://www.silverstone.co.uk/php/ma_ARDS.html). There is a practical and written test. My understanding is it's not too tough as long as you don't act like a moron, but I've not taken it yet.
* Once you have your practical done, send it all off with yet more money, and get your 'national B licence'.

All done!

Now, to actually race, budget another 1500+ for saftey gear, and god knows how much for your chosen vehicle. There's plenty more to be paying for too (entry fees, consumables) but hey, anything worth doing . .

RSR · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:35

Thanks mate, very helpful.

Ive been looking at all the safety stuff online, from demon theives. Some of the prices on there are just silly. However, i guess you cant put a price on your own life.

Ive just ordered that pack as well as the karting pack.

Thanks

Andy

AtomicBanana · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:39

What are you looking to get into? For example my aim is this: http://www.acsnetworks.co.uk/max5/ (or maybe t'other series, but I think I'm too poor for that one

).

In any case, good luck, have fun

Wicksta · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:40

I used to have a Race National A license, which confusingly was the level I needed to race at international circuits like Spa Francorchamps (I started off with a Race National B one).

Did my ARDS test at Brands Hatch in a 3 series BMW - it was pretty easy but then I am an amazing driver.

AtomicBanana · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:46

Hahah. Well my understanding is that it's more that you're capable of not crashing/screwing anyone else over, not so much how awesome your laptimes are. I've done a little track stuff, but I'm no expert . . .

RSR · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:47

AtomicBanana said:
What are you looking to get into? For example my aim is this: http://www.acsnetworks.co.uk/max5/ (or maybe t'other series, but I think I'm too poor for that one ).

In any case, good luck, have fun

I’ve decided i need to get myself a hobby, rather than sitting on my ass all the time. So that’s the reasoning behind it and plus it’s always something ive wanted to get into.

Well, id like to start off in karting and see how i get on there tbh. I know i should have started all this years ago now.

Andy

Housey · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:47

I have a National B licence, an ARDS test is a walk in the park if you know your flags, have some common sense and can steer and brake a car at pace on a race circuit. As Atomic Banana said, get the MSA Go Racing pack and book yourself an ARDS course at your local track. If you have never been on track then get some coaching to so you feel more confident but I simply pitched up at Oulton, did the exam and did my few laps and passed, it was pretty straightforward really. It is not about outright pace, its about smoothness, lines, consistency and though you can't simply slowly drive around if you drive at 70% you should be fine.

RSR · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:48

Wicksta said:
I used to have a Race National A license, which confusingly was the level I needed to race at international circuits like Spa Francorchamps (I started off with a Race National B one).

Did my ARDS test at Brands Hatch in a 3 series BMW - it was pretty easy but then I am an amazing driver.

I dont think i am quiet going to be that level straight away

Andy

RSR · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:49

Housey said:
I have a National B licence, an ARDS test is a walk in the park if you know your flags, have some common sense and can steer and brake a car at pace on a race circuit. As Atomic Banana said, get the MSA Go Racing pack and book yourself an ARDS course at your local track. If you have never been on track then get some coaching to so you feel more confident but I simply pitched up at Oulton, did the exam and did my few laps and passed, it was pretty straightforward really. It is not about outright pace, its about smoothness, lines, consistency and though you can't simply slowly drive around if you drive at 70% you should be fine.

Excellent, thank you.

Ive done a number of trackdays around Silvestone. However, they where all in a FWD car

Housey · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:51

andyd said:
Excellent, thank you.

Ive done a number of trackdays around Silvestone. However, they where all in a FWD car

I would advice you don't use Silverstone as your ARDS course circuit, they have a reputation of failing people, but passing them once they take some (paid) coaching the same day.

Dr Who · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:53

Had a national B, has expired now!

AtomicBanana · 14 Sep 2009 at 20:56

Housey said:
I would advice you don't use Silverstone as your ARDS course circuit, they have a reputation of failing people, but passing them once they take some (paid) coaching the same day.

D'oh. Already paid for mine. Circuit is so close :S

Also incidently, weren't you considering some mx5 racing Housey? I imagine a well-heeled individual such as yourself will be looking at the 'other' series?

Housey · 14 Sep 2009 at 21:00

AtomicBanana said:
D'oh. Already paid for mine. Circuit is so close :S

Also incidently, weren't you considering some mx5 racing Housey? I imagine a well-heeled individual such as yourself will be looking at the 'other' series?

Yes, the plan is to start small and cheap, get some racecraft and then progress. I want to do some Britcar maybe some VLN one day, love to do one of the big 24 hour races and have lots of options for pay drives in such races but I need to get to a level first.

AtomicBanana · 14 Sep 2009 at 21:05

Housey said:
Yes, the plan is to start small and cheap, get some racecraft and then progress. I want to do some Britcar maybe some VLN one day, love to do one of the big 24 hour races and have lots of options for pay drives in such races but I need to get to a level first.

I hear that. Same plan for me in terms of gaining as much race craft as I can. Difference is the cost is going to be the major sticking point. I think if I'm lucky I'll have enough money to enter a single race next year.

Still, I'm really looking forward to it, and if I can get my friend involved to split the costs . . .

Housey · 14 Sep 2009 at 21:09

Well you can hire a car, entrance fee and race support for around £700 for MX5's, so not too bad really, though I am having my own car built.

AtomicBanana · 14 Sep 2009 at 21:40

Housey said:
Well you can hire a car, entrance fee and race support for around £700 for MX5's, so not too bad really, though I am having my own car built.

Aye, not terrible. Still not easy for me to raise that sort of cash on a semi regualar basis. I'll get there!

I'm hoping to move close enough to work to not need to drive, and convert the road car to a track car. That way I only need about 2.5k vs 6.5k +