Before you do anything else you need to carefully consider the commitment and cost involved.

If you are going to prepare a car from scratch to be reasonably competitive in class D you will need to spend a couple of months (evenings and weekends) to get a standard road car into shape. You will need to budget £2000 - £4000 for car and parts. You will also need a trailer £1000 (second hand) and something large enough to safely tow it.

You will also need a minimum of an approved Race suit, gloves, helmet, and boots. £400 minimum. DEMON TWEEKS

You will need to complete an ARDS test to obtain a National B license. £200. If your an old codger like me you will need a medical anually £80, club membership fees and championship entry fees.

You will need to take your car on at least one test day (I didn't!) £80 upwards plus Fuel etc.

Race entry fees are somewhere between £150 - £200 for one day, or up to £270 for a weekend, plus the fuel for getting there and the circuit etc.

Still interested? have you consulted the Wife/Husband? Still interested? NO? (take up knitting) YES? Read On>>>>>>>

SO I HAVEN'T MANAGED TO PUT YOU OFF YET? I'LL TRY A BIT HARDER!

I would strongly recommend attending a few races, and doing a track day before finally committing yourself. Club Racing may not be Formula1, but is just as competitive, and potentially dangerous. You will sooner or later be involved in an incident which may hurt you, and your bank balance. You have to accept that your pride and joy may become a mangled heap of useless scrap by the end of the meeting. Having said that, most cars complete a full season reasonably unscathed!

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A.Results of Gail Hills first disaster at Brands Hatch 2005. B.Colin Thatchers very expensive in-car barbecue at Lydden Hill 2003

THINGS DON'T ALWAYS GO TO PLAN IN MOTORSPORT! COMPETITION INSURANCE

So you have passed your ARDS, prepared your car, and entered for your first race! There are a few things worth bearing in mind before the big day. Essentials

FOR INFORMATION & OFFERS ON LAP TIMERS CONTACT dave@jagracing.co.uk