sabre1
National Driver
Posts: 157
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Post by sabre1 on Feb 26, 2010 13:42:41 GMT -8
I'd say to start with calling the San Francisco region office at Toll Free: (888) 995-7222. Tell them what you want to do and go from there. I believe that if you sign up and don't/can't make it, they will refund your money - but do ask. The office folks are VERY nice and helpful; if it can be done they should be able to help you. Do be aware that your license application typically requires a physical exam and OK from your doc to do this, so that might be another speedbump in your path. SCCA National at Toll Free: 1-800-770-2055 should also be able to answer questions about your application. Expedited processing might be available to get you signed up though it may cost a little extra. In the past, a novice permit was good for two years, so if it doesn't happen in time for next weekend you have two years to get it done - but verify this.
-Jim
PS: Terran mentioned a DVD that is available that sounds like it would possibly make up for the ground school that you missed. Probably they covered the flagging (VERY IMPORTANT), safety equipment, tech inspection, hand signals, basic rules of the road, etc. This is the first I have heard of this so I can't help much. Again the region office folks are probably used to last minute requests, so ask them about it.
PPS: There really is a lot to this if you are trying to accomplish it in a short time. It is much better to take the time to do it right and then you will be better prepared once all your ducks are lined up. Good luck!
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Post by igino on Feb 26, 2010 14:36:53 GMT -8
Jim,
Thanks for all the tips! I'm meeting up with Dietmar in San Diego this weekend. Hopefully we can have a good talk and I'll figure out what my goals and game plan is.
I'll give the San Francisco office a ring, and see what they have to say. I also understand that I can get my novice permit through VARA which has schools throughout the year and also nearer to me in Southern Cal.
Once again, thanks for all the help and tips. I look forward to meeting all of you on the track!
-Igino
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sabre1
National Driver
Posts: 157
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Post by sabre1 on Feb 26, 2010 16:02:07 GMT -8
Excellent choice! Dietmar is very helpful and knowledgeable. Good guy to buy FV parts from as well. Let us know how it works out.
-Jim
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milldawg
Regional Driver
Racecars-pricey, racing-priceless!
Posts: 85
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Post by milldawg on Feb 27, 2010 18:06:33 GMT -8
The Skip Barber and Russell racing schools will also qualify you to race in the SCCA I believe. Might be a better option for you, though the cost might be higher.
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Post by igino on Mar 16, 2010 16:50:20 GMT -8
Hey guys - here is the latest update.
From what I understand, the VARA community in Southern Cal is much bigger than regional SCCA. In light of this I think I'm going to get a Vintage FV, and hopefully also race in regional SCCA races in NorCal. I have been turned onto the Lynx B chassis because it is supposed to be one of the bigger ones out there. Obviously I will have to raise the roll hoop, but I just can't get away from that. I have found one in the midwest that I am interested in, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any Lynx B's, or sit-up style chassis', for sale here in California.
Any pointers or advice would be helpful!
Thanks again for all your guys' help!
-Igino
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sabre1
National Driver
Posts: 157
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Post by sabre1 on Mar 18, 2010 10:33:23 GMT -8
Hi Igino, I'll offer my two cents. As previously mentioned, you should try out a car with your drivers gear on. Most important will be the shoes and helmet. Drivers suit perhaps less important BUT, it all adds up as to how you fit in any given car. It would be a good idea to do this with the body off so that you can actually see how your feet fit and your ability to work the pedals. Since you are talking about modifying the car to fit your height, you will need to consider exactly where the modifications will be made; i.e. will it be extending the roll hoop only or will you need to change the seat, the pedals, the steering wheel (extend, retract, higher.....), front hoop and so on. It might be a good idea to take pictures of you in the car for later evaluation. Also, maybe taking someone with you who is familiar with fabrication techniques (if you aren't) so they can consider what needs to be done and perhaps give you a cost estimate. If you consider more than one car, the work required will likely be different. The Lynx B originally had the rear bodywork cover the main hoop which would add to your list of changes. The next generation bodywork on the Lynx/Caracal C (I think I got that correct) has the main hoop exposed. My best recommendation would be sit in as many cars as possible before you buy to see which one might provide the best fit and require the fewest modifications. You will also see how different people have chosen to modify their cars to make them more comfortable which might save you time in figuring out what you want to do. I personally started with a kit and custom built the pedals twice, the head rest twice, and the seat twice to get it comfortable for me - I can almost fall asleep in it. Unfortunately I'm one of those "I want it and I want it NOW" types and I sometimes let my enthusiasm get to me. DON'T let that happen to you. Taking a little more time will get you further down the road when it comes to buying and modifying a car. Also make sure that any mods to the roll hoop(s) are done properly - this is literally YOUR HEAD they are protecting. Go to a race or two and sit in the cars - I think once you sit in a few you will appreciate how they have been customized to fit each driver. Hopefully others will offer their experience in a similar situation. Almost forgot, when you meet the drivers and ask to sit in their cars, ask them for suggestions. There is a wealth of knowledge out there that you can tap into. Other cars for sale but not advertised, fabricators or machinists to do the mods for you if you don't have the capability, etc. This board has the Denial Farmer's Auction where cars et al are for sale. The other FV board: www.formulavee.org/interchange/ also has a classified for-sale section. The cars ARE out there. Good luck. -Jim PS: I admit to a bias to regional racing over the vintage racing, SO, I'd also recommend that you check out a regional event that has a good turn out of Vees before you commit to vintage racing. I have been to one vintage event at Laguna Seca last year, and the comraderie there was just as good as you will find at a regional event, but with several different 'classes' of FVs, the opportunity to race with several cars was more limited. Vintage events in your area may be different though. Dietmar should be able to offer some insight about that.
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Post by Take 'em Out Terran on Mar 18, 2010 12:39:27 GMT -8
Going off of what Jim said in visiting a regional race to see what it is like, My guess is that the SFR regional opener at Thunderhill is going to have a pretty good field. All of the Vee driver's from driver's school are most likely going to be there (im figuring Andy, Brett, Mitch, and of course myself will be there. Possibly Don if he can get the vector fixed) and there have been a lot of Vee racers who have been doing lots of testing, so I can only figure they are going to be running the season opener at least.
When I get an exact number of Vees running I'll let you know.
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