Getting Started In Motorsport

Most people think that motorsport is either too expensive for them to participate in, or is some kind of elitist sport where you have to know someone to get involved. Neither of these common misconceptions is true !

Predictably the biggest expense for a motorsport competitor is (usually) their vehicle, but this doesn't have to be a problem for you. Many of HCMC's members compete in the same car they drive to work or school every date, and some of the younger members have even managed to borrow their parents cars ! It should be noted that borrowing your parents car is usually easier if you get them involved in competing as well, but watch out because those oldies can end up being quite fast and might put your own times to shame. For the most basic of events (motorkhanas, autocrosses, trials, some hillclimbs & sprints) the cars don't need any modifications, so using a normal road car is not a problem.

All HCMC events allow members to compete in different classes. The class system means your 1000cc charade won't be expected to beat a Mitsubishi Evo 7 to win that class (although there's nothing stopping you if you can manage it). This also means you don't need to buy an Evo 7 to compete - anything will do so long as it passes scruitneering, which most cars will (even if they don't have a WOF) so long as they are structurally sound and not obviously unsafe. Note that it's best to get a car with a WOF, so you can drive it to and from events otherwise you'll need a trailer and tow vehicle which are additional expenses.

Because the class system and the lack of modifications needed you can buy a car to compete in for as little as $100, or you can spend more if you have it.

To compete in more advanced events (some hillclimbs & sprints, rally sprints and rallies) you will require a roll cage and an approved fire extinguisher. Cages cost between $1500 and $5000, but can usually be had for between $2000 and $3000. Fire extinguishers range from about $70 - $150, although more expensive options can be found. Other modifications such as race seats and four, five or six point harnesses are a good idea but not required for hillclimbs and sprints.

Once you've got your car you need only join a motorsport club and then you can start competing right away ! Note you must join a MANZ affliliated club to take part in motorsport events, although you can do up to two motorkhana's before joining a club which allows you to get a taste of competing before deciding whether or not you want to continue in the sport. Club member ship rates vary, but $60-$80 dollars per year is fairly common. Some larger clubs have smaller fees due to the number of members, but you may find some of these clubs intimidating. Regardless of which club you join, you will normally be able to participate in any clubs events once you have a membership card for your own club to show at registration - this opens up a massive number of events for you to choose from in a year.

To compete in any event bigger than motorkhanas or trials you will need a helmet and overalls. For Autocrosses, Hillclimbs & Sprints a pair of cotton overalls is all that is required. For still larger events you'll need to get a pair of (more expensive) approved fire retardant race overalls (note these are not the same as kart overalls). Chicane and Flamecrusher and common brands to buy. Helmets must also meet the MSNZ approved standards, but approved models can usually be had for around $150.

Your last expense to get started applies if you want to do any events larger than autocrosses (such as hillclimbs, sprints, circuit races, rallysprints or rallies). In this case you will need a clubsport license, or possibly a race or rally license. Clubsport licenses are about $55 a year, but you can check the current price by downloading the application form from the Motorsport New Zealand website. Race/Rally licenses are more expensive and require an exam (covering safety procedures, race flags/rally time keeping & the national sporting code) to be sat. Getting any form of license means MSNZ will send you the motorsport manual at least once a year, this manual contains all of the information and regulations relating to clubsport (smaller events like we're talking about), rallies and races as well as vehicle modifications and safety equipment standards. This manual is critical if you want to make modifications to your vehicle.

So, a sample budget might look like :

Equipment/Item	Cost
Car	500
Club Membership	60
Overalls	150
Helmet	150
Fire Extinguisher	150
Clubsport License	55
Total	$1065

This budget would allow you to compete in motorkhanas, trials, autocrosses, most sprints and some hillclimbs. If you purchased just the first two items you would only have spent $560 and you would still be able to compete in motorkhana's and trials. Of course this budget also assumes worst prices for overalls, helmet & fire extinguisher. You may be able to get started for several hundred dollars less depending on how you shop.

It's also worth noting the next year you will only need to buy your club membership and clubsport license (a total of $115) so you'll be spending much, much less.

There are a few other expenses during the competition year of course. You'll need petrol, and there is a small event fee (ranging between $10-$120 normally). If you take part in any multi-day events you may need to buy food and accommodation, but that all depends on which events you choose to do.

As well as motorsport events HCMC also holds a clubnight every month allowing members to get together socially, sometimes these nights are even held at special locations such as bowling alleys, karting arenas etc. If you're still unsure about whether or not this is for you, come along to a clubnight or one of our coming events and meet the members of our club.

So what are you waiting for ?