Planning a return to the fold - but which class & car?

[Stevecaterham7]

Afternoon all,

I competed in the series back in 2002-2005 and then life, work and family commitments got in the way.

Now with things much calmer, and the family more grown, up I'm looking to get another seven and return to sprinting probably next year. So given that things have changed since my days of racing a Superlight in class 3 I thought I'd seek advice on what to buy.

My son turns 17 late next year, so whatever I buy I'm thinking he'll want to dual drive with me in 2023, so I've ruled out the really powerful stuff. So my question is really around what to get to race in class 1, 2 or 3.

From my initial look it would seem that getting an ex-academy car and competing in class 1 would be one option, but what would people advise. I'd like the car to be competitive in its class (but don't expect to win!) whilst also being OK for a new racer and able to be driven on the road occasionally.

What spec and class would your recommend I target, and anything that is a must-have or must-avoid with a budget up to low £20k.

Looking forward to your thoughts and advice, and to getting back to this next year!

Steve

[robmar]

Steve - great to see you back, no idea about what is competitive in those classes these days...

 

[Stevecaterham7]

Cheers Rob. 

It is making me feel a little old, that last time I saw you I suspect Ben had just been born, and now here I am trying to buy a Caterham for him to race with me in a little over a year. Time has flown!

 

[robmar]

you can get an MSA license for hilclimbs at 16  so no need to wait

[Stevecaterham7]

Really? 

So now I just need to work out how to teach him to drive without access to open roads...

[robmar]

 

https://www.motorsportuk.org/get-started/types-of-motor-sport/hill-climb/

"You then need to apply to Motorsport UK for your RS Inter Club Competition Licence, available to anyone aged 16 or above."

Hire curborough for an afternoon perhaps, no idea though if you can even get road insurance for a 17 year old in a caterham...

[Alan Bowler]

My 0.02p:

Class 1 remains closely competitive with ex-Academy or suitable spec lower power 7s of all flavours. Sigmas and K's seem evenly matched. We don't see so many 8v VXs or Xflows now, but all welcome.

Class 2 & 3 are now simpler with a 155bhp power limit. Again, Sigmas and Ks are closely matched, plus a Zetec and the occasional Xflow. Class 3 is extremely popular, boosted by some recent defections from class 2.

Class 2 run 1A tyres, mostly Yoko A539s.

There is a new "List 1C" tyre for the sticky stuff. Class 3 and 4 run 1Bs. Avon ZZS are popular. But I'm not saying any more on THAT subject.

For 20k...  maybe an ex-academy Sigma or K, with budget to spare and scope to upgrade to 155bhp if and when upgradeitis bites.

 

AB

[Stevecaterham7]

I think this may have made his evening!

He won't be driving it on the road at 17, I'll get him something much slower!

Thanks for your comments Alan. Looks like I'll shortly start the hunt for an ex-academy car. Spec wise I'm assuming things like brake bias and LSD are the things we should look for ideally?