Re: race car--build vs buy

[Chris.Prael@domain.elided (Chris Prael)]

From: djbender@domain.elided
     
> I have been considering for a couple of years (and will probably 
> consider for a couple of years more before I do anything about it)
> giving vintage racing a go.  I would of course do it in an Alfa, 
> preferably a Giulietta or Giulia Sprint.

...

> This is all kind of intimidating.  And it looks like it would be 
> expensive to set up a car.  And if I was to set up a GTV for this type 
> of racing I would be competing against the likes of Alan Ward.

It is expensive to set up a race car.  It also requires a lot of
knowlege and skill, both of which take time and money to acquire.  Alan
was setting up and maintaining Phylis's Giulia TZ in 1968, when I first
met them.  He's been setting up and racing Alfas for a looooooong time.

Also, you have to learn not only how to set the car up and keep it
running well, you also have to learn how to race.  There is more to
wheel-to-wheel racing than just driving fast.

That is a lot to learn.  But, when you start to get somewhere at it, it
can be very rewarding!  I have many frustrating memories and a few very
bright memories from my 5 years running Alfas in SCCA.

> Questions for anyone with vintage racing experience:
>
> How does a beginner get started with the lowest intimidation factor?
 
Find a good to fair car and buy it.  Also, try to get some help on how
to keep it going from the guy who sold it to you.

If you are really serious about this, the Zuccis put their SCCA GT4
Alfa Sprint GTV up for sale last month.  Not the fastest car in the
class, but a good solid car with the Panhard rod rear suspension.  (I'm
not sure whether VARA will accept an SCCA GT4 car, so you might want to
check.)

Good luck

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