What type of race car?

At its broadest, the first choice is between single-seater, sports/GT car or saloon car. Most of the 160 race categories currently running in Britain fall into one of these divisions. Within each of those broad categories there’s a multitude of championships and race series. Most aspiring racers will have differing ambitions, and it is those ambitions that will help shape your choice of car.

If you are a teenager aiming at being the next Lewis Hamilton, then a single-seater category like Formula Ford or Formula Renault is essential. Depending on the amount of experience you’ve had in other motorsport eg karts, you might well decide to do a slightly less high profile series in your first year to learn the ropes and hone your skills. But don't be fooled into thinking that less high profile means less competitive: there are many excellent racing drivers enjoying themselves at a club level, so don't expect that you'll be able to be at the front of the grid straightaway!  Instead, take the opportunity to learn from them by seeing what they do and talking to them: many club drivers will be only too happy to give you a bit of help and advice. 

For a one-make race series like Renault Clios, Mazda MX5s, or Minis, the choice is made for you. But if you are looking at other series, take a little more time to research before buying. Talk to the championship organiser, look at the results, and get to some of the races and talk to competitors; you'll get all sorts of views, but it will help narrow your options.

A growing number of people are opting for classic or historic categories of some type, as this opens up a raft of possibilities. Two potential advantages of classic and historic racing are that driving standards tend to be better (i.e. less accident damage) and car depreciation can be reduced or even wiped out completely.

It’s also important to check out what level of licence is needed for the category you are considering. Not all race series are open to holders of National B race licences, and those higher up the racing ladder will almost certainly require a higher grade of licence, which has to be earned by finishing races at National B level and getting your licence signed by the Clerk of the Course.

. Intro
· How do I get my race licence?
· What equipment do I need?
· Which championship or race series is right for me?
· What type of race car?
· Do I rent or buy a race car?
· Do I run it myself or go to a team?
· How do I improve my skills?
· How do I get sponsorship?
· Where can I find out more?