Am I going to make a fool of myself?

[kickster]

hi guys

this will be my first year in Solo1 racing.
I own a 88 jetta 1.8 8v (class C) however I have cam, Exhaust, lower springs that bump me up in my class. I was wondering if I will be able to compete against other cars in that class?
I have a 100hp engine the car is not very fast
well it is kinda slow (16.9 QMT) The car has ok handling but I am running on Toyo proxi all season tires (205 50 15) I can not afford a new set of tires.

As far as driving skills goes, I have been on track for total of 20+ laps.

Do you think I have any chance of competing in this event? Should I just join for the experience?

[Dave]

Hi Kickster,

Sounds like you'll be in C/SS2, which is going to be a very competitive class this year. Some of the cars in your class will certainly have a horsepower advantage, but in all honesty horsepower is a very small part of the overall package in terms of turning fast lap times. Tires and driving are the two biggest performance improvements you can make. Your all-season tires will definitely hurt your chances of being competive, as will your relative lack of experience. That being said, the only way to see how your car does on the track, learn what the fast guys are doing to their cars, and improve your driving, is to come out to the track with us and have fun! I gaurantee you you'll have a great time, learn tons about car prep for track use, and improve as a driver tremendously. Very few rookies come out and win their class, it generally takes some time before you've learned the tracks and developed enough as a driver to start challenging the leaders in your class. But hey, we've all got to start somewhere so my advice would be get in the game, come out the to track and compete, keep your expectations as realistic as you can, and plan on using your first season to learn the ropes.

Solo 1 is the most fun you can legally have without super models and whip cream being involved :p

Cheers,
Dave

[rainman]

Kickster,

To keep costs down, you might want to consider buying a set of used R compounds. There are usually people in the Solo community looking to sell a set of 3/4 used tires that you would certainly still be able to benefit from. Maybe something in the region of a 205 width.

[Triumphracer]

Kickster, I don't think you will be last in CSS2, I have a lock on that! I am competing in a 1965 TR4 with mild engine and slightly stiffer springs and shocks. I dynoed 91 rwhp with 110 ibft at DPE
two years ago but with my new exhaust may have 95 now.

It's all about doing well relative to your own experience and the cars potential; I don't feel like a fool, and I enjoy learning from other guys by watching and asking questions... you have to start somewhere, give it a try.

[Rob McAuley]

When you see the results, look for someone with similar lap times, and see how you do against them over the series.

You'll be looking for ways to improve your lap times as we return to the venues.

But you certainly won't be embarassing yourself if you make an honest effort!