first step, get rid of all possible race ability you have, so as to conform with
most others on track...
seriously, i have done it 3 times, the final time in a self prepared car, done all
logistics myself, and we did it with just two drivers in a clio in 98.
it was still proper racing back then...
even though its just a show event for the top10 cars now, i think of doing it
again next year, in one of the slowest cars out there, gr.n m3 e30 !
some points you might look into:
- you need a couple of races on the ring beforehand to be allowed to start,
or a driver course as most of the celebrities take.
best bet is to buy in at the final races of a year, rather than early next year,
when dozens with the same intention are about and prices high !
- look into car preparation closely !
you may find that the usual uk club racing banger ( no offence - i find it
sensible to have this level ! ) wouldn't be allowed near the track !
you have to go full fia spec ! so unless you want to compete with special
race machines with f3000 engines, a 325 with stripped interiour is a no go !
- looking thru the organising part, the chaos in the padock, all the hidden
extra fees for transporters beyond certain dimensions and all, you may
decide renting a seat is the far less complicated thing to do !
after all you can concentrate on driving ! you will have all hands full to do
with that, and not worrry about board cards for driver changes or refuelling !
if thats the case, the advice to go to the ring and make yourself known is
good ! rates vary a lot, and sadly mostly are beyond normal earthlings !
6000 euro on a standart gr.n car is not unheared of !!!
- be prepared to be on track with a lot of wealthy lunatics in earth bound porsche gt3 missiles . i know many cases of rich idiots being let loose in such
cars the pay for after just a drivers course and NO race expierience
beforehand ! completely mad !
not nice to follow a porsche in a gr.n car, being happy because of a great
slipstream, when it brakes on a flat out brow just because the driver can not
remember where the road goes !
YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN A POSH SHOW OFF EVENT ! its only racing in
the top10 and few cars up front in classes ! driver levels are low and
dangerous ! yes. it has great atmosphere, but be prepared for this, and take
it into account when deciding !
- be prepared that more entries than grid spots are taken, so if you go slow,
you go home after practice ! so make sure you got the balance right between
car, drivers and budget ! - or it might be your most expensive DNQ ever !
i have some friends who do VLN and the 24h constantly for some 20 years
now, if you are serious, i put you in touch !
theere need to be websites offereing drives and loooking for cars out there !
will look for it...
budget:
just figure roughly...
- travel cost
- entry fee
- preparing car once over completely, and getting a full set of spares
( brake discs - pads, clutch, gearbox - everything you do not have can
cost you the flag, so best take a complete car for spares !)
- tires and rims ( slicks, interm. wets, all on rims, all in proper quantity to
last 24h - or a deal to mount tires on track, maybe even stock tires for you
to pick during the race. )
- fuel at circuit prices
- parking truck / caravan in paddock
- feeding your team for at least 5 days
be prepared to work from 10grand upwards for the least posh attempt !
good luck !
