Club Memberships and Licensing

smokystove · 29 Nov 2008, 20:18 (Ref:2343975)

Hi all,
Despite the economic downturn and better judgement that comes from having common sense, I've decided to get more involved in historic racing this coming year. I'm looking to get a national level licence here in Germany from the DSMB, a fellow forum member has directed me to an English speaking ARDS instructor here. But there's a snag in my plan as the clubs that I'm interested in joining are all UK based and it appears that they require an MSA licence to join. I do know that certain events in the UK permit an equivalent foreign national level licence to participate, but club membership is a question. Anyone have any thoughts or experiences with this?

john ruston · 29 Nov 2008, 21:35 (Ref:2343999)

Ask MSA direct.They will tell you exactly what you can do but suggest Nat A is possible

GORDON STREETER · 29 Nov 2008, 21:47 (Ref:2344006)

There are quite a few races that you can do on a Nat A licence both in the UK and the continent without having to belong to any club unless stated.

rogerwills · 30 Nov 2008, 10:52 (Ref:2344172)

Why not just jump on a plane and do your licence in England? It is quick and very easy.

smokystove · 30 Nov 2008, 11:08 (Ref:2344177)

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerwills

Why not just jump on a plane and do your licence in England? It is quick and very easy.

That was my initial idea, however I have to admit silly as it may sound that I've not had very many experiences driving RHD and at that only on the road. So I do wonder if having that tiny bit of second-guessing whilst at some speed in a test situation may not be wise...It does make me ask myself if that is an indicator of my being in over my head in the first place, hmm.

delta · 30 Nov 2008, 11:47 (Ref:2344188)

Roger is spot on Smoky Stove. You can PM me if you want and i will give you my phone no then sort it all out for you if you want. No Probs.

john ruston · 30 Nov 2008, 14:36 (Ref:2344245)

RHD or LHD .Its not a problem and as most circuits are clockwise RHD puts you on inside most corners which is ideal when you start.

smokystove · 30 Nov 2008, 14:48 (Ref:2344249)

Quote:

Originally Posted by john ruston

RHD puts you on inside most corners which is ideal when you start.

True, I hadn't thought of that advantage. But I'd just hate to be the main character in the instructor's story down at the pub that night about the Yank who kept grabbing the doorhandle to downshift.

john ruston · 30 Nov 2008, 14:59 (Ref:2344251)

They have seen it all before and probably understand the term downshift.
If you want to do it there are no problems.
If you want to talk about options then stay on here and read the rubbish!

rogerwills · 30 Nov 2008, 15:05 (Ref:2344253)

Smoky, I've sent you a PM.

smokystove · 30 Nov 2008, 15:19 (Ref:2344259)

Thanks for your time and advice gents, looks like I'll be contacting Delta soon and doing it in the UK.

TorqueWench · 1 Dec 2008, 16:21 (Ref:2345002)

Smoky - just be aware that if you are racing with Clubs in the UK, you DO need to be a member of at least one MSA registered Club. If you are not, then you are not insured (by the MSA) when you sign on at a meeting. All Clubs have "entries by invitation", so for instance the CSCC will also allow members of HSCC, 750 etc to race in, say, allcomers races. However, to join a Series or Championship you do need to join the relevant Club. The CSCC was £30 membership and £90 registration for the Swinging Sixties etc as I recall last year. I don't recall there being an obligation to have an MSA issued licence when you join a club. There are many Club members (who don't race) who have no race licence, they join for the Newsletters.

Good luck

smokystove · 1 Dec 2008, 17:20 (Ref:2345048)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorqueWench

Smoky - just be aware that if you are racing with Clubs in the UK, you DO need to be a member of at least one MSA registered Club.

Thanks Torquewench, that is one of the factors that made me search for a UK based club. The HSCC is one that I'm interested in, as my car once prepared would be eligible in their Historic Road Sports events. But they DO require an MSA licence for their "Novice Membership" package, so that's what made me changing my mind about doing the ARDS in Germany. In the meantime I think I'll join the SEMSEC to do some sprinting to hone skills, and will nevertheless contact Ron down at RSR at the Ring to get some tuition next year, so thanks again for recommending me to him.

Moby · 10 Dec 2008, 14:06 (Ref:2351759)

Smokystove, remember the ARDS test is more about awareness / knowledge and proving that your driving will not present a safety hazard to either yourself or others, its not a performance test. Otherwise half of us wouldn't qualify to have a licence in the first place.

zefarelly · 10 Dec 2008, 18:12 (Ref:2351921)

I joined everything when I first started, and went to Int C as fast as I could . . . got all excited and thought about putting racing driver on my passpport renewal when I realised I was being a self overinflated ******** like most of the rest . . . . Nat A is as much as one needs to have a great time all over the place and I've probably saved a 1 hour race per year in wasted money . . . .

delta · 10 Dec 2008, 18:16 (Ref:2351924)

Sorry but wots a ********.? Ive said before thats what im going to do for 2010 unless Monaco happens.

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