Getting Started :
9 Easy Steps to Getting Started in Mini-Sprint Racing

So you have had the bug for years but couldn’t afford to race or didn’t know how to get started. Well now is the time. Mini-Sprint racing has made it affordable, safe, and fun no matter what your goals; which happens to be step # 1. You will likely also wonder why they call it mini when you step into one of these Midget size cars, sporting a 110+ HP engine on a 750 pound chassis. There is nothing Mini about the thrill and skill needed. Read on, you may be on the track sooner than you think. 

1.     

First thing is to sit in a quiet room, away from the addicting sounds and activities of the race track, and think. What are your goals in racing? Why do you want to do it? What do you want to accomplish from it? Many factors enter here, from a young person who wants to be a professional someday, to the mature adult who never had the chance or even the “aging “ veteran racer who still enjoys the sport for the fun of it. Write down your reasons if you like, whether it is Fun, Fame or Fortune you seek. The great things is, Mini-Sprint racing can fit them all.

2.     

Now, go have a look see; find a track running the Mini-Sprints and visit. Go in the pits, talk to several of the drivers; you will find most very willing to share information, if they know what you are doing. Visit more than once, don’t make a decision after the first night. Sit in a car; how do you fit? What kind of engines seemed to be the fastest, last the longest etc. Watch how the races are run, consider the maintenance of the car, safety factors, reliability, and competitiveness of the races. 

3.     

Read what you can find on the sport. (www.cincy-racing.com/erc) is a good source of information on the sport. The site lists contact information for 16 different Mini Sprint organizations across the country. Pick the one closest and give them a call. Ask at the track, usually the racers know what and where you might find available material. Steve Smiths Autosports(714-639-7681) has an excellent publication called Mini Sprint/Micro Sprint Racing Technology. Great reading before you jump and even better after.

4.     

Now try it if you can. This step is not an absolute must but is very helpful if you can work it out. More and more there are arrive and drive programs aimed at giving a person experience in a car to the point of seeing if this is for you. Once again check in the media such as magazines, the internet and the organizations to find a program that might fit. If this fails and you strike a friendship with a particular driver, approach them about a few slow laps, just to get the feel; you can learn to race later. Many tracks will allow this sort of thing. Offer the driver a few bucks(racers always need money).

5.     

OK, time to make some decisions. You have a lot of information, step back and consider all things that you have thought about and learned in the first four steps. Now, make a decision based on all of the factors you have to consider based on items in 1 and 2. I think you will find the Mini Sprints fit well into the many considerations you may have. The choice may seem easier and more practical because of the practical approach you have taken. Some of the concerns may have been put to rest for you and your significant other.

6.     

What about a budget? you say. I have waited on this because I am assuming you have some money to spend and by taking the approach outlined you will already understand some of the costs involved and the wisest way to spend your dollar. How you go about it makes a big difference. You really can tailor it to your budget. As you are talking to the drivers don’t be afraid to ask what they spend and what their goal is in racing. Now, make up a list of just what you need, from the car to the shoes you put on your feet. ERC is your one stop for all of your mini sprint needs and an excellent place to start. After you have shopped a bit put some numbers to the list and really start shopping. Whether you buy a new or used Mini Sprint I strongly suggest you purchase a car manufactured by a current builder like ERC. It will save frustration when you need replacement parts. Remember, DO NOT make quick decisions BUT make a decision. Don’t let too many choices confuse you, prioritize and move on.

7.     

Well you’re getting pretty serious now; something a lot of people leave out and take for granted is the condition of their body. Get yourself in shape, at least a few pushups nd a little walking. You can probably go out and drive but to have fun and be somewhat competitive get yourself in shape; this is a safety factor also.

8.     

Practice; if at all possible find a track that will allow some hot laps to get the feel for the car; of course the more the better. Many tracks offer opportunities to do this, after all they are looking for car count and you’re their customer. Don’t be afraid to ask a track owner for this opportunity.

9.     

Finally race day comes, don’t put it off too long, you probably will never be completely ready for the first time you fly into a corner surrounded by other cars but if you have done some of the things above you will be OK and ready to learn. Make sure you listen at the drivers meeting, understand the rules, starting procedures etc. This goes a long way in holding down frustration that happens because you “didn’t know”. Keep cool, learn, have fun and just think you are finally doing what you have always wanted to do. It doesn’t matter if you are 15 or 50 you can take the 1st step. 

Good Luck!!!