by adhar » Mon May 17, 2010 11:29 am
I think Club racing is great grass-roots motorsport. Most people are in it for fun, and not to become the next Mark Webber. It is accessable to almost anyone and doesn't require you to be a "karting champion" or own a fully set up race car. In fact, this entry level stuff is where alot of interest is harvested and will help australian Motorsport survive - i think its sad that there isn't more encouragment for people to join in.
For example; a few years back my old man went along with a friend to a track day and had a passenger lap. He enjoyed it so much he entered his WRX in the next event in a standard class. Now, several years later it is one of the quickest WRX's at the track days he goes to, and now in the 'open' class because of all the modifications, and the car is now his dedicated track car. He has supported many local businesses in buying tyres, brakes, race fuel, engine rebuilds, panel work from race damage etc etc. This is what keeps grass roots motorsport ticking - and what keep motorsport accessable to the everyman.
Another example; A couple of years back my Dad took my cousin for a passeneger lap in his WRX. He enjoyed it so much he went and bought the same model WRX as Dad, and within a year he had won Targa Tasmania Rookie class in that car and had a major sponsorship from Horsepower Factory. Once again, neither my Dad or my cousin will be the next V8 supercar champion, but are having alot of fun while supporting local race tracks, local car clubs, and businesses to keep these cars going - that is what motorsport is about to me.