THE NEXT STEP?

After you’ve done a few events you will probably become aware of the limitations of your road car, and begin to develop some ambitions for the future. Having met and talked to other members you may have a clearer idea of your ideal competition car.

The pages of magazines like Cars & Car Conversions are filled with advertisements for all sorts of modifications, and pictures of modified cars. Modifications for road use are very different from modifications to competition cars.

Broadly speaking, you can divide mods into three main groups:

‘Go-Faster’ mods – e.g more engine power, gearbox and drive ratio changes

Handling mods – e.g tyres, suspension, bodywork lightening etc.

Safety mods – e.g. roll bar or cage, fire extinguisher system etc.

Bear in mind that added complication can reduce reliability, so it pays to keep things simple. It’s also important to keep a balance between these elements – there’s no point in your engine producing 300 bhp if your steering & suspension can’t handle it, for example.

There is not space in this brief introduction to go into the complexities of car modifications, but by talking to experienced club members and reading relevant magazines you will gain enough information to enable you to spend your money wisely.

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