Does any one ever participate in Vintage car racing?

I don't believe you can Peter. The vintage rules require an original in most cases.

My experience with vintage racing is very limited...but with that said there I have a few thoughts;

Some groups will allow replicas, depends on the attitude of the sponsors as well as the rules the organization

I have on one ocassion run in vintage racing as a '68VW which is what the chassis was on that car. Unfortunately, I did very well in that race and was disqualified and ultimately banned from running as a VW in future events. The real 356 people did not like "a piece of junk fiberglass car beating them"

Sometimes, if the field is not full, sponsors will allow very non complient vehicles to add to the racing fun

You are more likely to be accepted in some, not all vintage racing if your car is "properly prepared"...meaning a certified roll bar, 4 or 5 point seat belts mounted per safety specifications, on board fire system, external electrical shut off, and you have proper and certified driving suit, gloves, helmet, shoes and the like

If you finish in the bottom half of the pack you may be able to race again....do better than that, maybe not

Peter! I can't believe you're thinking of racing a car you've waited nearly 3 years for and paid way over 50K. What Are You Thinking?

A Beck is over 50 Large...OMG
Thank god for Kirk....

Only with a LOT of custom work, Vinny.

That said, I love your phatboy. Bet it'd make the cross-country trip just fine (hint hint).

The only race i was in was the race to the buffet. we drive are cars and then usually find a good place to chow, drink and talk about the drive... that's an awesome time...

Just saying...

Peter,

Take some driving lessons first. Google "racing schools" for a track near home where you can see if the sport appeals to you. It's a little pricey, but a necessary first step for a serious beginner. Autocross may be an acceptable substitute if vintage racing doesn't work out.

Nolan, There are all sorts of vintage races. How would you like to participate in a vintage race where every car entered is worth over $10 million each. Such is the Ferrari 250 GTO vintage race that takes place every few years. Certainly they have rules but occasionally one gets into a fender bender. There are probably those on the forum that know more about this than I.

I prefer the peace of mind of driving a replica and it is sure a lot cheaper.

I understand all insurances are usually null and void if the car is involved in any "Speed Event".

That is correct. But then, if I owned any car worth over $2 million, I would sell it and live happily ever after. There must be something on the planet more fun than vintage racing and a lot less expensive.

Slick Track Go Carting!

Peter, although your car is certainly a very well-built machine, please remember that it -- as a fiberglass replica -- carries all of us in the glove box (so to speak).
The attention drawn by one, positive OR negative, is a reflection on us all.

I once spoke to a drag race (NHRA) official about making a run on their sanctioned track.
He pointed to the door and suggested that I get lost.

peter i can put you in touch with some of my old scca porsche friends who now vintage race a 356, and one rents his cars out. bill

Time to start the Vintage Replica Racing Association (VRRA).

Peter: If you're serious about the thrills and dangers of high speed driving try the Palmetto Expressway at the peak of Miami's rush hours!

I have clients who DE their speedster and spyder replicas, but the Beck 904 is the only one of our cars that I am aware of that has been accepted for vintage racing by the SVRA

Not vintage racing but a PCA sponsored Auto-X in SoCal.

Our buddy Robert 'Bobsled' Brown and his wife, Tamara, at the PCA Auto-X. Tamara is going to put her Cayman through the paces on this 1-mile course. Course was on the flight line of the El Toro Marine Corp Air Station in SoCal.






I didn't catch the name of this guy driving his replica Speedster (mfg unknown) in the time trial...



Replica Speedster representing at the starting grid...



Tamara Brown ready to shred the course record in her Cayman...

Right, like those painter's-taped-on numbers are really gonna stay on the car... :)

Isn't there, or hasn't there been auto cross racing at our own Carlisle event? I think a few brave souls have competed in the past.

I did 1/8th mile drags last year with my Spyder, 4 point harnesses, Halon fire system, three-point rollbar, and helmet. The helmet was required, as was the rollbar in an open car. The four-points and the Halon ensured a little more safety. It was heads up, no tree, arm drop, and $40 entry, uber cool! Great day was had by all, three miles from my house! I can't wait to do it again......

I plan to be a worker at a PCA club race at Lime Rock this spring, last weekend of April. We'll see if they let me RUN on the track. Hopefully I can finagle a little instruction too. I have done parade laps before, but never really opened her up. Would love to run against some vintage 911s and 356s, that should be fun. Well prepared 911s are f'in FAST!

So what'd ya run in the eighth?

dr. evil, some steel 356s with a type 4 by raby, will walk away from some 911s. the purists hate it. bill

HI Guys. I have been in many race before. Since I was a Kid in School in Madri, Spain I have participate in ralley. Madrid, Montecarlo was my favorite.(race a Mini Cooper S) While I was in NY I belong to the PCA and locally with use to race. I have taking different racing course with Porsche(PCA) . With Corvette (Bondurant) and the last one in England,after I purchase my AM Vantage . Usually I have participatted in Aston event in Amelia Island . These does not count street racing with a 69 Mustang and a 74 Firebird. The question is could you participate in Vintage racing with a Replica?
.

Peter you obviously have the background to compete, however I believe by the intent of your question is that every event and their sponsor's will have specific guidelines or rules that might limit your participation, based simply on the fact that your replica is not a true vintage model. I believe the only true answer is to ask at each event...
and if so then knock yourself out and have a blast... Make sure you take pictures too!

Peter: Look at the Great Race details under events. Looks inviting but I can't pony up the $3000 entry fee unless I hit the Lotto.

Almost every vintage racing event would not allow modern replicas, since they have little resemblance mechanically to the cars they represent. With equal driving ability, a replica with high hp, quality suspension and brakes, would have much lower elapsed times than the original. Not only do modern replicas go faster, they decellerate more quickly, and are quicker through the turns. Ligher + faster + quicker = unfair advantage. All it would do if you did participate was piss people off when they discovered that your "1957 Speedster" was actually a 2011 Beck.

Ed, unknown, no timing, it was arm drop like Pinks....

I do have an app for my Android that uses the internal acceleration sensor and GPS, and I have a windshield-mounted dock so that info will be found! Great tool for calibrating speedo...

Bill, the purists didn't appreciate my heavy right foot mirroring theirs(on a parade lap): I won!

HA! Apps! Yes! So happens I am installing a new speedo right now & also have an iphone. Thanks for the tip. Do post your times. Maybe I'll peel off a run this year and post it. I got 1330cc's of gnat-like fury under the gas tank. :) Should be good for mid to high teens in the eighth.

Check the web sites for any vintage group that would be having events in your area.
On their web sites there should be contact info. Most clubs/organizations I've been involved in are very friendly and ready to answer your questions.
Do a search for these groups: VRG, VDCA, SVRA, VSCCA
I honestly don't remember any "replicas" in any of the events I've been to although I do know that there have been "continuation" cars entered.