Getting Started Racing Lightning Sprints
By Rick Braley
So you've come out and watched the Lightning Sprints run and now you want to get behind the wheel of one of these rockets! The logical question to ask at this point is "How do I get started?". I asked the same question earlier this year. This is my first year racing Lightning Sprints and I had no idea how to get started. The following information is a summary of what I found out this year while getting into the sport. I hope the information provided will help you get started. Please feel free to contact any one of the Midwest Outlaw Lightning Sprints (MOLS) officers if you have further questions. Each officer will be more that happy to answer any questions you have and point you in the right direction.
Finding a Car
The probably biggest task is to find a car. I found there are a wide variety of manufacturers, features and prices available. I purchased a used car originally manufactured by Bailey Chassis Company in Hendersonville, TN. I chose the Bailey for a couple of reasons. First, the manufacturer was still in business providing me a good source for obtaining replacement parts and configuration information. I felt this was important for someone new to the sport. I knew I would be very busy learning how to drive, setup, and maintain the car and felt it would be advantageous for me not to have to figure out how to fabricate or convert parts to fit the car along the way. It is very convenient to be able to call up the manufacturer and have the parts shipped directly to my door normally ready to bolt on the car. Second, the car had the features I felt were important for the car to be competitive and maintainable. I accumulated this list by talking with other drivers and car owners in the association. I found the other members to be extremely helpful and willing to share their time with a new comer like myself. I even located my car with the assistance of one of the association members. Check out the classified ads on the MOLS website for a listing of some of the cars and equipment available.
Safety Equipment
Another task is to purchase the necessary safety equipment. Racing any motor vehicle has an inherent amount of risk associated with it so purchasing the appropriate safety equipment and practicing safe driving techniques is imperative. You will need several pieces of safety equipment. As with the cars there are a wide variety of manufacturers, features, and prices available for almost every piece of safety equipment.
A fire-resistant driving suit is the first item on the list. I purchased my suit from Team Simpson Racing. I chose the standard 2-layer Nomex suit based on its TPP rating and price. You will want to become very familiar with the TPP rating since it measures the suits ability to protect you from heat and flame. Simpson suits range from 6 to 45. I also decided to purchase a set of Nomex underwear to give me added protection. I purchased the long sleeve turtleneck top, form fitting full-length bottoms, socks and dual eye port head sock. These items along with my driving suit provide me the level of protection I felt I needed at the price I wanted to spend. I know other drivers that use a 3-layer Nomex suit and forgo the Nomex underwear, others that wear the 3-layer Nomex suit and the underwear, etc. You will have to decide how much protection you want and purchase the appropriate equipment to achieve this level of protection.
The helmet is another item you will be required to purchase. Our association specifies you must have a SNELL 95 or higher certification on your helmet. This eliminates most helmets designed for motorcycle use only. I went with Team Simpson Racing for my helmet also. I chose the "Bandit" model due to its features and price. I also got the model with the Nomex liner for added protection.
You should also purchase gloves and shoes designed specifically for racing. Again, I chose items from Team Simpson Racing. Both items are made with Nomex for fire resistance and were priced competitively with other manufacturers.
Finally, I purchased a neck support and arm restraints from Team Simpson Racing. The neck support is worn around your neck and is supposed to reduce neck fatigue. The arm restraints were required by our association help to keep your arms inside the car if you should happen to get upside down.
You will want to check with the racing association that organizes your races to be sure you meet all the safety requirements they have.
Orientation to Rules and Regulations
Every association has rules and regulations that you should become familiar with prior to purchasing any equipment. You will want to be sure any equipment you buy conforms or can be made to conform to the rules. Some examples of the rules may be maximum engine displacement, minimum vehicle weight, types of safety equipment required, etc. You should get a complete listing of the rules and regulations from the association and refer to them when buying equipment.
Getting familiar with the car
Once you get your car and your safety equipment I recommend you get to your local track on practice night prior to participating in an actual race. You need to get familiar with the cars controls, how to drive the car around the track, etc. These cars are very powerful and agile and require a certain competency level in the driver to be safe and competitive. You owe it to yourself and your fellow competitors to take your time and get to know the car. Most importantly, take the time to build up your confidence before trying to run like the seasoned veterans. Be patient, the skills you need will come with enough practice.
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