The first thing to do in terms of purchasing your own race car is to determine the CASC-OR race group that you plan to participate in.
Pirelli Super Touring Sprints (cars running under 1m31s at CTMP)
Pirelli Grand Touring Sprints (cars running over 1m31s at CTMP)
Formula Libre, including Formula Prototype Challenge and F4
Toyo Tires Formula 1600 Championship
VARAC Vintage/Historic (Production-based and sports cars built pre-1980)
VARAC Classic/Modern Classic (Production-based and sports cars from the 1980s, ’90s, and ’00s)
VARAC Formula Classic: Open-wheel formula race cars build before 2006
Create A Budget
Buying the race car is just the first step, in some series it can also be the least expensive part of campaigning a car. Figure out your budget first then do some research on what type of car and competition makes the most sense for your budget.
Start Shopping
Start with CASC-OR club, and specialty websites and forums. There are lots of reputable sources for race car sales and rentals. CASC-OR has a Marketplace listing located here https://www.casc.on.ca/casc-ads with an updated list of race cars available for sale and rent. A source for open wheel cars is located here
on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/canadian_formula_cars/ featuring an updated listing of open wheel race cars for sale and rent run by CASC-OR members. Your own CASC-OR member club is an excellent resource for locating a race car. Consider renting a ride from a competitor or prep shop until you locate a car of your own.
When buying a race car, try to buy a race car that already has a logbook and safety equipment like an approved roll cage, fire suppression, and up-to-date racing seat and harnesses.
Practice Early And Practice Often
If you are able, join a sim racing league to learn about your race car and the tracks you will run on. A great example is our group of F1200’s - https://formula1200.com/ . They have setup an iRacing league https://www.instagram.com/canadian_f1200_championship/ for existing and new racers to learn about the unique handling characteristics of the F1200 platform. This competitive sim racing series uses the F1200 to bridge virtual racing with real-world motorsport. There are lots of sim racing series with distinct types of race cars to help you sharpen your skills. That being said, driving your race car during test days is the best way to become familiar with its capabilities in terms of handling and performance. There are a number of local tracks that offer inexpensive lapping days to help you improve your skills, both inside and outside of your race car.
Owning A Race Car
To be safe and competitive, race cars need constant maintenance. Develop a pre-race, pos-trace maintenance plan so that you can keep your race car in tip top shape. Do regular inspection of critical systems: engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, and fuel delivery. Staying ahead of wear items – brake pads, rotors, bearings, belts, fluids—before they fail. Track hours on components with limited lifespans (e.g., engines, shocks, clutches). Ensure belts, seats, nets, fire systems, and fuel cells are in-date and properly installed. Race cars are inspected on an annual basis prior to the first race of the season, only those vehicles that meet CASC-OR Race Regulations will be allowed to compete.
Racing Involves Risk
The CASC-OR Race Regulations are intended to assist in the conduct of racing competition and to further general safety. The Race Regulations govern all race activities sanctioned by CASC-OR including events, entrance &; drivers, race officials, fees &; penalties, licences, rules of the pits &; paddock, flags, driver safety equipment, technical inspection, and the configuration &; construction of race cars. It is most important that you study the race regulations carefully. Particularly in the area of race car construction including roll cage construction, belt anchor points, etc. to ensure that your race car conforms to the Race Regulations.
Your personal safety equipment is of utmost importance – an “SA” rated racing helmet, a fire-retardant racing suit, socks, gloves, balaclava and shoes are required by the rules. Their selection, use and care are equally important. Be sure to consult the current CASC-OR Race Regulations, talk to experienced competitors, and compare prices and quality at race suppliers, particularly those who sponsor CASC-OR and have their ads appearing on our website.
