As some of you know Formula BMW is coming to the USA. Anyone know how to get involved? I know the cars will cost above 60k probably, and then you will probably have to pay a big registration fee. Is there anyone here getting involved with this? I think they will be starting Summer 2004. Im going to try to get my rents to foot most of the bill but try to find some sponsors.

Thanks alot,

Freddy

If you want to get started in racing, running the first year in a new series is the LAST place you need to be. Do you know how to engineer the suspension on a purpose built race car? You need a LOT of experience just to set the car up so that it can be driven competitively.

Honestly, if you want to get started in racing, I can give you lots of options that are better than Formula BMW. There's no guarantee that FBMW will ever get off the ground or last for more than a season. There are too many Formula Car feeder series in the U.S. as it is.

Originally posted by BMWRacerITS
If you want to get started in racing, running the first year in a new series is the LAST place you need to be. Do you know how to engineer the suspension on a purpose built race car? You need a LOT of experience just to set the car up so that it can be driven competitively.

Honestly, if you want to get started in racing, I can give you lots of options that are better than Formula BMW. There's no guarantee that FBMW will ever get off the ground or last for more than a season. There are too many Formula Car feeder series in the U.S. as it is.

Once again I agree with Brian. If you want to do open wheel racing, Formula Mazda is hard to beat as a starter series. You could do SCCA club racing and then progress to pro racing if you were so inclined.

But, if you haven't even driven a race car in anger, be prepared to have the other kids eat your lunch.

Don't be attracted to the fact that it's BMW. The star mazda cars are faster and im sure a much more competitive series. Start there, and if you do well look into FBMW.

Starting out in a $60k car as your entry into the world of racing is insane. It's not like Frank Williams will hire you after seeing you take one lap in the FBMW. (Is this a feeder for Formula One? :confused: )

Have you auto-xed before? Club raced? Karted? All of these are better places to start.

LOL...nice post

Once again I agree with Brian. If you want to do open wheel racing, Formula Mazda is hard to beat as a starter series. You could do SCCA club racing and then progress to pro racing if you were so inclined.

But, if you haven't even driven a race car in anger, be prepared to have the other kids eat your lunch.

Folks,
I have been eyeing this idea for a while now. I checked BMW Motorsports webpage on it as well. Anyone knows more websites on Formula BMWs? I am interested in the Asian series.

Thanks,

Ahmad

Formula BMW USA's website. www.formulabmwusa.com

Folks,
I have been eyeing this idea for a while now. I checked BMW Motorsports webpage on it as well. Anyone knows more websites on Formula BMWs? I am interested in the Asian series.

Thanks,

Ahmad

Doh! They just tested at RA last monday and tuesday. I would've hung out with you and let you buy me lunch. :D

Doh! They just tested at RA last monday and tuesday. I would've hung out with you and let you buy me lunch. :D

Dude I was out of the country. Got back last week. Racing is going to take off in Asia big time. An aquaitence of mine made it big in the A1 Grand Prix (www.a1gp.com) also check out www.alimotorsports.com

Plus I plan on moving to Dubai soon so it would be a good start for me (have the experience and the hopefully the sponsors).

Plus I plan on moving to Dubai soon so it would be a good start for me (have the experience and the hopefully the sponsors).

Sounds great man, good luck to you.

Once again I agree with Brian. If you want to do open wheel racing, Formula Mazda is hard to beat as a starter series. You could do SCCA club racing and then progress to pro racing if you were so inclined.

But, if you haven't even driven a race car in anger, be prepared to have the other kids eat your lunch.


Where can I go to learn more about the Mazda series and what does it take to get involved in something like this?

rmani - Here's what you need to do...you need to buy my Formula Mazda and run the East Coast Championship (semi-pro series that runs with normal SCCA weekends).

www.starmazdaseries.com

The winnner usually gets a free test in the new carbon-tubbed Pro car.

The older car like mine is an excellent learning platform and will allow you to race competitively in SCCA National and Regional competition. From there, you can try to win the SCCA Runoffs, or move into the Pro Star Mazda series, Formula BMW, etc. if you have the speed and sponsors.

I thought Formula Mazda was still a bit higher in the food chain then Formula BMW?

Either one though, if you have the skills (and money/sponsors) you will do well eitherway.

rmani - Here's what you need to do...you need to buy my Formula Mazda and run the East Coast Championship (semi-pro series that runs with normal SCCA weekends).

www.starmazdaseries.com

The winnner usually gets a free test in the new carbon-tubbed Pro car.

The older car like mine is an excellent learning platform and will allow you to race competitively in SCCA National and Regional competition. From there, you can try to win the SCCA Runoffs, or move into the Pro Star Mazda series, Formula BMW, etc. if you have the speed and sponsors.


So you buy the car and trailer it to these tracks and race against others? You need a club racer license correct? How much money is typically involved to do this for a year?

quick google http://formularacingservices.com/How_to_Buy_a_U.html

I thought Formula Mazda was still a bit higher in the food chain then Formula BMW?

Star Mazda Pro Series, with the carbon tubbed cars that run near Formula Atlantic speeds ARE. The older, metal framed Formula Mazda with outboard suspension and single element wings, like the car I own, are great learning cars that can still be raced competitively in SCCA. They are similiar to Formula Continental speeds at a much cheaper cost. Motors last 2+ seasons without rebuilds, etc. Plus it's a spec class, which means you don't need to constantly develop the car and buy new wings, etc. to keep up with the pack.

New Star Mazda Pro car:
http://www.starmazda.com/car-specs/pro-mazda/promazda-car-spec.jpg

Old Car (like mine):
http://www.starmazda.com/car-specs/standard-mazda/standardmazda-car-spec.jpg