The Anatomy of Sports Car Club of America

The Anatomy of Sports Car Club of America

The Sports Car Club of America or SCCA is a legitimate organization where the best and the finest sports cars can be found.

Contrary to most popular beliefs, the Sports Car Club of America is not an exclusive organization. It is not just for the elite or for those who can afford to buy a sports car. It is simply a club that primarily functions both as a non-profit organization of sports car fanatics and a “sanctioning body” that sponsors autocross, rallies, and road racing in the country.

Today, SCCA boasts of more than 65,000 active members, ranging from professionals down to the amateurs and even those who simply cannot resist the force and magnetic appeal of sports cars.

With this large number of members, SCCA is now acclaimed as the “most active participation organization” in today’s world of “motor sports.”

Every year, SCCA holds more than 2,000 professional motor sports events as well as those meant for amateurs. The basic programs or events are the following:

1. Solo

This particular program of SCCA deals with the autocross program. In this event, only one car is allowed to run along a course arranged with many “traffic cones.” The area is a typical large concrete surface that is big enough and long enough to host the event.

2. Club Racing

This is the “road racing” category. This event is where sports cars race against each other either on transitory street circuits or on a race track.

Its yearly club racing championship for the national division is known as the “Runoffs.”

3. Road Rallies

This is a different rally because the competition is not based on speed but on the actual navigation and precision of the race.

These SCCA events are usually open to the public and the races are usually run on public roads.

Basically, the SCCA has 110 regional chapters that are widely distributed in the United States. Each individual chapter has their own racing events and championships. They also have their own rules and regulations on licensing, membership, member benefits, and insurance.

These regional chapters are all patterned on the administrative rules of the club. These rules are coordinated and maintained by SCCA’s CEO and President Steve Johnson.

With all these remarkable qualities, SCCA is definitely one club worthy of recognition. It is one of the most celebrated clubs in the world of sports car racing.

Sports Car Brands

Hottest

There are many top of the line sports cars in the car market that are available in different price ranges. The prices range from $20,000 for a compact car up to the $1,250,000 price of the Bugatti Veyron that can perform as a luxury car or for racing as well.

Since the sports car was introduced in the world of automobiles, the sports car has become one of the best sellers of every car manufacturer that produces any version of its kind. The sports car is still the hottest seller and one that many car enthusiasts want to own. The desirable appearance and extravagance it portrays makes every sports car stunning in the eyes of any driver. Here are some models that are ‘top of the line’ in the category of sports cars:

1. The Aston Martin DB9 Volante has features similar to the Jaguar, especially their external appearance. There are some similarities between the cars but the DB9 is more classical and the Jaguar XKR can be more handsome if you look at the details very closely. The DB9 comes with a 6-liter and 450-hp V12 engine that can satisfy every driver’s need for speed.

2. The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is capable of reaching 400-hp with smooth steering wheels and track-ready handling. It is affordable with its price of $50,000. The pricing is low compared to other sports cars that have similar features and performance. The current release of the Corvette is still the fastest in its class and to previous Corvettes that were released.

3. The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Roadster comes with a power ignition hardtop, which is a modification from the previous SL design. It is probably the most extravagant aspect on the design. However, the most awesome feature in this car is its mechanical features that come with a V12 engine and produces 604-hp. The car can blast you away in a glimpse because of its speed.

4. The Jaguar XKR Convertible is a ‘looker’ with its external appearance. Its awesome look does not end there. The mechanical features resemble the other great features of the car. Compared to other versions of the Jaguar, the XKR is highly tuned and has a 390-hp V8 engine that generates the great performance of the sports car.

There are far more sports cars that can be categorized as ‘top of the line’ in their class and in their price categories. Other sports cars that can be classified as super exotic cars include the Ferrari F430, Porsche Carrera GT, Cadillac XLR Star Black Limited, BMW 645Cic, and the Lexus SC 430.

Speeding with safety

Sports Car Racing: Speeding with Safety

Whether racing professionally or simply enjoying the pace of a race, sports car racing is an activity for just about anyone with the drive.

However, as all races are competitive, you’re always on the lookout for ways to improve your time. Here are some tips you can take with you next time you hit the asphalt.

At the start-up
- If you’re a beginner, try not to floor the accelerator at the starting line. You may still not be used to controlling all that power.

- For advanced racers, rev your engines as high as it can go within safe limits. When the signal is given, ease off the clutch, letting the engine go.

On the straight-aways
- You should be close to your maximum speed on straight-aways, but be very mindful of your steering.

- Beginners should use both hands for the steering wheel placing them at the “10” and “2” positions.

- Advanced racers should know how to steer by accelerating and decelerating. Acceleration will bring the car towards the outer track while decelerating pulls it inside. Steering with the wheel is minimal and should only guide the direction of the pull.

Making the turns
- Racers approach turns in two ways: gradual and sharp.
Gradual turns apply towards the outside of the track making for a slightly wide approach. Beginners should get used to this kind of turn first.

Tight turns tuck in towards the inner track, allowing the car to drift around the corner. This is for more advanced racers as it requires a lot of maneuvering with the steering, brake and throttle.

- Approach a turn slowly and pull out fast. When nearing a turn, ease off the accelerator, letting the car slow down to a speed that’s easier to steer. Resume acceleration as you reach the apex of the turn.

Racing attitudes
- Assess your performance every time. Take note of how you performed each time and determine how you can improve on them. Did the lines you take improve your times? Did you accelerate smoothly or did you race in bursts? This will take patience on your part, but will pay off in the long run

- Finally, although it is a race, develop the attitude of working on improving your technique, rather than beating other drivers’ time. Focusing on being faster than the other guy takes away your concentration on what you need to do right. Remember that you’re running at speeds around and over 100 mph. Small mistakes can make for big accidents.

With these racing tips, you can be well on your way to sports car racing with satisfaction and in safety.