• Come to the race meetings

Watch how the cars behave, the lines the drivers take, slipstreaming etc.   Watch what the teams do between races.   Watch the proceedures for getting onto the grid, the start lights etc.

• Ask lots of questions

If you say you're interested in going racing, most drivers and teams will tell you all about what to look for, what it's like etc

• Get a Motorsport NZ National Race license

Application forms are on the MSNZ website (under administration)

• Join NZ Mini 7 Association

$30 / year

paul.carolyn@xtra.co.nz                021 705 980
dougdrake@xtra.co.nz                   03 389 1121

• Join Mini 7 South

$50 / year

paul.carolyn@xtra.co.nz                021 705 980

• Get a permanent racing number

Manfeild Promotions
PO Box 1959
Palmerston North

Phone   06 323 7444
Fax       06 323 2422
manfeild@xtra.co.nz

• Get the right safety equipment

For your own protection get a decent full face helmet, 2 layer fireproof overalls, boots, gloves neck support etc.   Also carefully examine the seat belts in any car you buy - MSNZ have new rules about seatbelt lifetimes, so make sure that the belts are up to the task.

• Buy a prepared car

Building a Mini 7 is a serious undertaking - while they are essentially a modified Mini, the alterations are to the point that they are a serious race car, hence proper engineering methods need to be employed.   There is definately a right way to do it and one needs to pay particular attention to "Schedule M",  the NZ Mini 7 Association technical regulations.  

There are usually one or more running, prepared cars for sale.   Ask the drivers and they will point you in the right direction.

• Practice, but not too much

Obviously you'll need to learn the tracks and how a Mini 7 behaves, but it doesn't teach you the right lines to use, gear and speed through the corners.   Being front wheel drive, Mini's require a different approach to a traditional rear-drive car.

• Go racing!