Hey guys. So I'm considering looking into Time attack racing. I know nothing about it, and basically want to get started in it. Take things slowly obviously, but what/how is the best way to get information and get started? I live in Arizona, and have a 2005 Evo MR. Thanks in advance.

Find an organization that uses instructors and get some seat time with an instructor. Repeat.

Not sure what's in your area. Check out your local NASA Region: http://www.nasa-tt.com/Arizona There's many of us that run with NASA and have worked our way up to TT or w2w racing. They give a good amount of seattime and have good instructors.

As for the car itself, keep it as simple as possible. You want it reliable so you don't have to worry about it or be wrenching on it and missing track time.

You can check out my blog (in my sig). Go back a few years and see how I've progressed. G/L.

what he said

Plenty of HPDEs!

I agree. Keep car power levels low. Keep it simple and reliable. Track time is king. Eventually you should invest in data acquisition system (G2X,Traqmate,driftbox, etc). Nasa is a good group to start with. Take it easy and have fun first few events. Speed will come naturally to you. Don't forget in car video. Another good tool to use for learning and feedback.

Being that I too race here in AZ I have some pointers.

1. Invest in a good overly safe tune!

2. Invest in a good tranny cooler setup. (being that your an MR)

3. Brakes are a must, we have a lot of tracks with super long straights IS Firebird main and Arroyo seco. Good fluid,ducts and pads are a great mod!

4. More cooling, water injection is a big help but bigger better coolers IC Radiator,Oil Cooler ect

5. Exceptional oil such as Motul, Eunos ect. with a 50 weight... May loose a few pony's but gain safety.

6. Good Fuel, E85 is a + but very hard to get at or near tracks in or around AZ. Water/meth setup can work well and be very safe as well.

7. Start with crappy small tires and learn to control your car at a easy limit and slowly upgrade to sticker ones.

8. Stay away from coil-overs until you have gotten to a R-compound tire level. Then pick them very carefully. A good set of swift springs will go a long way.

9. A stock frame turbo will always be enough power. Going big can be a hindrance than a +.

10. Good Oil/water ect gauges. Factory leave a lot to be desired. I have personally saved several motors from good gauges and monitoring.

I hope to be out at a track with you soon!!!

Evan Smith

7. Start with good street tires Dunlop Z1*, RE11, RS3, etc.

Very much agree with Nate. NASA driver education is well developed. From DE1-4 and then TT. You will learn a good amount.

I keep it simple. Get racing brake pads and fluid. Make sure car is 100% together. Learn.

Lol whatever helps you learn car control the fastest... my best learning came from "crappy" 300 wear 235's at an autocross. I had to spin out 3-4 times before I know exactly how to control it at the limit. Sticky big tires hide poor driving habits and make it harder to come back from a bad decision.

I will say some good street tires like the Z1's will be almost as sticky as R compounds and that can hinder those precious learning experiences. For the first few events. Im sure the OP will work his way into them fast...

Thinking from a tire design and construction standpoint. Lower end tires might not be rated for that much abuse at track speeds.

Awww I agree.. lol make sure they dont explode lol

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

^^^ Im thinking Z rated but far from an Z1,Starspec,Azeni grip.

Same idea just a different perspective. Internet communication lacks a lot in terms of detailed communication.

A good 235 will be tight and give better feedback teaching a driver better control vs a sticky bulging azeni.

Even good street tires (Direzzas) are nothing like Rs. Definitely start on good streets and progress. Sloppy streets tires are useless.

Don't touch the car until you are comfortable abusing it and can appreciate an upgrade.

Auto-x is a great way to get experience with no bad consequences. Speeds/inertias are obviously a bit different on the track but auto-x will expose you to many car control moments where you can get in a lot of quality moments.