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Posted

Hi all,

Let me start by saying im new to racing and i am intersted in doing an HPDE event with my vintage mustang. Its a 1965 fastback with basically a stock suspension set up. I do however have front and rear sway bars, sub frame connectors, Monte Carlo bar, and the strut tower bar ( not sure what its really caled ). i have replaced all the shocks and the leaf springs are brand new. What i was wondering was if anyone has had some experience with a vintage mustang at an HPDE event that could tell me what to expect? Basically how does a vintage mustang handle on the track? what to watch out for? Any tips would be helpful like i said im new.

Thanks

Posted

First off, welcome.

Second, what region are you located in?

 

I run a 1968 Firebird and was new to all of this last year myself. So some of the rules stuff I'm still learning. But I progressed from DE-1 to Comp in one year.

As far as how does an old car handle on the track? They used to race them in Trans Am back in the day, and I'll take it anyday over any new car on the track, it's the absolute most fun you can have. They're quirky, tempermental, ill handling, a handful to drive at speed, weak brakes, rough on tires and suck gas. What's not to like?

 

We have several early Mustangs running in the SE, pretty quick cars and can be set up to handle well. Those guys can help you more with Mustang car set up tips.

But I'd run your car as it is to start. One, just to learn what HPDE is all about and two, to see how you car works as is.

After you get a little track time then you can start tweaking everything.

 

IMO though, the first thing I'd consider is adding a roll bar and some good seat belts. You don't have to install the roll bar for HPDE but the deeper you get into this the more you'll want one. Plus it gives you a place to hook a good set of belts. If you're running stock front seats you don't want to be sliding around. Those old seats don't offer much lateral support.

I'm not even sure a plain lap belt is track legal in some areas but if you have the shoulder strap it is. Check with your Regional director.

 

Have you done any Autocrossing with it? Or will this be your first time ever performance driving?

 

Pic of one of our guys, he runs in DE.

 

Dstang2.jpg

Posted

Im in the SoCal region closest track would be auto club speed way in Fontana im only like 20 min from there. Yes this will be my first time performance driving besides some indoor carting(not sure that counts). I have not tried auto cross yet because im not sure id like it. I wanna drive a race track not a parking lot with cones but i do understand its a great learning experience. I do understand that a roll cage and some good racing seats are something i need however i was not planing on putting a roll cage in the car due to it being my great grandmothers original car and because of that sentimental value i had not intended to do any heavy modification like a roll cage. Seat belts i definitely need to work on cuz right now i don't have any haha. what comp class are u running in with your Firebird and was it expensive? Ive looked at the scca and the licensing process with them is way expensive whats it like through nasa and how many events are there in your class? in your region?

thanks

Posted

Expect to spend between $400-$500 for a DE weekend at the track, depending on the track. Entry fee and fuel mainly since you live close by. Racing goes up from there, although the entry fees go down, your exenses start going up.

 

Up front you'll need a good helmet, if you plan on racing in the near future get one approved for that. But your car would need serious mods to race. DE and Time Trialing doesn't.

 

I'd just put some good belts in the Mustang, grab a helmet and enter in DE-1. You need to learn how the NASA system works as much as the car. Forget performance your first time, learn the system. You may even want to consider taking a newer modern car your first time.

Trust me, after the first session you'll wonder why the heck you're doing this, but at the end of the day you'll be looking at how best to advance through DE and modify the car for performance. It's addicting.

 

A 4 or 6 point cage without the halo can really stiffen the chassis and looks pretty cool too with a full interior. A Cage doesn't mean gutted. But you really don't need it to run DE or TT, you can always add it later if you want.

A good seat and seat belts are a must though. And you also must have proper seating and belts for the instructor that will ride with you in DE-1

 

If you haven't been to a NASA event, just go hang out and ask questions at one to start with. Look over all the cars, but DE-1 cars will be anything and mostly modern street cars. Find someone in DE-3,4 or TT and check their cars out. That'll show you where you'll end up if you don't plan on racing wheel to wheel. Finding Vintage cars in NASA is tough, not many around in this area.

 

You'd might try some Mustang clubs, that may be a better place to learn about your car, some do track day events. But I think NASA is the best place to learn driving, track and traffic management without paying big money for a sanctioned school.

 

Good luck

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