Hello. I've been tracking and/or racing Miatas for a number of years and currently time trial a Honda S2000. It's been fun but I really want to move into a purpose-built race car. Based on my research, I believe a Radical SR3 would be a good choice for me and that's why I'm here.
I've yet to drive a Radical and would like to actually drive one before buying. I live in southern California. I'm aware of the Radical Racing Academy at the Spring Mountain Raceway in Pahrump, NV and I see that they have a 2-day racing school for $5400. That's an option but I wonder if I can rent a Radical for a day to see if I like it. Anywhere in California, NV, and AZ would work for me. Does anyone here have any recommendations for racing teams or race prep shops that rent out Radicals in this area?
Hi Michael (@backmarker_billy), welcome to the Registry! It sounds like you have done some good research which led you to the SR3. I would say that is a great choice. Hopefully you have seen the "SR3 Buyers guide" in the Resource Library. That should be helpful in deciding which generation Radical to buy. When you get ready to buy, feel free to reach out to me and I would be happy to answer any questions that you have regarding the cars or Radical ownership. I work with a lot of people to help they get into the car that best meets their needs.
Regarding you question about places to rent Radicals. There are a few options. You mentioned the first which is the Spring Mountain two day school. That is the best way to get the feel for driving a Radical and although it isn't cheap it is a very good investment to learn these cars. There are some unique aspects to transitioning into a Radical that are not always obvious but learning from someone that knows how to drive the cars will help a lot. For example, these cars a very sensitive to front and rear balance when cornering. If you just throw the car into a corner like a street based car without getting a feel for the front / rear balance it is very common to spin the car. Once you get a feel for it these cars cornering capabilities are absolutely amazing. Also, when you spin it is absolutely essential to get the clutch pedal (actually both feet) to the floor IMIDEATELY. Failure to do this will allow the rear wheels to cause the starter to engage which causes it to overspeed and self district. These are just a few examples of why it is worth the cost of admission to a class that will teach you the nuances of these cars. None of it is difficult, and these cars are easy to drive fast, but if you don't know some of the nuances, it can ruin you day and cost you a lot of money. Another option at Spring Mountain is to do a one day private lesson in an SR3. I believe this option is a little less expensive than the two day class and you get personal one on one teaching environment.
With all of that said, if you really want to rent a Radical there is a company at Willow Springs raceway that will rent you an older Radical. They are located right next to the Go Cart track. If you choose that route (which I don't recommend) be very careful going up the hill into the Omega (between turn 3 and 4) and at turn 9 because an unplanned spin in those areas can be expensive.
Let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do to help you with your transition into Radicals. You will really enjoy having one. Once you get a taste of driving a lightweight downforce car with slicks and paddle shifting it will ruin you from wanting to drive an street based car in the future. 🙂
@charleyhradicalsportscarregistry-com Hi Charley! Thanks for that informative response. It was very helpful. I've decided to go with the Radical Racing Academy at Spring Mountain and will be contacting them this week about their 2-day racing school.
Also, good to know about the starter issue with spins. I always go " two feet in during a spin", but that's a good reminder. That'd ruin my weekend!
