California Registration for track car

rodneym · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 10:33 AM

Hello,

I can't find an answer to this question on the California DMV site and hope some of you guys have knowledge on this:

If I were to build a kit car, whether it was a kit like FFR or a turn key minus like BDR, and only used it on tracks (trailered to and from tracks, no street use at all), do smog requirements still apply? I'm pretty sure would I need to register it but don't know about any details.

Anyone here with this type of experience?

Thank you.

Got the Bug · #2 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 10:38 AM

If the car is only used for track use, you wouldn't need to register it in California. Depending on the type of racing you do, a sanctioning group (like SCCA) might create a log book for the car to keep track of technical inspections, race history, etc.

BTW - No smog requirements would apply. A lot of tracks have sound limits though, so you'd need to prepare the car to meet those requirements.

Ron61 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 11:41 AM

Doug is correct.If you build or use any car just for racing and track use, you don't have to register it or anything like that. Years ago they did make a half hearted attempt to make us register our race cars, but when everyone told them if they had to be registered and have a license plate, then we could drive them on the highway and through town, that went away and was never brought up again. As Doug said, if you trailer it and it is only a track car, then you don't have to register it. That goes for any kit or real car that is converted into a race car only.

Ron

rodneym · #4 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 11:43 AM

Doug,
Thanks a lot for the answer. Much appreciated.
But, do you think a 'typical' Cobra replica would have a problem in the noise dept?

rodneym · #5 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 11:45 AM

Thank you also, Ron61. Your post showed up as I was replying to Doug.

Now, how much does a trailer cost.........

Got the Bug · #6 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodneym

Doug,
Thanks a lot for the answer. Much appreciated.
But, do you think a 'typical' Cobra replica would have a problem in the noise dept?

I think it would depend on the type of event and location of the track. For example, Laguna Seca has some pretty stringent sound requirements for club events, but other tracks might not. If you're going to build a car, you'd need to set it up for the tracks that you plan to drive on.

No idea on the trailer. You can probably find a good used open trailer with a tire rack for less than $2K. After that, it all depends on what you want.

Ron61 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 01:20 PM

Thunder Hill is pretty much no noise limit as it is out of town about 6 miles and in the low desert hills. One of my friends races there and we used to be able to hear his car when he was behind the hills. Doug is correct again. Call the tracks that you want to run on and ask them about any noise limits. Also ask about the inspection process. If you just plan to run open track events, you may not have to have all of the stuff you will if you want to get your SCCA license for example. Open track at Thunder Hill basically consists of having to have a 3 point roll bar at minimum, and the brakes and other safety items be good. And they do check the tires for wear. But you don't have to have the full roll cage and fire suppression system. And at their High Performance driving schools, all you need is the roll bar, good brakes and tires, and a safe gas cap. Oh, also helmets and depending on the track, maybe fireproof shoes and gloves and they don't want nylon pants. But they will accept just a fabric shirt and pants for the schools with a helmet and good shoes, not necessarily fireproof type.

Ron

Randy Rosenberg · #8 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 01:54 PM

The NorCal Shelby Club provides quite a bit of good information about Open Track sessions: http://www.norcal-saac.org/ot/otcentrl.htm

Ron61 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 02:00 PM

Randy,

I believe the Green Flag Driving association has one day a year at Thunderhill and also Laguna Seca. I have the entry form here for Button Willow Raceway.
They list new rules as the helmets have to be Snell 96 or higher and Nomex gloves are now reqired of all drivers. They are more of a group for new people to get into and learn about the tracks and cars than any actual racing. And they may have changed to now require complete Nomex drivers suites as I don't have the latest rules.

Ron

Doug I · #10 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 02:18 PM

Check Racing Junk for trailers

FIA Mike · #11 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 07:08 PM

We were just at Thunderhill. They are now monitoring and enforcing a 103dB sound limit. Pretty easy to meet.
Laguna Seca has a strict 92dB limit. Difficult to meet in a Cobra spec racer.
Sears Point monitors and enforces their sound limit. But I can't remember if it is 102 or 103 dB.

FIA Mike

4pipes · #12 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 07:40 PM

Laguna Seca's requirement of 92dB is by far the most stringent. They also measure it in a area that seems to amplify the effective sound. Pretty much a non starter for a Cobra replica. I was black flagged a couple of times in a stock Italian car. BTW, I agree with the above statement of Thunderhill....easy to meet 103dB. I've never had a problem with my Kirkham.

Frank Messina · #13 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodneym

Hello,

I can't find an answer to this question on the California DMV site and hope some of you guys have knowledge on this:

If I were to build a kit car, whether it was a kit like FFR or a turn key minus like BDR, and only used it on tracks (trailered to and from tracks, no street use at all), do smog requirements still apply? I'm pretty sure would I need to register it but don't know about any details.

Anyone here with this type of experience?

Thank you.

I haven't done this in a loooong time but you will want to get the vehicle TITLED otherwise if it disappears you got nothing to give the police.
Frank