Any racing Doc's out there?

[rbray]

I am interested in entering some club racing in my Miata.
The problem I have is that I have a genetic lung disease that has left me with only 35% of my lung function.
My question is two part.
First I'm currious if I will pass the SCCA physical and two if I do pass is it wise for me to go racing with the health my health issues. I attended the two day school at Mid-Ohio and did not have problems however, I am concerned that I will run short of breath while in the heat of competition.

If there is anyone out there that can offer advice I would be grateful.

[wizard]

The Best Advice you can get on this matter would be from your own doctor. I'm sure he knows you best and is familiar with all your strenghths and weaknesses. Best of Luck.

[terry lee]

rbray,
I"ll do this as one of my more serious posts.

My wife has about the same lung capacity as you stated, and is on inhalers. She has what is called COPD (I believe).
She drove the Cobra at Sebring pretty hard for about 10 laps, and it whooooooped her. She was done for the day.

Best advice is seek the advice of your own doctor first about your general health, and then your Cardio Pulmonary physician about your own strenghts and weeknesses. If you are taking inhalers, I assume that you have a CP Dr.

Best advice for all concerned is play it safe and seek professional advice.
Don't ask Dr. Semko, he'll tell you that you have a ingrown toenail.

Dr. Terry
Amateur OBGYN

[Kputz]

Here's the deal Roger. To apply for an SCCA Novice Permit a rather detailed physical exam is required, complete with EKG printout (which is sent to SCCA for their files). Having completed the form and physical requirements you are required to attend and pass two SCCA approved schools (no, fun schools are not recognized). If you pass the schools you must race two Regional SCCA races and complete (no DNF's for any reason, car problems, crashing while leading, etc.) the events. At the completion of the 2nd event the Race Steward of the Event will sign off on your Novice Permit if he is satisfied you beling out there, and you return it to SCCA with yet another physical examination and you will be issued a Regional Competition Liscense. Upgrades can then be made to a National or a Pro liscense depending how many Regionals you run (or in the case of a Pro liscense, how many Nationals you run) and what your proficiency level is in them. After liscensure you must submit a physical exam every 5 yrs (ages 16-35) or 2yrs (ages 36-59) or every year (60+).
SCCA is not a grab ass organization (and this is real racing...not some "gee look at me go fast" open event), their events are professionally done and they take safety VERY seriously, as well they should. Medically however, they look specifically at things that might hamper your ability or endanger your/others safety, which is why they pay close attention to EKG read outs (2 yrs ago a good friend of mine died from a heart attack, while leading a race, on the LAST straight of the LAST lap....Ralph Ridge at Waterford Hills in Detroit....and he was a VERY experienced 50 yr old Formula Continental driver). I seriously doubt that your problem would raise an issue with them unless your doctor thought it might impare your ability to stay focused or even conscious (no passing out, please).
I assume you mean the new Spec Miata class is the one you are interested in, and if so, it's a great choice. I've raced American Sedan for years and sold a front runner Cobra Mustang last year and built just such a SM and I can tell you there isn't a car more fun to drive fast, nor a class that is more affordable (no racing is cheap).