new and car-less (for now)

[that new guy steve]

It feels a little early to get into this but my name is Stephen and I'll be a freshman mech engineering major at Clemson in the fall.

I'm already planning on doing FSAE and trying to race in whatever spare time I can find on a broke college student's budget. Unfortunately, I won't have a car the first year on campus... which sucks of course but that won't stop me from going to races.

I'm kind of curious how the club car deal works? Is it just members who don't have a car can use it? Or is it a rental or some deal?

I have some automotive experience now, my dad used to do a lot of autox with a stripped to the frame and rebuilt miata, I'm also interning at a speed shop right now stuck cleaning parts washers and taking out trash but learning there. Speaking of learning, any recommended reading? The required summer reading for freshman just won't cut it.

Oh yeah, my car. I live in maryland and my parents still own my car so I can't really take it where I want but its an 04 crown vic police interceptor aside from a K&N air filter its completely stock (sadly). 12 inch sub in the trunk and tint. I would have performance parts already but my parents are a little overbearing...

Last question: Is it more common for CSCC members to race their daily drivers or have a regular car and a car they race?

I may be new but I'm willing to learn. A lot.

[stevebullitt]

Welcome to another Steve It's never too early to get on here man. We're happy to have you so soon. As for your questions:
1. The club car works quite simply. If you are a dues paid member for $20 a semester or 30 a year, you are welcome to use the club car at all of our autocross events for an additional $10 on the cost of the event. Our current car is an 1983 RX-7. It's old and arthritic, but it's riding on R-comps and a featherweight so it's a blast to drive If you are car-less, we'll make sure to give you some priority for the club car, since that is it's true intent to help those who don't have or can't race their car

2. For your reading....I know it sucks, but just do it. If you're an ME (I am) you can avoid English for the next couple of years if you choose

3. As for driving your own car, it's up to you. We have tons race their daily drivers and a few with dedicated cars. Our events are all about fun and helping your improve your skills as a driver. Whichever you think you can do.
Sorry for the wordiness, but feel free to post up and PM anyone any time if you have more questions

[that new guy steve]

Thanks for the info! I'd gladly drive the RX-7 better than walking.

[JB]

Welcome! You will love driving the CC1, hopefully it will get some love this year with some club funds.

And about the summer reading...I hate to be a bad influence but I didn't do jack squat for the "required" summer reading before I came here lol. I even skipped out on the day where they divide you into groups and get you to talk about whatever stupid book you had to read. Nobody said a thing...

Just sayin

[humjaba]

(05-31-2011 12:39 PM)that new guy steve Wrote:  Thanks for the info! I'd gladly drive the RX-7 better than walking.

Just to make sure there's no misconceptions, the club car is available to drive at autocross events only, not on a day-to-day basis. It's not quite roadworthy, heh.

Welcome to the club. I too started posting here the summer before I arrived at Clemson (anxious to get started). I also tried getting involved with FSAE... It will be very difficult to get involved if you don't have a car (the shop is off campus). My roommate is pretty involved with them, and I will probably be helping out more in the coming year as well. Good luck to you. Mechanical Engineering is fun.

[that new guy steve]

Definitely for autox only haha. I'll be stuck with a bike and bumming rides off people for daily travel. That's fine. I'm assuming the RX-7 is a manual? Just so I can get a head start on learning that. Started in an automatic...

[mugennate]

yea it manual don't worry its easy to drive, welcome to the club.

[jedimario]

Welcome! There's a special place in my heart for the Crown Vic. It might mostly be taken up by the Mercury Marauder but still

[JB]

Crown Vics are the ultimate highway cruiser. Put some tint on and everyone gets out of your way...

[humjaba]

You should throw up some pics of the crown vic. Mod motors represent!