PRO3 Frequently Asked Questions
It can be a challenge when you’re new to racing to figure out how to even get started. Hopefully this section can provide a few pointers and a bit of direction but if you have more questions feel free to contact us via the contact form on the website or stop by on a race weekend and start asking questions. We’re always happy to talk and help share our passion for racing and look forward to racing with you in PRO3!
Why race in PRO3?
There are a lot of classes to go racing in so there’s plenty of choice to be had. The great part of PRO3 is that the cars are governed by the same set of rules so you’re racing similar cars and because of that we end up having some of the biggest and most competitive grids in ICSCC every race weekend.
What’s better than spending the weekend racing your buddies on track and having a laugh off the track when you’re all done? Not much. With everyone driving the same platform it keeps the competition close. No matter where you are on the grid or where you are in your driver development you’ll always find someone to race.
Check out some of our videos and photos! Every race weekend is a blast.
I don’t own a car, can I try out a PRO3 car to see if I like it?
Yes! There are a number of local businesses that specialize in rental programs. Some offer full service and others allow you to haul the car to the track and have you return it when you’re done. This can be done for regular track days as well as full race weekends. See the rentals section for contact information.
Do I need to know how to work on my car to go racing?
No. It can be helpful but it isn’t required. PRO3 is lucky in that there’s a number of businesses that offer full arrive and drive programs as well as complete race car services. With proper pre-race service and preparation a PRO3 car usually needs very little work at the track. See the rentals section for details. Many of those same companies offer full or partial service packages depending on your needs or requirements.
I’ve done a bunch of track days, I’m interested in going racing, what next?
You will need to apply for an ICSCC competition license. Once you have applied you will be issued a novice license which allows you to participate in competitive events as a novice.
Competition license?
This is your ticket into the world of wheel to wheel racing! Similar to your state drivers license that proves you understand the rules of the road, your competition license is your credentials of your ability to be safe on track and understand all the rules governing the sport by a sanctioning body.
PRO3 is a race class that races under the ICSCC sanctioning body which is often referred to simply as “Conference.” Conference will issue you your novice competition license after you send in your application. The forms can be found on the ICSCC website.
One thing that may be confusing for first time applicants is the club affiliation field. This is the club that hosts races under Conference. You will need to be a member of a club in your local area. This allows you to vote on rule changes and participate in club activities such as helping organize and put on races. You can find the various club websites and contact information on the ICSCC website. You can always contact any of the club volunteers by phone or email and they will be happy to talk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Follow the handy checklist at the bottom of the form and you’ll be good to go!
I have track day and/or some race experience, do I still need a license?
Yes. Track days are a fantastic way to continue to improve your car control skills but it is not the same as racing and often rules differ from group to group.
Racing groups such as Lucky Dog, ChampCar, or similar race experience will count as wheel to wheel track time and go towards completing your ICSCC license. The ICSCC license director will work directly with you to see what requirements will work best for you to help get your senior racing license. This is not a guarantee of a fast track to a license but it can help.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to build a racing resume. All the races you’ve driven in with links to video footage can help build a picture of your skills and familiarity with the track safety requirements and etiquette.
The novice rulebook is a great resource for the beginner racer as well as what could be expected even with some racing experience.
I’ve just got my novice license! Now what?
Time to go racing! Races are hosted by the affiliated clubs and dates are posted on the ICSCC website. If the season happens to be over, don’t worry, the next year’s dates are usually published late January/February and will be available on the website.
What sort of costs are involved?
This is the question that starts and sometimes ends some discussions about going racing. Cars are obviously the biggest cost contributor when getting started. You can build a car or buy one already built and there are pros and cons to both approaches. Used cars have sold for as low as $9k to as high as $25K.
The range in prices reflect a number of factors primarily influenced by build quality of the car and availability. A car needing absolutely no work that runs at the front of the grid will fetch a higher price than a well loved car that could use some refreshing. That shouldn’t deter you if a good deal crops up. Some of the best drivers in the series bought cars that needed work and they raced the wheels off them to develop their skill as a driver while also improving the car over time.
Running costs are fairly inexpensive for these cars. Pads, rotors, and fluids are all reasonable. No $900 front rotor sets here! Tires are probably the largest sticker shock for consumable but luckily the Toyo RR’s can last anywhere from 15-20 heat cycles or three to four race weekends approximately before being considered for replacement.
Race entry fees tend to vary from each of the clubs so it’s best to visit the ICSCC events page to learn more. All event registration is done through MotorsportsReg.
All right, I’m hooked! How do I get better at this driving thing?
All sorts of ways! While there are entire books, conferences, videos, and articles here’s a couple ideas to get started:
Track Days - Head to the track for a day blasting around and find ways to make deliberate practice part of your routine. Bring the PRO3 car and get some seat time. We have a great relationship with Proformance Racing School which can help get you on track.
Coaching - A lot of companies or drivers offer coaching services. This can be in car, out of car, video based, etc. You can also talk to other drivers in the paddock. Everyone wants to see everyone else improve since that just makes the racing better. This isn’t F1, we high five when we finish in 11th place.
Data Analysis - This can be anything from something basic in your car for predictive lap timers to full data analysis systems. A lot of us use various AIM systems and take advantage of Track Attack to compare data.
Faster Drivers - Seems obvious but follow a faster driver through a couple corners and watch what they do. You’d be surprised how quickly you can catch on to their tricks. They might disappear as quickly as they showed up but make a note of what they did and practice it.
Video - A number of us post video online of all the tracks we go to.
Simulators - While you might not have access to an E30 chassis most sims have cars of similar power to weight ratios that can help hone your skills and race craft.
I want to upgrade something on my car, what am I allowed to change or modify?
Refer to the PRO3 rules available here. If the rule book does not explicitly state the modification to be made then it is simply not allowed. Unfortunately sometimes people make modifications to their car and end up having to remove them so be sure to consult the book before spending money on those fancy go fast parts.
There is also a PRO3 Facebook page and a YAHOO email group that you can ask questions on or throw ideas out that you would like to do or try and get feedback from other drivers and crew.
Have fun and we hope to see you on track soon!