Would you like to find out what it is like to do what Scott Sharp, Paul Newman, Michael Andretti, Bobby Rahal, Bobby Archer, Danny Sullivan and many other famous racing drivers did when they first started their careers?

They all started as SCCA club racers and you can, too.

To begin, you must first become a member of a local region of the Sports Car Club of America (in this case, the Texas Region). Then you must go through the required driver training program to whatever level of road racing you want to attain. The license steps are novice, regional, and national. Should you so desire, you can even go on to the pro racing level.

To get a novice license, first have a physical exam done by your regular doctor using the official SCCA medical form. Next, submit the completed medical form along with two passport photos, proof of membership in SCCA, and a valid state driver¡¯s license plus the appropriate fee to the region competition license chairman. The competition license chairman will then issue you a novice license.

The novice license is in the form of a log book in which the successful completion of at least two driver¡¯s schools and two regional races (on a provisional basis) will be recorded. Upon completion of these requirements you may apply for a regional competition license. Successful completion of four regional races within one year will permit you to apply for a national license. The holder of a national license that successfully completes five national events within the previous twelve months may apply for a pro racing license or a dual pro-national license.

The reason for the different levels of license is that there are several different classes of cars that compete in widely varying areas of performance and of cost. They range all the way from low buck showroom stock and improved touring classes all the way up to the TransAm and the Formula Atlantic professional series.

Names like Al Unser, Jim Hall, Roger Penske, Dan Gurney, A. J. Foyt and everyone you have heard of in U.S. road racing is or has been a driver in the SCCA. Why not you? It¡¯s easy to get started. Come and join us.

For detailed information contact Reb Folbre, the regional competition license chairman.