Be Involved?

[06RangerSTX]

Is there a way to be involved with Pro-Touring without having money? I am a 32 year old guy who has always been a gearhead, but did not have family that shared the same passion. I found this community several years ago and found it to be something you do not find much of anywhere else. I so want to be involved, but do not have money or even a garage to work on a car. I attended Goodguys Columbus last year and became hooked on Pro-Touring. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Elijah

[BMR Sales]

Elijah, maybe get hooked up with someone that does USCA Events and volunteer to be part of their crew.

T.C.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I feel your pain brother. Best wishes on pursuing your dream.

[andrewb70]

There are plenty of events that you can attend as a spectator. Just look at the Events forum. As for participating, well, you first need a car. There are many low cost options.

Andrew

[71maroesteban]

Just attend some shows and talk with people before I had my car and a job it was all I could do now I'm very blessed have gotten my car and a family that supports my passion for these cars!

[silvermonte]

See what you can find for a cheap car to mess around in.A 80's camaro or an s10 come to mind. You can find a camaro in the $1500 range that runs and S10s with a 4.3 in them for $500-600 all day long. You wont need anything special to have fun and then as things wear out replace one thing at a time. If that is not an option just like Andrew said you can spectate for free, or some places will let you volunteer at an autocross picking up cones and then when its not your turn to pick up cones you can hop in someones car for a ride.

[BonzoHansen]

4th gens are getting cheap and do not try to keep up with the jones

[06RangerSTX]

Thanks for the comments! I think there are a few events that I could attend that are not too far away like the Ohio Muscle Car Challenge... I do have a project... I am not sure if I want to build it or not... I built a 2.3L Turbo motor to fit in a 2nd gen Ford Ranger... I had a truck but it was too far gone to continue with the project. I kind of want to go with an older truck like a '72 Ford Courier or a '72 Chevy LUV truck. Drop a small block into one of these trucks will be a hoot to drive to say the least... My major problem is that I do not have a garage to work on my project, so it makes it hard to work on anything at the moment.

[bishir]

Most of us comprimise. There are even plenty who have enough money, but not enough time. I'm much closer to poor than rich and it really is about finding where I can save money to apply towards my hobby. Do you have a cable bill, or a expensive cell phone perhaps? All that adds up. I went about 7 years without any kind of cable or TV at my house. Not because I couldn't afford it, but because I thought my money was spent better elsewhere. Automobiles in general aren't a cheap hobby, but there are more affordable options like mentioned.

[Red67Mustang]

You're 32 years old, so I assume you likely have a vehicle to drive you to work. All you need to do is Autocross that. Join your local SCCA chapter and have at it. There are tons of grocery getters with numbers on them at an Autocross. You can even pit next to all the CAM contenders and have a ball on the cheap.

[Bob in St. Louis]

That's all well and good, but if you break your daily driver and can't get to work, then you're in trouble.
I'm with ya man, but you can't abuse the equipment that puts food on the table, that's a dangerous gamble.

[06RangerSTX]

I do not have a cable bill, cannot afford it... I was given a 3 year old android phone that I pay $30 dollars a month, right now I drive over 80 miles one way to work so time is really not on my side. I do however only work half day Fridays, so the weekend is not too terrible. I drive my wife's old 2004 hyundai accent that has 151k miles on it so autocross in that car would be a big no no... I personally think my problem is the debt that I have accrued through the years due to being laid off 4 times since 2007, It seemed as though every time I get laid off I always accrue more debt... I also have a 20 month old daughter that is crazy expensive... So maybe the reality is that me being involved may be a pipe dream...

[Bob in St. Louis]

I pay $21 for 90 days for my Tracfone. That same time period would cost you $90. A savings of almost $70.
There's a small start.

I've been laid off too, so I know where you're coming from. Best of luck man.

[bishir]

Look into Dave Ramsey's financial peace university. Many times it's offered for free from local churches and it's a great start to financial freedom.

[shmoov69]

Look into Dave Ramsey's financial peace university. Many times it's offered for free from local churches and it's a great start to financial freedom.

this!!

But in the meantime, go to events as a spectator and watch, listen, learn and offer to help people however its needed. If you're a valuable "pit crew man", you WILL get the opportunity in due time. It will not just fall in your lap, but when you build trust and relationships with fellow gear heads, coupled with knowledge and sweat you WILL get the opportunity sometime with someone that you did not expect. Zig Ziglear always said "to get what you want in life, you must first help enough other people to get what they want".

I LOVE the idea of a Courrier!! That is something that has not been done and should be able to scream around a bunch of cones if set up properly!!

[06RangerSTX]

Thanks for the comments! I will look into Dave Ramsey when I get a chance... I would love to help some other people out! living where I live there are not too many shops or people building cars... but will be moving soon back to Columbus, Ohio if anyone needs help, hit me up!! I would love to spend time wrenching or even sweeping the floor of a shop!

[bishir]

The ECTA (East Coast Timing association) is always looking for volunteers as well and you wont' be too far from Wilmington, OH. If you like cars this should be right up your alley.