Sports Car Club Of America

The Anatomy of Sports Car Club of America

The Sports Car Club of America or SCCA is a legitimate organization where the best and the finest sports cars can be found.

Contrary to most popular beliefs, the Sports Car Club of America is not an exclusive organization. It is not just for the elite or for those who can afford to buy a sports car. It is simply a club that primarily functions both as a non-profit organization of sports car fanatics and a “sanctioning body” that sponsors autocross, rallies, and road racing in the country.

Today, SCCA boasts of more than 65,000 active members, ranging from professionals down to the amateurs and even those who simply cannot resist the force and magnetic appeal of sports cars.

With this large number of members, SCCA is now acclaimed as the “most active participation organization” in today’s world of “motor sports.”

Every year, SCCA holds more than 2,000 professional motor sports events as well as those meant for amateurs. The basic programs or events are the following:

1. Solo

This particular program of SCCA deals with the autocross program. In this event, only one car is allowed to run along a course arranged with many “traffic cones.” The area is a typical large concrete surface that is big enough and long enough to host the event.

2. Club Racing

This is the “road racing” category. This event is where sports cars race against each other either on transitory street circuits or on a race track.

Its yearly club racing championship for the national division is known as the “Runoffs.”

3. Road Rallies

This is a different rally because the competition is not based on speed but on the actual navigation and precision of the race.

These SCCA events are usually open to the public and the races are usually run on public roads.

Basically, the SCCA has 110 regional chapters that are widely distributed in the United States. Each individual chapter has their own racing events and championships. They also have their own rules and regulations on licensing, membership, member benefits, and insurance.

These regional chapters are all patterned on the administrative rules of the club. These rules are coordinated and maintained by SCCA’s CEO and President Steve Johnson.

With all these remarkable qualities, SCCA is definitely one club worthy of recognition. It is one of the most celebrated clubs in the world of sports car racing.

Popularity Of Sports Cars

What Makes Sports Car Popular To Car Enthusiasts?

There are certain things that arouse the emotional bond between the sports car and the auto fanatics.

Driving excitement and appearance are that sets the sports car apart from all the rest. The sports cars appearance is important especially to men; making the one reason the sports car is so popular.

Sports car enthusiasts bond with each other in clubs, talking, and exchanging ideas. They spend a substantial amount of spare time engrossed with their sports car.

There is in fact, something in sports cars that causes drivers to have a unique attraction and attachment to vehicles, making them very popular among the many vehicles on the market.

Others say that sports cars are toys for the “big boys”. Studies do show that sports cars are a popular hobby of many men and they often occupy the time, as well as the hearts, of many fans.

Here are reasons why they are popular:

1. Sports cars are popular because they are symbolic. Sports cars are considered a source independence or freedom. Drivers are no more hindered by the limitations and inadequacy of conventional cars and are able to have a flexible and free life maneuvering and tackling elements on the road with ease. This perception of freedom makes the sports car popular.

2. Sports cars are popular because of their “innovative technology”. People are attracted to technological progress; sports cars are a moving combination of technical and mechanical expertise.

Sports cars are considered by auto fans to be a complete package of technological advancement; from compact but robust engines to aerodynamic tailoring, sport cars symbolize the frontier of industrial design.

3. Sports cars are popular because of their capability to respond or counter the driver. Sports cars are sold, as surveys show, as extremely driver-responsive cars. The driver is has the complete control.

4. Sports cars are popular because they appeal to the driver’s desire of combining power and speed on the road.

While others look for performance, others desire a distinct design, and still others want both. Without any doubt, the sports car comes in a package that can match the consumers’ needs and wants.

Whatever one’s reason for possessing a sports car, it does not really matter; what matters is, if it’s the car that you want, and you can well afford it, then it should be what you are driving.

Exotic Cars

When Style Meets Performance: Exotic Cars 101

Searching for a quality luxury car will inevitably bring anyone to the rather apt adjective, “exotic”. Exotic food or exotic beauty may be more clearly defined, but what really makes for an exotic sports car?

Sleek and Elegant Design

Part of what makes an exotic sports car is the vehicles’ streamlined, sleek, and smooth designs, all of which serve functional purposes to the overall performance of the car albeit being so highly aesthetically pleasing.

Indeed, even exotic sports car makers know emphasis that car enthusiasts and racers put on design per se. After all, owning an exotic sports car in contrast to owning a car is, in itself, a status symbol. This status is endowed not only by the make of the car but also the style and visual appeal.

In fact, companies like Ferrari even employ design houses to come up with their car designs. Design powerhouse Pininfarina, for example, designed the 2002 Ferrari ENZO.

Breakneck Speeds

While design is one of the considerations of many car enthusiasts, the primary characteristic that by-far differentiates a sports car from the rest is its acceleration and maintainable road speed. When it comes to sports cars, it’s all a matter of speed, speed, and more speed. A pretty car won’t cut it if it cannot deliver the exhilarating ride that is expected of every sports car.

Exotic cars are continually challenging the rate at which a car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Designs are beginning to be shaped from the engineering needs of the car, in order to suitably deliver a new record speed. As of the moment, the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans continues to reign with 2.6 seconds. However, with the likes of the 2002 Ferrari ENZO being designed based on the specifications of making a fast car, expect faster sports cars in the near future.

One-in-a-Million

Indeed, exotic sports cars aren’t the type that mass produced and you can’t but then “off-the-lot”. Part of its exotic appeal is the fact that you can only have a certain number of models made available for sale. The rarer and more difficult to acquire, the greater a car’s exotic value.

It’s in the Name

Most cars don’t need visualization to be called exotic, they just are. These would include your cult sports car classics—your Porsche, your Ferrari, your Lamborghini.

While an ‘exotic sports car’ may be subjectively defined over a huge stratum, it’s safe to believe that these qualities are more or less held in commonality by any definition. At any rate, one look at a car may be enough to give you a clue.

Sports Car Styling

Sports Car Styling Tips


Are you planning to improve the aesthetic appearance of your car? Want to get that sporty and sleek look? Then here are some pointers that will help you dress up your car.


What products to choose from

When deciding what kind of setup you will do to your car, you should first keep in mind that there are a multitude of products being sold out there which claim superior performance and economical. But the reality is there are some good ones and and many of bad ones. Be picky when looking for car accessories and remember it is not a bad idea to look at the established brands before considering untested brands.

The wheels

One of the initial things that a car enthusiast does when dressing up a car is to replace the existing wheels with custom made ones. But this is not just for looks since performance wheels and tires also enhance a car's handling and performance. Choosing between tall wheels and short ones will be the next step. Bigger wheels get noticed more and increase the look of a car dramatically. Smaller wheels on the other hand have that vintage or retro look.

Stickers Galore

Applying sticker designs on the car hood or the other parts of the car body is one of the cheapest ways to alter and customize your car. Sticker designs range from popular performance parts logos of manufacturers as well as those designed for rally and indy races. If you are capable of making your own stickers, it is important to get permission for copying a design as it may be copyrighted. If you are planning to put stickers on the hood, choose the kind that will not be damaged by the heat of the engine. Metallic foil stickers are ideal for use on car hoods.

Lowering kits

Lowering your car means making your car more stable in turns aside from giving it an aggressive and sporty look. Cars are not the only ones that have lowering kits, so if you have a pickup truck, chances are, there is a lowering kit made for your vehicle. Although having a lower ride means improved handling, the trade off is poor ride quality since the car springs are stiffer and shorter.


These are some of the things that you can do to improve the look and stance of your car. Your car is a represents you so naturally you want it to look appealing. Of course, having a good looking car also means spending thousands of dollars. If this is your passion, then paying extra will not be a problem with you.

Best Ways To Buy sports Car

Find out the best way to buy a sports car

First, before going to a car dealership, buyers should already have an idea of the type of sports car they will be looking for.

Do they want a convertible, a two-seater, a mid-engine sport car, or a luxury sports vehicle? These are questions prospective car buyers need to ask themselves before they start their search. This will make the selection process much easier.

Buyers need to do their homework

It would be best for prospective buyers to do some research ahead of time. Read car magazines, talk to friends and memorize information on those sports vehicles buying guides that they might be interested in buying.

Don't forget to surf the net to get the latest news and information about the various models of sports cars that are on the market.

Compare prices

Pay a visit to a number of car dealerships. Look for special deals and discounts that they might be offering. This way a prospective buyer could get the best possible deal by comparing prices.

Budget

If money is a concern, prospective buyers should set a limit on how much they are going to spend, and stick to it!

Insurance premiums for sports cars tend to be relatively higher. This is reason prospective buyers need to set aside a portion of their budget for insurance. They always need to take into account the cost of: maintenance, operation, and repairs.

Timing is everything

The best time of the year to purchase a new sports car is near the end of the year when car dealerships are holding their annual end of the year sales. This is when dealers try to get rid of old models and try to replace them with new ones. The car dealerships offer especially low rates that they would not normally offer during these ‘end of the year’ sales. So it would be best for customers to take advantage at this time.

Warranty

The warranty is an important part of your decision when buying a car. It is a part of the cost that customers pay for when they make a purchase, they must be sure that the terms of the warranty are satisfactory.

Buying a new sports car doesn't have to be a big headache. It can be fun and exciting, as long as buyers know what they are doing.

This is why they need to prepare ahead of time, before going on a car hunting expedition so that they can own the sports car of their dreams.

Safety Features In Sports

Tips when Buying Sports Cars: Consider Safety Features

When buying a sports car, you should consider how safe it is to drive. There are two kinds of safety features that you need to consider: functional safety and inactive safety.

Functional safety requires the features to prevent the automobiles from accidents. This includes efficient brakes, responsive grips and reliable suspension. Below are some of these functional safety features. You should be aware of each feature so that you know when you have spotted your ideal sports car.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY SYSTEMS. This feature has the ability to sense when a car is out of control and intercedes the wheels by using discriminatory braking to specific wheels. It includes the traction controls and anti-lock brake system. This feature is seen mostly on luxury sports cars as it is expensive.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM or ABS lets automobiles to halt quickly and still continue to be easy to maneuver. Anti-lock brake systems are activated by using intense pressure so you need to learn how to do this. Do not just rely on moderate pressure to avoid sliding.

Effective TRACTION HANDLING helps cars maintain their grip even during acceleration. This feature is mostly suggested for rear-wheels as it helps reduce clog and the use of power-assisted brakes to a rotating wheel.

On the other hand, inactive safety features are those that protect the driver and other passengers whenever the functional safety features are unsuccessful. This includes the following:

Adjustable headrests are better called head restraints because this prevents the driver’s head from snapping back and forth when there is a collision. It should be compatible with the occupants’ height to be more effective.

Most vehicles have airbags for a safety feature. Cars that have airbags for all passengers and cover the front and sides are ideal and important.

When you go for a test drive, remember to check the distance of the airbag from you - the most reliable gap is 10 inches away from the airbag. In order to do so, move the seat back to a relaxed position and check to make sure there is 10 inches between the airbag and yourself.

Seat belts are also an important feature in car safety. You should also check and make certain that there are workable seat belts. Seat belts can help save you and your family in case of car accidents. Make sure that the vehicle has adjustable shoulder belts so that the belt can be adjusted to correspond to the passenger’s height.

Sports Car Rental Tips

The Sports Car Experience: Making the Most of Sports Car Rentals

You’ve always dreamed of getting your hands on that Porsche or Ferrari to race it down the tracks or to cruise around looking good behind the wheel.

For most people, however, being able to own such a vehicle remains a dream.

But now, you can still fulfill that dream of driving those fast and sexy machines without needing to take out a second mortgage. You can now book a rental for high class sports cars at reasonable prices.

Pricing and rental schemes for sports car rentals vary. You can drive a Porsche around a circuit for an hour or take a Lamborghini out anywhere for the weekend. And anyone who has made these arrangements can tell you, the experience is well worth the money.

Below are just some tips that can help make your own sports car experience smoother and much more satisfying without needing to break the bank.

Book in advance
Believe it or not, ever since sports car rentals started being offered, demand has continued to rise, with little signs of slowing down. This is probably because of the high return rate of previous customers.

So if you want to save yourself the anxiety of waiting for an opening that will coincide with a trip or an event, plan ahead and book the date well in advance. A month’s lead time usually will get you the exact model, date and time you want.

Secure your documents
Make sure you are qualified to drive the sports car of your choice. Some rental companies set up certain restrictions on particular models,

Height is considered and you should be no less than 5 feet or no taller than 6.5 feet. You should be licensed to operate a manual transmission vehicle.

Insurance documents may also be required, especially for rentals to be taken out of the facility. Other guidelines vary for every company, so it would be wise consult with them.

Consider rental packages
You may just save some money on a rental and get a more thrilling experience than you could have ever imagined if you’re willing to consider some packages put together by the rental company,

Some offer the experience of driving not one, but up to FOUR kinds of sports cars at a price lower than booking them separately. Group bookings are also possible, so be sure to inquire with the booking agent about these.

Getting to drive and ride in the sports car of your dreams is all the more within your reach. Just remember these tips as well as the standard safety rules and you’ll be well on your way to an experience you’ll never forget.