SCCA vs. NASA

sorry, but being new to all this, can someone explain the differences and pros-n-cons to each organization...

I know a lot of folks describe SCCA as the 'most bang for your buck' in road racing...

but NASA has a lot to offer in the area of HPDE...

not sure which road I should go down per se...

currently in negotiations on a '67 Mustang SCCA GT1 spec car but also thinking about a Panoz GT-RA NASA spec car as I am thinking both can pass tech for either group (as the Panoz reportedly has a SCCA spec rollcage)...

for a beginner/novice driver with an entry-level road racer, which is the best route to take for licensing, etc. -- my objective is to learn the sport, have FUN while doing it and go FAST of course...

Any inputs are welcome...

Thanks !!!

SCCA is usually a "little more controlled" at least here in Nor Cal. NASA has the reputation for being a bit of a "crash and bash" environment. But, this probably depends a lot on the area and group.

SCCA the Panoz runs in GT2 which now has 997 Porsche Cup cars and the Panoz isn't competitive on a national level, but still fun. Car must be compliant with Panoz supps and the restrictions prevent "legal" major changes unless you go to unlimited class such as SP which has 900hp $200k cars in it. I've run SCCA GT2 in a Panoz for about 6 years and really enjoy the group and racing.

NASA allows the car to run in groups based on HP/weight so you can modifiy the car etc. I think Brian on this forum can advise you on his NASA experiance and good success.

BTW if you are looking for cars I have a perfect 2000GTS red with new 450hp (0h) engine, trans and recent rear end. Holds SCCA track record for Panoz at Thunderhill, Infineon, and Laguna Seca. Very well sorted and reliable fast SCCA compliant car. $29.5k with huge spares package.

Also have a GTRA school car with carb and aluminum heads. Well sorted with fresh trans OH etc. $18.5k

Have fun.

Kevin
GTS, GTRA
Porsche 997 Cup Car

will send you a PM with my email -- very interested in a good low-hour Panoz GTRA or GTS.

I know re-working a stock 302 putting out 300HP to a stoked 347 putting out 415+HP is not an inexpensive endeavor, so I may be willing to make that investment upfront with a zero-hour engine in a GTS car...

My brother (a vintage Mustang/Shelby) guy live in Sebastopol, so if you're close he can come check out the car for me...

I will also be in NorCal on business in late March...

Joe,
give me a call anytime to chat. The GTS is in San Ramon, CA and the GTRA is up at the track in Willows, CA @ Thunderhill.

Kevin
925 699-6588 cell

I race with NASA in SU and ST-2 depending on the size of the field, car is competitve vs the Corvettes, Mustangs and Vipers, etc that have run in the class with me. Fun group, as said, they are a bit more laid back, but a great group and a lot of fun!