[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by D K

Im not an expert, but I would think there are 2 basic requirements to get people to sign up:

1. Cost is reasonable
2. Rule set is easy and logical

Why not start a new host club?

I've thought about doing this - but for profit because tracks all over the EC charge a lot (it's not just Florida, Florida just doesn't have any club tracks willing to charge club track prices). I run (with a group of friends) HPDEs every year for a specific Honda model and it's not rocket science. We do VIR/Mid Ohio/etc for two days with a banquet (with expensive catered food), event t shirt, etc for 400-450 for two days. We don't run for profit though.


Anyways, the problem is cost (track and insurance), reputation, getting instructors, and getting dates. Established groups (and in Florida there are a lot, especially with the big tracks) get their dates every year. You want a weekend at Sebring? I hope you only want to run during the summer. Weekday ok? You MIGHT be able to do events year round. It's really sad, but PBIR costs the same as Sebring. It makes NO sense. Daytona costs more. Homestead was less than Sebring last time I checked but that was years ago. VIR is ~10k a day for full IIRC, might be 11 or 12. Mid Ohio is about 11k/day, RA is about the same, Road America is closer to 15-18k depending on what you want, etc. Even PittRace (BeaveRun) is 11k or so a day for full once they complete it. CMP is 5-6k IIRC. Gingerman in Michigan is ~5.5k a day. The cheapest track to central Florida is probably RRR in Savannah. I haven't checked pricing in years and I can't recall the cost but it was club track level pricing then. Next would be CMP in Kershaw, SC.

It's a tough market to break into and be successful.

Outside of Florida there are club tracks that are cheaper and could be options.

California tracks are just a lot cheaper (well maybe not Sonoma/SP, although it's an awesome track to visit although I didn't drive it).