Southeast (Florida) 86CUP Interest Thread

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by phastafrican

There are lots of variables that make the cost vary. Now I know you guys aren't towing, etc... simply showing that there is no definite rule on the expense. A specific group may have the environment you chose to be in, and that's who you go with regardless of track time or cost. And sometimes you just pick the most cost effective option.

Good info and perspective.

This is a quickie back of the envelope estimate for a two-day event that's 250 miles away, and to which I tow a race car in an enclosed trailer:


I pay $1250 for mounted tires, use them for eight heat cycles, and then sell them for $200. I don't drive a lot of laps, so I'm probably on the track for maybe 45 minutes a day.

If it's going to be wet and I'm out of wet tires, then I have to get a set of them, too. Usually, I can pick up new or used wets for short money - last set was $590 delivered and mounted. Mine always age out before they wear out.

Not included are the expenses to maintain the car (except for brakes), nor the cost to maintain the truck. I use a shop so car maintenance expenses are high - just the post-event nut & bolt runs around $300.

When drivers ask me what it costs to run a towed race/track car, I always suggest that if they're not prepared to spend $1,000/day they might want to rethink it, or maybe plan on doing everything themselves and maybe also running rubber until it can't be run anymore. Some cars will tolerate the latter better than will others.

[smbstyle]

I'm assuming those spreadsheets you guys are using are password protected from the wives? lol

[phastafrican]

Originally Posted by smbstyle

I'm assuming those spreadsheets you guys are using are password protected from the wives? lol

YOU KNOW IT!!! I've got a macro that multiplies the cost values by 0.x depending on the target number I think she'll be okay with.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by smbstyle

I'm assuming those spreadsheets you guys are using are password protected from the wives? lol

I'm beyond lucky I still have a wife. Not joking. While I suggest others use $1K/day as a guideline, my daily expense has been quite a bit higher, and until this year I was at the track an average of 35+ days a year. Now you know why I'm lurking here.

[phastafrican]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Good info and perspective.

This is a quickie back of the envelope estimate for a two-day event that's 250 miles away, and to which I tow a race car in an enclosed trailer:


I pay $1250 for mounted tires, use them for eight heat cycles, and then sell them for $200. I don't drive a lot of laps, so I'm probably on the track for maybe 45 minutes a day.

If it's going to be wet and I'm out of wet tires, then I have to get a set of them, too. Usually, I can pick up new or used wets for short money - last set was $590 delivered and mounted. Mine always age out before they wear out.

Not included are the expenses to maintain the car (except for brakes), nor the cost to maintain the truck. I use a shop so car maintenance expenses are high - just the post-event nut & bolt runs around $300.

When drivers ask me what it costs to run a towed race/track car, I always suggest that if they're not prepared to spend $1,000/day they might want to rethink it, or maybe plan on doing everything themselves and maybe also running rubber until it can't be run anymore. Some cars will tolerate the latter better than will others.

Yup. Those are all factors to include. Good info there. I've got a lot to share about not running a lot of laps and selling used tires, but I think we've gone OT a bit.

[D K]

Up to now, my average cost per day has been a LOT lower than 1k/day.

Im up to over 10 track days with this car so far.

I think 6 or 7 boosted.

David

[phastafrican]

Originally Posted by D K

Up to now, my average cost per day has been a LOT lower than 1k/day.

Im up to over 10 track days with this car so far.

I think 6 or 7 boosted.

David

Do your best to keep it that way for as long as you can. Towing + R comps + Ceramic pads + accounting for increased maintenance will increase that. The fun factor goes up too though.

[phastafrican]

Originally Posted by dradernh

I'm beyond lucky I still have a wife. Not joking. While I suggest others use $1K/day as a guideline, my daily expense has been quite a bit higher, and until this year I was at the track an average of 35+ days a year. Now you know why I'm lurking here.

Before I forget... if you're not far from http://www.ratchet-head.com , call Mig and see what he can do for you. Put together a proposal, and knock down some of those cost. You can say I sent you (it may help/hurt)

[THEmailman]

All awesome points that have been made here. @raul, I see what you are saying in regards to time and cost on track versus experience and expectations of drivers. I have to remember sometimes that there are people out there who think 4 track days a year is an acceptable number. I'm on pace for 15 this year and am thoroughly disappointed with the knowledge that this will not happen next year so it's good to be reminded that there are others who look at this sport/hobby differently.

On a side note, CMP is for sale. Anyone want to go in on buying it? (I'm actually somewhat serious about this).
http://thatsracinluckydog.blogspot.c...orts-park.html

[THEmailman]

Originally Posted by smbstyle

Were you at Road Atlanta this weekend? I was away for a wedding, but will be at our Thanksgiving weekend event there.

I was! I heard you were gone but it was a fantastic weekend. Had my checkout ride with Spike into Blue and passed no problem. I am really enjoying the passing anywhere thing; if you've never passed or been passed going through the Esses or Turn 12 at Road Atlanta, then you haven't been sufficiently scared sh@#less in your life haha. I also made it into the 1:48's, which for my mods, I feel is fairly decent. Mainly helped that I got faster through Turn 7 and picked up 5mph down the back straight.

I will probably not be at the Thanksgiving weekend event due to travel plans and the fact that I am looking into going there with NASA the weekend after. As we talk about costs, I need to start doing more days with them so I can get up to DE4 and into TT, which will hopefully lead to a few sponsorships and reduced costs in some parts for me (far-fetched idea I know). If plans change I'll let you know but I should catch you next year for sure! Do you make it to VIR for any events?

[phastafrican]

Originally Posted by THEmailman

I will probably not be at the Thanksgiving weekend event due to travel plans and the fact that I am looking into going there with NASA the weekend after.

Just found out I'll be there that weekend, but not with my car. Doing some testing in my teammates car in preparation for the 8hr enduro the next weekend. See you in Dec. Starting to look like we'll have 5 twins.

[smbstyle]

Originally Posted by THEmailman

I was! I heard you were gone but it was a fantastic weekend. Had my checkout ride with Spike into Blue and passed no problem. I am really enjoying the passing anywhere thing; if you've never passed or been passed going through the Esses or Turn 12 at Road Atlanta, then you haven't been sufficiently scared sh@#less in your life haha. I also made it into the 1:48's, which for my mods, I feel is fairly decent. Mainly helped that I got faster through Turn 7 and picked up 5mph down the back straight.

I will probably not be at the Thanksgiving weekend event due to travel plans and the fact that I am looking into going there with NASA the weekend after. As we talk about costs, I need to start doing more days with them so I can get up to DE4 and into TT, which will hopefully lead to a few sponsorships and reduced costs in some parts for me (far-fetched idea I know). If plans change I'll let you know but I should catch you next year for sure! Do you make it to VIR for any events?

Nice! Spike is a great guy, isn't he? Retired fighter pilot, instructs at Barber with Porsche and also flies jets for Delta. He's constantly on an adrenaline rush! 1:48 is cooking with your setup, nice work!

Yeah, I go to our VIR events as well, but wont be there this weekend since I've gotta get ready for our Sebring event the following weekend.

Look forward to seeing you out there again.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

NASA.. King Tut likes them I won't comment.

I am not the only one who likes them. The facts are that they are the biggest National organization and their program works. Plus they provide time trials and racing where most organizations do not. They have something to build towards. I am racing at Daytona next weekend for $550 for 2 days as a cost guide for Daytona.

I am more than willing to try and help out if you need instructors. I will be getting NASA certified for instructing next year.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by phastafrican

Not to scare anyone... but here's the cost of my next event at Daytona. 5hr 40min of scheduled track time. I dislike opening up this spreadsheet before and after each event because you wonder what you could have used all that money for... but then you start thinking about the fun that was had and it's all worth it.

As another perspective, here are my projected costs for racing with NASA at Daytona in 2 weeks:

Entry Fee: $550
Tires: $700 a set of Toyo RRs / 3 weekends = $233
Fuel: $100 for SpecE30 and $200 for EcoDiesel
Hotel: $100 a day * 2 days = $200

Total: $1,283 without factoring the smaller costs like brake pad wear and normal wear