Racing budget?

[Sean Marconette]

No matter what you do, if you are wanting to go stock / SS racing you will need to find a car that is in the guide. Figure out what you are comfortable working on. The more you do yourself the more money you have to work with. Building one of these cars does not happen overnight when you still have a day job. A dependable tow vehicle is a must. I pointed out the real world costs to enter a race, as that is an eye opener. Going to a bracket race is cheap, going to a National Open, Divisional or National is a multiple day deal, and a lot more of an expense.

As for driving the car to the track, racing and making it back home, others have done it and done well. It depends on if the car can run index, and make it to and from the track.

Sean

[Pistol Pete]

Yes Sean the entry fees are the same amount of money for a 6 second comp car
or a 20 second stocker.

The point is: if you start out with a slower car, the less maintainence you have to do.
You will get more runs on your equipment without replacing any parts.

Kyle, just talk to Billy Nees. Plain & Simple.

[Charlie A]

Read this:

http://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=44903

[Sam Capizzi Jr]

You can do it for under 10k with alot of hard work and keeping your expectations somewhat low. Stick with a car and tow vehicle that you understand and can fix yourself.. I bought my first car (and racecar) for 2k and used everything but the scrap 8 1/4 rearend to get it under the index...

Car $5000
Open trailer $1200
Rusted out 2wd pickup that you can fix $2500

Then just upgrade your operation a little bit at a time.

PB and J sandwiches and water save money at the track too lol

[MikeMoller]

I agree with Mike Beard and Sam Capizzi . You can get started for a 'reasonable' amount. You can find a decent open trailer 1500-2000, and a tow car (I found a good Silverado cab and 1/2 for 4K with a tow package). Did some serious looking to find these, but they are out there -Craigslist.

Another 500 for equipment,good jack, stands, air pump, couple of tool boxes, spare parts, tie downs, and a couple of good storage containers for chemicals, spare parts, etc.

I bought a lower class stocker for 5K (fwd-don't recommend it) but it got me out and racing, pretty cheap to operate and runs the index.

The comments for what it costs to race -entry fees, gas to/from track, motels- are pretty accurate. Figure a divisional about 600, a National close to a 1100 depending on distance. Don't forget the NHRA and IHRA fees! If you bring your own PBJ to the track-go to the grocery on the way- and use a cooler, you'll save a bit. We eat a lot of ham sandwiches and chips.

Good luck.

[Mark Yacavone]

I would suggest finding a late 90's low mileage Class C , V10 motorhome.
Beef up the hitch, put in a brake controller, and maybe use a trailer box for some of the support equipment.
It wouldn't cost more than a dependable pick up would.
Don't worry about the 7 mpg . It could get 3 1/2 and you still come out ahead of motels and eating out.
Plus you eat what you want , when you want. You can't really count food in your budget..You've got to eat no matter where you are.
Now, beer and 'ritas with your friends in the pits at night, that's a different story!

[RonTheAnnouncer]

I have no stocker, or no race car for that matter, but I still like taking the daily drivers out for a beating. This is about as cheap as I can go.
Wednesday "Fun Night" at Norwalk: $7 entry race or watch
Fuel (getting there and back plus racing): $18-25 depending on which car I race
Food (I take a cooler and buy only a $1 pound of ice cream) :$10-12

So, even racing my Cobalt or the wife's 91 Volvo is $35-45 bucks or so, running for trophies and getting the head start most of the time.

Racing is like any other hobby. You can spend a little or spend a lot, but just make sure you are doing it at a level that is enjoyable and affordable!