Initial DE budget?
06-17-2013, 01:11 AM
#18
Rennlist Member
I just did my third event so can share some newbie impressions with you.
The 1k an event is a pretty good guide. You'll get your car inspected and they'll let you know if your brakes and tires are ok. I have Michelin Pilot Super Sporys and have about 5k and 5 DE days on them And they're in great shape. I had a bell open faced helmet that I bought for auto cross events a few years ago but plan on upgrading soon. Ax is quick bursts of driving and I find with the longer run times that its not as comfortable as I need. I have the standard seats and belts and I think this will be the first mod. I end up using so energy locking my muscles up to keep from sliding around that I'm just exhausted at the end of the day. A good seat would help that and a good belt system even more. I've heard mixed advice on getting a harness without a roll cage so ill probably consider a cage and harness as phase 2.
Don't worry about modding the car. It will be faster than you for awhile most likely anyways.
Regarding track
Insurance... I initially passed on getting it but had a close call at the last event. I am in the novice group and some people are a little hesitant about passing. I gave the go head and they hesitated and then tried to pass too late and then cut in on the apex wich almost ran me off the track.
I think ill get insurance for the next one. Accidents happen and I can't afford to just leave it at the track.
You will have a blast. The first time is overwhelming but you will make a group of friends and have a great time.
The 1k an event is a pretty good guide. You'll get your car inspected and they'll let you know if your brakes and tires are ok. I have Michelin Pilot Super Sporys and have about 5k and 5 DE days on them And they're in great shape. I had a bell open faced helmet that I bought for auto cross events a few years ago but plan on upgrading soon. Ax is quick bursts of driving and I find with the longer run times that its not as comfortable as I need. I have the standard seats and belts and I think this will be the first mod. I end up using so energy locking my muscles up to keep from sliding around that I'm just exhausted at the end of the day. A good seat would help that and a good belt system even more. I've heard mixed advice on getting a harness without a roll cage so ill probably consider a cage and harness as phase 2.
Don't worry about modding the car. It will be faster than you for awhile most likely anyways.
Regarding track
Insurance... I initially passed on getting it but had a close call at the last event. I am in the novice group and some people are a little hesitant about passing. I gave the go head and they hesitated and then tried to pass too late and then cut in on the apex wich almost ran me off the track.
I think ill get insurance for the next one. Accidents happen and I can't afford to just leave it at the track.
You will have a blast. The first time is overwhelming but you will make a group of friends and have a great time.
06-17-2013, 08:07 AM
#20
I'd say it's more like $2.5k a weekend, 3 day. That is considering maintaining the car after each event or race, assuming nothing breaks, and you don't go through a set of tires. But as others have pointed out, just start with what you have. Get the car checked and fresh brake fluid. Make sure you like it.
06-17-2013, 09:01 AM
#21
The Penguin King
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Do yourself a favor and just get on the track with what you have and make sure you enjoy it. This may sound strange but not everyone who gets on the track will fall in love with it. Once you decide you have the desire, time and budget focus on regular maintenance and safety. The shop that does your tech will be a good source of guidance.
If you're like most of us you'll be knee deep in it and wondering how can I support his habit.
Good luck!
If you're like most of us you'll be knee deep in it and wondering how can I support his habit.
Good luck!
Oh, and rule number one of the track: Don't add up the costs. EVER.
06-17-2013, 09:05 AM
#22
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This is by far the best advice you are likely to read here. As far as tire and brake degradation, at the beginner level they are relatively nominal. As you advance the consumable costs are primarily tires, secondarily brakes. To some extent tire wear can be managed through setup, tire choice, and tire management (proper rotation). It's been so long since I ran on street tires, I honestly can't remember how much wear I got out of them, but I would guess around 4-5 events.
Oh, and rule number one of the track: Don't add up the costs. EVER.
Oh, and rule number one of the track: Don't add up the costs. EVER.
__________________
-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
06-17-2013, 09:26 AM
#23
Depending on your insurance, the value of your car if something happens. It is not likely but I have seen it happening. To me, this remains the biggest risk from a budget perspective. The rest, I would consider consumables, maybe at an accelerated rate for accelerated fun.
06-17-2013, 02:29 PM
#24
I would say $1k per 2 day DE is a good starting point for a beginner. I started about 8 months ago and my CFO requires a budget- so I estimated about $1k per DE and that is working out about right. I got 8DEs (including time in beginner run group) on my original tires and brakes. The wear rate on those has accelerated considerably though.
06-17-2013, 03:00 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
This is by far the best advice you are likely to read here. As far as tire and brake degradation, at the beginner level they are relatively nominal. As you advance the consumable costs are primarily tires, secondarily brakes. To some extent tire wear can be managed through setup, tire choice, and tire management (proper rotation). It's been so long since I ran on street tires, I honestly can't remember how much wear I got out of them, but I would guess around 4-5 events.
Oh, and rule number one of the track: Don't add up the costs. EVER.
Oh, and rule number one of the track: Don't add up the costs. EVER.
Dependent on your region they may have a loaner helmet policy. The costs for the first events you will go to are primarily entry fees and gas. Your average mpg is going to take it on the chin. You will lose about 25% of the life on your brakes and tires. But the grin when you get off the track is priceless
06-17-2013, 08:41 PM
#29
Agreed that insurance is something to consider. State Farm insures my car on track as part of my normal policy for NON timed events, so DEs are fine, but no TTs.
I get it in writing from the agent who checks "upstairs" at every renewal. It really helps peace of mind when in a $100k+ car on the track, although I hate to imagine what would happen to my premiums if I totaled it.
I get it in writing from the agent who checks "upstairs" at every renewal. It really helps peace of mind when in a $100k+ car on the track, although I hate to imagine what would happen to my premiums if I totaled it.
06-17-2013, 10:39 PM
#30
Agreed that insurance is something to consider. State Farm insures my car on track as part of my normal policy for NON timed events, so DEs are fine, but no TTs.
I get it in writing from the agent who checks "upstairs" at every renewal. It really helps peace of mind when in a $100k+ car on the track, although I hate to imagine what would happen to my premiums if I totaled it.
I get it in writing from the agent who checks "upstairs" at every renewal. It really helps peace of mind when in a $100k+ car on the track, although I hate to imagine what would happen to my premiums if I totaled it.
State Farm told me they technically had to cancel my policy for ASKING about track day coverage (they didn't cancel, b/c at the time I had a house, motorcycle and three cars insured with them)