Racing Class Costs 2017

[Sgt.Gator]

I found this spreadsheet on the web. It's primarily SCCA Formula but includes Spec Miata, Spec E46, NASA NP01. I found it pretty interesting. I hope this Google Docs link works in this forum. If you can't open it post a reply and I'll find another way to get it up on here.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AbsliOHCsfw1KptLNZ0-0nz5dmdW0UzM1GQ-PnCHBGA/edit?usp=sharing

[Canadian818]

Pretty neat, opens fine on iPhone.

[Zach34]

Very interesting to look at Spec Miata vs the NP01 operational cost. Not what I would have guessed.

Based on what we've seen from the Subaru engines so far, I'd project our cost per weekend to be solidly in the top half of that list.

I think Chad Plavan has it right...

Extremely interesting spreadsheet. Thanks for sharing!

[DanielsDM]

Interesting spread sheet. I have my own from years ago. When I raced SM my costs were nowhere near $1300. Two things that inflate the numbers are 8 heat cycles on tires and engine rebuild after 53 hours. NASA ran Toyo RA1s and they were good for 12-16 heat cycles and if you were a miser (like me) then you could run them for another 12 practice sessions after that. I ran the same engine for 4 seasons and it dyno'd within 2 hp of new after 80+ hours.

I'm hoping to get similar life from a Subaru engine at stock boost and rev limit. We'll see.

[Zach34]

I was wondering if the Miata engines were really as short-lived as the spreadsheet suggests. That stuck out to me.

[Mitch Wright]

Interesting overview.
The missing factor is most racers will spend what they can afford to spend per year. I didn't see crash repair (but didn't really study the spread sheet) I have buddies that spend $100K racing SM and others that spend well under $10K all in.

[Sgt.Gator]

Good comments from all. I think these costs are intended for the costs of being a top three podium finisher thru a season and at national championships. Hence the 8 cycles for tires on a Spec Miata and engine rebuilds. I know the tippy top SM competitors do insane things to get their rolling friction losses as low as possible, which reults in many components being toast in just a weekend or two.

[Ray]

I think you'll like these....

8080780808

Ray

[C.Plavan]

That is a great sheet. I can vouch for the NP01 being so darn cheap to maintain. People don't believe you, until they see it. This will be my 3rd year racing it, and I'm still on the original Hawk pads. No need for a motor or trans rebuild. I have gone through 2 front rotors ($139 each), about ready for another set of fronts.

I'm spending well less than the $610 listed per weekend. We also have contingencies that they are not taking into account. I'm saving an additional $100-$300 on each set of tires, due to Toyobucks. I have Free Hawk Brakepads coming out my ears because the car does not use the pads up. WindingRoad.com throws us cash, same with Mazda ($2200 in cash for me last year, actual cash to use on anything)

Those times for the NP01 are a little dated. At the Championships in October we were running 1:53-1:54 laps at Thunderhill. That was with a monster wind of 40+ MPH. We keep finding better setups in the car. This year they increased the minimum weight 50 pounds to help everyone get to the minimum weight (1775 now). We also have set springs in front now (600lb) and a choice in the rear of 1400 or 1600. That will help even out the field. To offset the additional weight, Elan made us a bigger air intake that bolts on. It was tested to add 4% more HP (Ram Air effect).

I'm checking a Bucket list item and racing a NP01 at Daytona in June for the WRL 14 hour race. (Birthday Present from Wife!). Not my car, but another owners car. Not many people can say they ran a Prototype at Daytona! :P

So darn cheap to run. Smiles per miles is high with the real Sequential transmission. Front running NP01's can be had with TONS of spares in the $70k's.

The NP01 is the best race car purchase I have ever made.

[Sgt.Gator]

Great info Chad. I'm looking forward to racing you at Thunderhill, Sonoma, or Laguna Seca someday with my Palatov D4. It too has ridiculously low running costs. It's going to be a fun race! Be sure to let me know when you may come to NorCal or even better I'd love to see you bring it to one of our Pacific NW tracks. Oregon Raceway Park being my favorite. I'll have the 818R there in two seater mode for instructing and check runs for folks who want to rent the Palatov.

[C.Plavan]

Great info Chad. I'm looking forward to racing you at Thunderhill, Sonoma, or Laguna Seca someday with my Palatov D4. It too has ridiculously low running costs. It's going to be a fun race! Be sure to let me know when you may come to NorCal or even better I'd love to see you bring it to one of our Pacific NW tracks. Oregon Raceway Park being my favorite. I'll have the 818R there in two seater mode for instructing and check runs for folks who want to rent the Palatov.

The first Pacific Series NP01 race is at Thunderhill beginning April. Hopefully we have 9-11 cars there.