| Author | Message | ||
     Englishman119 |
Ok, in reply to several emails, here is what it costs to road race a bike at club level:- Typical Race Day Close to Home Race fee’s (3 races) - $140 Bike Gas - $7 for pump or $25 for Race Gas Pair of Race Tires - $300 Gate Fee - $15 Typical day Total - $450 - $500 Add food, gas; home to track - for me $100 always gets lost here. Track Not Close to Home Add hotel accommodation where appropriate $65 - $75 per night - Up to 3 nights when I race at Hallett, Ok with food and drink that’s now pushing another $300. Add practice day fees on some Fridays: $100. Add gas for the truck. So in summary A weekend close to home will run around $500. Races involving a practice day and hotel will cost around $1000 for the weekend. Figure on 8 to 10 race weekends in a championship at an average of $750 per weekend and you’re looking at a budget of $7-8K. Plus bike maintenance, plus the cost to convert from a street bike to a racer, plus any serious engine, suspension work, plus......and so on. You can make tires last longer than one race day, it depends on the track, number or races, weather conditions and your riding style. They are however you basic racers insurance policy and much cheaper than the cost of a tumble. You can sleep in the truck at the track, but for me the $ spent on a good nights sleep and a hot shower is well worth it. Now see why sponsors are important in this sport ? Mark (CMRA and WERA #119, Buell XBR) (I will sue anyone who show this post to my wife!!!!)  | ||
| M1combat |
How much is the typical payout? | ||
| Englishman119 |
Pay out can be very variable. Some manufacturers elect to pay contingency money at selected races. For example we had a race in September where Suzuki and Yamaha were paying money for a rider on one of their bikes crossing the line in 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in selected races – Usually 600cc Superstock and Superbike, but there are a few others. Yamaha - 1st paid $2000, 2nd $500, 3rd $250. Requirements – Bike must be 2002 model or newer (not may club racers buy a brand new bike so they are not eligible for this cash). Believe me, you do need to be pretty talented to be in with a chance to collect this money, especially in the 600cc classes. Tire, fuel, brake pad people pay up to $150 for a win and there is also some sponsorship by Race title sponsors like $500 for a win in 600cc Expert class. So the really good guys can help their expenses big time IF they win. Infact one guy at our September race took home almost $6000 that day. But he was a national rider using our club race for practice (or easy pickings for money) Buell does pay great money at National level in the Formula USA Series paying back to 15th place I think it is. However, the average level club racer will struggle to see any cash especially in the 600, 750 and 1000 classes. This last year I won a total of $200. If I chose to use every single product that paid contingency money, its possible I could have got that up by another $100, but why buy another leather suit when you don’t need one for example. Every single Dollar helps, but its not a huge factor on deciding you can/cant afford to race. Mark. | ||
| M1combat |
I was mostly curious. Thanks for the info. So really sponsorship is the best way to go. See, If I thought I could do it, I would quit my job and just race... I suppose the best way would be to get competitive and then get some sponsorship first  . | ||
| Pattonme |
depends on the bike you want to run. If you think you want to start in 600cc supersport, sign your will first. You'll get killed. Well, hopefully just figuratively. tires: $258. lasts 3 or 4 weekends (BT-090's) bike gas: 10gal worth of 91 pump gate fee: $30 entry fees: $150 (3 races) lodging: $0 - tent food: $35 - bring cooler Not a lot different except how long my tires last. And no, that's not a Buell I'm riding. | ||
| Buellfan |
Cost to race at a Club Level? As much as you want to spend! I raced a Honda Hawk for 4 years on $3,000 - $4,000 per year. The faster I got, the fewer weekends I could race. Things like tires and brake pads seem to get consumed at an exponential rate as lap times fall. Now, I ride the XB to the track with number plates and a few tools in the backpack, take the lights and sidestand off in the pits, and have at it! Total cost for a day at the races, about $100. I don't include the 1/2 worn tires and brake pads that I would have worn out anyway even if I didn't go to the track. Don't forget to leave room for the trophy in the backpack though, good thing I only got 3rd that weekend. | ||
| Austinrider |
(I will sue anyone who show this post to my wife!!!!) -- Englishman119 Hmm.. I see some 1 on 1 track tutoring in my future  That gets pretty expensive. I didnt even see the cost of repairing the bike when something breaks included there. | ||
| Pattonme |
repair costs: another reason I ride a dirt-cheap GS500e. Hmm, if you wad the streetbike while doing the races, do you get to claim it under your collision coverage? I know people can/do for track days... |
