Originally Posted by
Richard Dziak
If you have to spend up to $2000-$4000 per weekend, I would NOT even consider owning a car, as this sport gives no monetary rewards for winning in these amatuer ranks. If you think your Michael Andretti then you may end up spending lots of cash to record podium wins in National races. This sport and the F1000 class can be very expensive. Ask many owners who, who consistently blow up engines or smash up cars.
If you want to go out and have fun, enjoy the sport, go to open track days and run a few races each year, the F1000 can be cost effective to own. I am in Albuquerque, NM this weekend running with a great group SWMS.org. I drive 225 miles each way to get to the track.
Entry fees: $225 for a weekend Sat & Sun. That includes 2 practice sessions, 1 qualifying, and 1 race per day.
Hotel rooms : 2 nights $100 per night for $200
Fuel for race car: $50.00 max
Fuel for traveling: $125.00 for roundtrip
Food: Dependent on what you want to eat......$50.00 to $100.00
Most clubs provide a BBQ party on Sat the first day of racing that is included in the entry fee, for the driver and their crew.
I NEVER buy new tires. You can buy used 90%-95% rubber from John Berget for $270.00 or under for a full set delivered to your door via UPS. Top name brands: Goodyear Eagle, Hoosier, Hankook, Avon. These tires can last several weekends for the "out for fun" owner or "regional racer". I spend no more than $600 per year for tires as compared to other drivers who need new tires every other weekend or weekend at about $800 per set. That can add up to thousands each year alone for tires. Also consider mounting fees at your local tire shop.
My Phoenix F1000 F1K.07 has 1900 miles on the engine, and about 50 hours total. I have had NO problems whatsoever with the engine. I don't beat it to death. Only cost to date after 2 1/2 years $250.00 for radiator repair for leaking rad, and new rad built. Complete review and evaluation after 18 months by the car builder Phoenix in 2 1/2 years for $600....
So the class can be very cost effective if your out for fun and will consider regional events. If you can step out of the box from SCCA membership, licensing, dues, SCCA entry fees there are many other clubs that will match your F1000 with other Formula cars.
So you decide what you want, and how you want to race. I have read of many driver/owners who spend thousands of dollars in this class, for a cheap $10-$20 trophy and bragging rights. Perhaps they have deep pockets.
There are many F1000 cars that pop up here on ApexSpeed that are of high quality, that for many; they buy the car, then can't afford to spend the "disposable income" on weekends.
Be objective in what your goals are in this class. The F1000 cars can be very reliable racing machines that are a blast to drive and proud to own. If you think your headed for a ride in an Indy car or F1 by owning one of these beauty's be prepared to blow engines, damage the cars, and spend a lot of money for nothing. There is a limit that one should spend for "enjoyment", in my opinion, but if you have deep pockets, then enjoy and the sky is the limit for what you can spend. If you don't have deep pockets, you can still enjoy the class, but be budget minded in everything you do.
I am a one man owner with a wife who attends all races with me and open track days. Straps me in the car, checks tire pressue and is on the other side of the radio communications, packs the ice chest with drinks and makes sandwiches, and packs up the helmet and race gear. I trailer the F1000 on a open flat bed 14' trailer and have a 2005 Ford F150 Pickup with shell on the back for storage of tires, tools, ez-up etc.
So it's strictly the type of racing you want to do. I go to the big tracks in my immediate area like Phoenix International and Firebird International, and race at small local tracks like Sandia Raceway and ArroyoSeco Raceway. Open track days in Albuquerque at Sandia is $40.00 for a half day 2:00 PM to 6:00PM, at ArroyoSeco Raceway we pay $80.00 for a full day. We have fellow formula racers with FC's, FF's, and have a blast. We bring out a BBQ, food, and make it a fun day.
You decide, it's your bank roll. You can spend allot or spend a little. It's your pocketbook.
Check out my website for a list of races attended and number of events in my F1000. I have done allot for a very small amount of money. For me this class is very cost effective, and a blast to own.