Hillclimb/sprint costs
Discussion
I'm sure you're about to get plenty of advice... being in the midlands, I'd be looking at:
1. Midland Speed Championship
2. HSA Championship
Both have good websites.
Expenditure on the car is up to you. You could run a completely stock car. Read the rules carefully before changing anything, as it could affect the class you run in.
Safety kit is the biggest expensive. You now need a nomex suit. £250+ new, although bargains can be had on ebay. Helmet will be £150+, the amount you spend is up to you. Gloves are now needed - at least £40. Licence (non-race B) is about £40, and club / championship membership varies. See links above.
Hope that helps as a starter.
1. Midland Speed Championship
2. HSA Championship
Both have good websites.
Expenditure on the car is up to you. You could run a completely stock car. Read the rules carefully before changing anything, as it could affect the class you run in.
Safety kit is the biggest expensive. You now need a nomex suit. £250+ new, although bargains can be had on ebay. Helmet will be £150+, the amount you spend is up to you. Gloves are now needed - at least £40. Licence (non-race B) is about £40, and club / championship membership varies. See links above.
Hope that helps as a starter.
Hi Dan..
I started my first season of sprinting last year in a Boggo 172 Cup. So, price breakdown went like this:
New helmet V2 Pro from V2 sport - £169
Already had boots, gloves and suit - budget £250 for the lot second hand, double that for bargin basement new items.
Car cost £1900 + service each year for basics and vitals (oil, water, leads - not belts, disks maybe, pads maybe) - lets say ave £200 a year if you don't do it yourself.
Fuel - 1 tank per event, driving to and from - x 11 events at £60 each = £660 quid. That's probably an over estimate, but take it as the upper end estimate.
Tyres - list 1a Michelins came on the car (one of the major purchase influences!) - however, if your chosen steed doesn't, budget for a set of tyres from the blue book list. You can pick em up second hand off eBay, just be careful who you use to purchase from.
Entries - I'm running in the All Circuit Championship which only goes to race circuits, as opposed to mod / airfield temporary venues, so, these tend to average more. Good wood and Brands are the most expensive at £150 each I think. So, go for £120 per event x 11 = £1320 for the season.
Licence - non race Nat B - £60 ish quid.
This is all based on no accom costs, no tow car, and no damage ( touch wood it stays like that!!!).
So in summary...
First year costs for everything, including the Car = £5k
Ongoing year on year costs £2.1 - £2.5 k for a full 11 round championship.
Now for the fact free bit - JUST DO IT.
I had the best of times in my first season, helped by some good results, but, nonetheless it was awesome fun and I got to go round Goodwood, Lydden, Brands, Mallory, Snetterton.
This champ might be a bit far for you, but as the others have said, there are local events and champs all over the place - just watch for the individual class regs - in mine standard means standard - no changes to anything other than wheels and exhaust. Others in the prod car categories are more free with mods, which adds cost.
Google Tunbridge Wells All Circuit for the details and dates - we are at Snet in June, which is probably the closest to you in the rest of the champ.
Give us a shout if you want more info..
Steve
I started my first season of sprinting last year in a Boggo 172 Cup. So, price breakdown went like this:
New helmet V2 Pro from V2 sport - £169
Already had boots, gloves and suit - budget £250 for the lot second hand, double that for bargin basement new items.
Car cost £1900 + service each year for basics and vitals (oil, water, leads - not belts, disks maybe, pads maybe) - lets say ave £200 a year if you don't do it yourself.
Fuel - 1 tank per event, driving to and from - x 11 events at £60 each = £660 quid. That's probably an over estimate, but take it as the upper end estimate.
Tyres - list 1a Michelins came on the car (one of the major purchase influences!) - however, if your chosen steed doesn't, budget for a set of tyres from the blue book list. You can pick em up second hand off eBay, just be careful who you use to purchase from.
Entries - I'm running in the All Circuit Championship which only goes to race circuits, as opposed to mod / airfield temporary venues, so, these tend to average more. Good wood and Brands are the most expensive at £150 each I think. So, go for £120 per event x 11 = £1320 for the season.
Licence - non race Nat B - £60 ish quid.
This is all based on no accom costs, no tow car, and no damage ( touch wood it stays like that!!!).
So in summary...
First year costs for everything, including the Car = £5k
Ongoing year on year costs £2.1 - £2.5 k for a full 11 round championship.
Now for the fact free bit - JUST DO IT.
I had the best of times in my first season, helped by some good results, but, nonetheless it was awesome fun and I got to go round Goodwood, Lydden, Brands, Mallory, Snetterton.
This champ might be a bit far for you, but as the others have said, there are local events and champs all over the place - just watch for the individual class regs - in mine standard means standard - no changes to anything other than wheels and exhaust. Others in the prod car categories are more free with mods, which adds cost.
Google Tunbridge Wells All Circuit for the details and dates - we are at Snet in June, which is probably the closest to you in the rest of the champ.
Give us a shout if you want more info..
Steve
Have to back up what Steve just said, the All Circuit Championship is a great series due to the nature of the tracks they use. I think the Hethel event should be added to their championship as it fits the bill as well. Goodwood this year is actually £120, the only realy expesive event is Brands Hatch, most other events are £99.00.
When it comes down to it, a lot of the sprint events score for many different championships so its worth the £10-£15 to register for a few and you can find yourself in a good championship position simply by turning up.
When it comes down to it, a lot of the sprint events score for many different championships so its worth the £10-£15 to register for a few and you can find yourself in a good championship position simply by turning up.
Here are my costs for 2 years in an MR2:
Purchase £ 964.95
Tax £ 395.00
Insurance £ 326.62
Consumables £ 743.71
Upgrades £ 2,321.47
Repairs £ 1,269.01
TOTAL £ 6,020.76
Minus, car sold for £750, so net £5270,76
Entry costs in 2010 were £829 (10 events, AEMC registration, club registration)
Entry costs in 2011 were £944 (10 events, AEMC/ASEMC/ACSMC registration, club registration)
Plus you need a Nat B licence (£40 I think), a helmet (£160 for a V2), overalls (can get for £200 if you're lucky) and gloves (can get for £30). Some race numbers (duck tape is OK), yellow tape for the battery negative lead, and enough of a stiff material to make a timing strut (mine's made out of a sheet of aluminium covered in black insulating tape, but uncompressed polystyrene will do, or cardboard if you can make it rigid enough and waterproof).
Purchase £ 964.95
Tax £ 395.00
Insurance £ 326.62
Consumables £ 743.71
Upgrades £ 2,321.47
Repairs £ 1,269.01
TOTAL £ 6,020.76
Minus, car sold for £750, so net £5270,76
Entry costs in 2010 were £829 (10 events, AEMC registration, club registration)
Entry costs in 2011 were £944 (10 events, AEMC/ASEMC/ACSMC registration, club registration)
Plus you need a Nat B licence (£40 I think), a helmet (£160 for a V2), overalls (can get for £200 if you're lucky) and gloves (can get for £30). Some race numbers (duck tape is OK), yellow tape for the battery negative lead, and enough of a stiff material to make a timing strut (mine's made out of a sheet of aluminium covered in black insulating tape, but uncompressed polystyrene will do, or cardboard if you can make it rigid enough and waterproof).
Edited by carl_w on Wednesday 4th April 23:40
You can also start with your normal road car, which saves buying and insuring something extra to get a feel for it, then if you like it get something more specialised.
I did with a completely standard Imp (not even the "Sport" version with twin carbs) when I was 22. I was the slowest overall at my first event - Castle Combe, not the best venue for a vehicle with 39bhp
I did with a completely standard Imp (not even the "Sport" version with twin carbs) when I was 22. I was the slowest overall at my first event - Castle Combe, not the best venue for a vehicle with 39bhp
Good advice from the above poster. If you decide to go down this route to 'test the water' first, all you will need to do to the car is:
fit a timing strut (I cut up an old number plate for mine)
wrap the battery earth lead with yellow tape
apply an arrow sticker by the ignition switch indicating the off position.
fit a timing strut (I cut up an old number plate for mine)
wrap the battery earth lead with yellow tape
apply an arrow sticker by the ignition switch indicating the off position.
Jerry Can said:
Does it have to be a yellow tape on the battery terminal? Mine is tapped black and is fine for circuit racing. Is this a hill climb anomoly?
I'm not sure but I was picked up on it by a scrut a couple of years ago and have known of others that have been asked to do this too. Jerry Can said:
Does it have to be a yellow tape on the battery terminal? Mine is tapped black and is fine for circuit racing. Is this a hill climb anomoly?
Mine have always been taped yellow, plus they like to see at least the positive terminal covered by something, e.g. a plastic cover. This thread prompted me to add up how much I have spent (roughly on the back of an envelope) in the four years I have been hillclimbing.
I will remember not to read threads like this again.
On the other hand I don't regret a single penny or minute invested in this great, sociable, convenient, competitive, diverse and friendly sport.
I never thought I would be able to compete in motorsport because of cost and also because of the busy family life it has to fit into. I am pleased to report that hillclimbing is the perfect mix of affordability and convenient locations that allow you to do as much or as little as you want and spend as much or as little as you want.
I would recommend to it to anyone. Just do it.
I will remember not to read threads like this again.
On the other hand I don't regret a single penny or minute invested in this great, sociable, convenient, competitive, diverse and friendly sport.
I never thought I would be able to compete in motorsport because of cost and also because of the busy family life it has to fit into. I am pleased to report that hillclimbing is the perfect mix of affordability and convenient locations that allow you to do as much or as little as you want and spend as much or as little as you want.
I would recommend to it to anyone. Just do it.
That All Circuit Championship looks really good, does anyone do it on here?
Only thing i'm worried about is that all 4wd's production cars are in the same class, so my Impreza may be against much faster stuff like Porsches, GTR's etc!
I like the look of sprinting, but can't decide between that & the MR2 challenge series. Although this All Circuit Racing series could be just what i'm looking for
James
Only thing i'm worried about is that all 4wd's production cars are in the same class, so my Impreza may be against much faster stuff like Porsches, GTR's etc!
I like the look of sprinting, but can't decide between that & the MR2 challenge series. Although this All Circuit Racing series could be just what i'm looking for
James
Skylinecrazy said:
Hi, as of next year I want to enter a championship doing hillclimbing and sprinting, is there any kind PHer who can give me an idea on the expenditure and which is the best championship/club to join? Car will probably be a standard road going 182.
As mentioned:http://www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/
http://www.midlandspeed.org.uk/
MSA non-race National B license:
http://www.msauk.org/custom/asp/splash/competitors...
I do (did) 8 events per annum and costs were £89 for National B event (£102 for National A event).
james n said:
That All Circuit Championship looks really good, does anyone do it on here?
Only thing i'm worried about is that all 4wd's production cars are in the same class, so my Impreza may be against much faster stuff like Porsches, GTR's etc!
I like the look of sprinting, but can't decide between that & the MR2 challenge series. Although this All Circuit Racing series could be just what i'm looking for
James
Hi James - Sure do...Only thing i'm worried about is that all 4wd's production cars are in the same class, so my Impreza may be against much faster stuff like Porsches, GTR's etc!
I like the look of sprinting, but can't decide between that & the MR2 challenge series. Although this All Circuit Racing series could be just what i'm looking for
James
It's great fun - we are at Lydden next Sat and then Goodwood 2 weeks later, so, if you fancy coming along to check it out, I will be at both - Blue Clio cup in Class A2.
I think the class for the Imprezzas and Evos are separate to the Porsches etc. Check the regs on the website, or give the orgs a call.
Ta
Steve
In 2010 I kept a spreadsheet, which reveals I spent £1,854.67 doing 9 rounds of the TVRCC Speed Championship. Pistonheads has screwed up the formatting a little (irritatingly, the "Preview" and "Submit" appearance is different!), but here it is anyway;
(The "miles" column is so I can cost the tow car (Disco 3) at the RAC rate. "Food" includes boiled grease at the venue plus any evening meals if staying over.)
Hmmm. Looks like this is an underestimate, since I haven't recorded miles or insurance for Prescott & Shelsley Walsh (I insure for both) or B&B & evening meal(s) for Prescott (we normally stay 2 nights), so call it another £600 for a sniff under £2,500 or so...
Event Date Cost Miles Food B&B Ins
N Weald 15 Jan 10 £60.00 145 £10.00
MIRA 3 Mar 10 £99.00 126 £12.00
Debden 15 Mar 10 £70.00 112 £8.00
Prescott12 Mar 10 £103.00
Curborou11 Jul 10 £92.00 89 £12.00
Abingdon12 Jun 10 £130.00 148 £18.00
Shelsley19 Sep 10 £105.00
Loton 10 May 10 £103.00 285 £103.00 £190.00 £144.67
Hethel 5 Jul 10 £80.00 97 £12.00
(The "miles" column is so I can cost the tow car (Disco 3) at the RAC rate. "Food" includes boiled grease at the venue plus any evening meals if staying over.)
Hmmm. Looks like this is an underestimate, since I haven't recorded miles or insurance for Prescott & Shelsley Walsh (I insure for both) or B&B & evening meal(s) for Prescott (we normally stay 2 nights), so call it another £600 for a sniff under £2,500 or so...
Hi Steve,
I may well do that, doubt my car will be ready by then but would be interesting to come & have a look
Cheers for the advice,
James
I may well do that, doubt my car will be ready by then but would be interesting to come & have a look
Cheers for the advice,
James
Stevemcmaster said:
Hi James - Sure do...
It's great fun - we are at Lydden next Sat and then Goodwood 2 weeks later, so, if you fancy coming along to check it out, I will be at both - Blue Clio cup in Class A2.
I think the class for the Imprezzas and Evos are separate to the Porsches etc. Check the regs on the website, or give the orgs a call.
Ta
Steve
It's great fun - we are at Lydden next Sat and then Goodwood 2 weeks later, so, if you fancy coming along to check it out, I will be at both - Blue Clio cup in Class A2.
I think the class for the Imprezzas and Evos are separate to the Porsches etc. Check the regs on the website, or give the orgs a call.
Ta
Steve
eastlmark said:
Have to back up what Steve just said, the All Circuit Championship is a great series due to the nature of the tracks they use. I think the Hethel event should be added to their championship as it fits the bill as well. Goodwood this year is actually £120, the only realy expesive event is Brands Hatch, most other events are £99.00.
When it comes down to it, a lot of the sprint events score for many different championships so its worth the £10-£15 to register for a few and you can find yourself in a good championship position simply by turning up.
hi, sounds quite interesting.When it comes down to it, a lot of the sprint events score for many different championships so its worth the £10-£15 to register for a few and you can find yourself in a good championship position simply by turning up.
Just wondering in these events is it just a single timed lap? and how many runs would you get for the entry fee?
thanks
geeeman said:
hi, sounds quite interesting.
Just wondering in these events is it just a single timed lap? and how many runs would you get for the entry fee?
thanks
If you're referring to sprints, then the usual format is 2 practice runs and 2 timed runs. Most are based on 1 lap, but some championships/venues differ and you can get more. The first round of the British championship I did at Castle Combe two weeks ago for example gave us a two and three quarter lap practice and one and three quarter lap timed runs.Just wondering in these events is it just a single timed lap? and how many runs would you get for the entry fee?
thanks
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