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SM vs Skippy

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#1
Forza2127

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How does a season of running a National-level TOP 5 SM car compare to a season of Skip Barber, cost wise?

I have a lot of experience with Skip Barber and a few CSTCC races so I'm not really looking to find a group of people to race with mid-pack.

I know this topic has been beat to death about special engines, $400 entry fees, end of year rebuilds etc. Thanks in advance!

#2
Bruce Wilson

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When you say national-level top 5 car, are you referring to divisional top 5 or runoffs top 5?

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#3
Forza2127

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When you say national-level top 5 car, are you referring to divisional top 5 or runoffs top 5?

-bw


Either one/both...thanks!

#4
davew

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Lots of questions:

Do you-already own a car? Plan on Building a front running Car? Plan on buying a slightly used front running car? Plan on buying an ebay POS? Plan on renting?

How many races is a season? 4 or 10

Do you plan to stay local? Or travel all over the country to the best races and tracks?

NASA? Regionals? Nationals? Runoffs?

Will you do all the work yourself or will you hire an experienced team?

To answer your questions, $3000 for a local season of 5 races, sleeping in a tent and I already own the car. $150k, I want the best of everything, new 1/32 tires, and I currently own nothing, and I want somebody to tow my car accross country to all the coolest races and tracks.

I am sure you will end up someplace in between, but more info is needed to give any kind of a budget.

I know this comes off as kinda smarta$$, These really are the questions that need to be answered before an accurate budget can be figured. I recommend working the equation backwards. I can spend X dollars with Skippy to do "THIS" program. My goals are "THIS". Can I acchieve my goals for that amount of money.

Many of the bigger SM teams have many drivers that have come out of the Skippy series. I would contact some of us to get more details

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#5
James York

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I'll take a shot at an approximation:

I, on average spend $1.5K per race weekend. This includes fees, tires, food and travel (note I have an RV so I stay for free) Add hotel if needed.
I run about 6 race weekends during the season, not counting any testing events, dyno, ect.
Typically, I spend about $2-$6K per year on repairs. This can be bodywork, preventative maintenence and/or mechanicals.

If you add the SCCA Runoffs, that will set you back around a cool $10K unless you want to be an also ran. You need multiple sets of tires, test days (which aren't cheap), prep, support, travel, etc... (I think I spent a grand in fuel just towing there)

So, rough total: 21-25K/year. And I already have a top flight car and motor(s). If you don't already, add ~$35K depending on what you do yourself.

Alot will depend on how serious you take it, and how competative your division is and where you want to finish. You can have fun for significantly less.
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