Costs and Recommendation (Page 2 of 2)

tracks with small turnout are best for beginners. less traffic allows you to concentrate more on driving then on avoiding being hit

Agree with all the advice!

We did our first race in Houston in September, it took us about 2 months to prepare our team of 4 drivers and then 2-3 helpers......we had to buy the car, all the race equipment, a trailer, lots of tools we didn't have, we bought extra rims and tyres etc.....I think we easily spent $5-6000 just getting to the first race....we also hired a trailer and bought some EZ-ups but that wasn't enough in the Texas heat!

As folks have said, you will also spend money on fuel getting there, fuel for the race (can be expensive buying at the track)!  You need to budget for $100 penalty if there is a charity thing going on (maybe $250 if you get a second panalty).

Accommodation over night, spares and then repairs after the event!

Its not a $500 race by any means, but still the best value racing you will find!

Your first race will set you back at least $4k.  But expect to spend more.  Also, pick the car that will need the least amount of work and that you know the most about.  A car that does not run might need something simple or have a laundry list of problems.  I really like first gen 300zx's as they are cheap and reliable and parts are cheap and readily available.

Want some advice?  Test the car at a track day prior to your first race.  Don't use the first race for testing, cause I have seen too many people trying to get a car to run at their first race.  You might want to get the car running and ready before you even register for your first race.

True dat. 
It only gets cheaper if you don't get bit by the bug too bad.  If you're content with the same car over and over, running to a race with your old truck on a Uhaul trailer, it'll get much cheaper.  If you're like most of us, you'll want to buy another car.  Then a bigger garage.  Then your own trailer.  Then marriage counceling.  Then a nicer truck to tow it with.  Then an enclosed trailer to haul the gear and a race car.  Then a third car.  Then pay for the divorce and child support.  Then a schoolbus to convert into an RV.
This doesn't include the continual upgrades/repairs to the car.
I'm currently looking for a trailer...

+1
MSR was nerve racking on my first couple laps.  140 cars on 2.4 miles

[sheepish] Yes, guilty as charged.  We just got a 2000 F250 Diesel for towing.  [/sheepish]

And we're somewhere in the middle.  We make lists, and we generally finish out our build 1-2 weeks before the race.  However, that's generally 1-2 weeks after the last reasonable test and tune.  With the exception of one race (where the list-makers weren't in charge, and things weren't sorted 2 weeks prior to the race) we've generally got some good time in during the race.

So:

If you make a list, check it twice, finish your list and get to a track day - Lemons gold might be possible with any car.  Provided you have time between the track day and Lemons to do anything constructive.
If you make a list, check it twice, finish your list and don't make it to a track day - Lemons gold depends on your car.  If you had a generally solid car to begin with... happiness and Unicorn tears.  If you had a French/Italian/Russian product... maybe not so much.
If you make a list, check it twice and then don't bother actually doing anything until one week before the race... it depends on your resources and skill.  Spank or Speedycop?  Race-worthy car by the green flag.  Doctawife or similar, y'all are screwed.
If you just don't do anything before the week before the race?  You better hope you're on Spank's, Bryan's or Speedycop's team, 'cause otherwise you probably ain't racing.  (Apologies to any other last minute wonders.  I'm short of brainpower today.)

Everybody is differant.. I have knowledge and skills with Jagaurs and while it's not likely to be a winner,  I simply cannot see myself in anything else..   If you like or want a particular car that's your answer.. 
MY advice?
Don't make the race cars so much of a race car you can't test it on the street.. avoid the scheme,, complete gutting etc.. painted numbers etc.. untill you can drive the car the race distance without breaking down. 
  Races are won first on reliability and last on speed..

On the south(?) end of the paddock where the grass has taken back over you can pound a tent stake through pretty easy. Just be sure and bring an air mattress.