Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Here is a often debated question. How much would it cost for a small team of say 3 people to run the Outlaw schedule based out of Wisconsin. Just running the mid-west, Eastern, and Southern swings. 48 foot trailer pulled a F-350. 3 fresh motors, 2 full up rollers and a decent supply of parts all set. So the cost would be for travel, lodging, food, pit passes, at least one rr/lr a night. Who has run a schedule similar and what do you think?

I tell it like I see it.

COST, is the key word here, without a decent, understanding, and helpfull set of sponsors onboard its not financhally achieveable, (sorry i cant even think of a ball park figure too many variables) I think you already know its a good way to get rid of a ton of cash, so? your looking at approximately 30-40 shows? I think without travel, wear n tear (on a cheap night) its at least $400-500 to run a car , motor troubles, a little bump, or sh^tty track conditions obviously skyrocket the expence that will proubly not be recovered from the $800 to take green , one or two of those nights early in your season will hurt, extreemly! B main money doesnt even cover fuel, I hope you have the philosify "its easier to travel with cash than parts" idea.. Dont get me wrong , I love seeing teams tag with in thier region, "why not!" but, from the financhal standpoint, none of it makes sence, without funds negotiated within drivers and teams ,owners and sponsors, its a tuff sell.

That's a great question and one the I've wondered and chatted with few people about.

I believe in an Area Auto Racing News story a year or so back with Jason Sides (dealing with his lawsuit, etc)...he indicated that his "break-even" point of earnings had to be in the $250,000 range. He would back the tow money out of that and I think I did the math and he needed to bring in about $2,500 per race to keep the bills paid and rolling.

Chatted with a top non-Outlaw driver who is seriously looking into it...his number is $2,000 per race to break even and keep the "boys paid".

Both these teams are established with equipment, etc as is sounds like you are.

Don't know if that helps, one true way to find out: JUMP IN!!!! (of course, that's easy for me to say with not one nickel invested in your program).

Kind of an open ended question. How do you want to run? If you have the best of everything, can you compete for win money on a regular basis? Can you compete for top 5 money on a regular basis? If not, it will cost you a lot more out of your pocket obviously, so I don't know that there is a good answer to that. Jason Sides $250,000 is a good estimate, but don't forget, he had good enough equipment and talent to win races and consistently finish in the top 5 or 10 every night. Bill Rose does not finish consistently in the top 5 or 10 so even though his costs may be lower, he is also not bringing in near the payouts as the teams spending the money. I think your question is loaded and can only be answered after 10-20 races on the circuit. Good luck though. I would like to think a team could make it, but I am sure it is tough without a shiny sponsor on the trailer.

I think an easier question would be is how well are you going to treat yourself and the crew? Sleeping in the truck every night? Sleeping in a flea bag hotel every night? Sleeping in a "mid-range" hotel? Sharing rooms? How many nights in a row are you staying on the road? How often do you drive home? How much of a per-deim are you going to give for food?

Unless your crew is family, it would seem that you need to have a certain level of comfort to keep them interested.

Unless you're a top team, it'll be tough to run top 10 w/ the Outlaws on average and make a true "outlaw" schedule work if $2,500 or $2,000 is your break even point.

The only real way to make it work unfortunately seems to be doing what a Kemenah/Wolfe does and run the whole circuit. That way you get your tow money (at 75 races last year, an extra $37,500 in the coffers) and some point money at the end (approx $30k for 10th).

Roughly, based on tracking earnings all year, Lucas Wolfe made approximately $125k in purse money, $30k in point money and about $37k in tow money which adds to about $192k.

Of course, running the whole deal is incredibly expensive too, but if you are going to run 80%, you might as well run it all to get that extra tow money and point money.

If you're gonna do it buy a toter. You can get really good ones for about 30 to 40 grand. It will save you on hotel costs, food costs, and its much easier to control that big trailer. Fuel will be about the same as you're spending now and if you're current 1-ton is relatively new in good shape you can get 20 to 30 grand out of it.

We bought a toter 2 years ago and it was the best thing we ever did. Food, clothes, bed, bookeeping, everything you need is right there. And it's so much better at towing and pulling, especially a big trailer (plus it's much easier for your driver and crew to stay sharp if they can get good quality sleep while on the road).

About 3 years ago we were told that one of the big teams went from a 1 millioin dollar budget for full time travel to 250,000 for a more local with some travel for big shows budget.

Can we add your avatar to the menu of smileys, etc?

Sure.

BASED ON 30 SHOWS

Lets make this simple as I believe your looking for an " abouts" or an average.

Tow money: $500-$1,000 dont know your distances but lets say "about".

Hotel: $100 a night unless you have a totter

Methanol: $100-200 a night depending on laps

Tires: $500 a night minimum.

Back gate: 3 guys $100 a night

About $1,500-$2,000 per race average total with out any wrecks or extras.

30 shows will cost about 45k-60k

you will get some of that back in purse, but will spend more as you wreck or blow up.

If you run so so and average $500 to $1,000 in pay out you could knock out about 20k out of that cost. Alot of bad luck will add to alot to this number

My guess is if you have an ok season with the good and the bad.

30k to 40k

good luck hope you guys can pull it off!!!!!!

Derek Roberts

Lots of good input from all of you, thanks. If this works out we will keep you all posted. Getting ready for Florida....

I tell it like I see it.

ever think about offering about $1000 and 5% commission to a marketing/advertising specialist whos got some good connections in racing?