Timeattack costs

[Jaffa]

Considering entering timeattack next year, though not sure of the costs involved and if I'd be better off trying to get some single event tickets to try it out and then maybe do it properly the following year.
Since there are so many people involved on here thought it would be the best place to find out the real world costs.
I'd be looking to do it for fun really, not to be competative. Would I better off spending my money on individual track days?

TimeAttack entry
Travel costs / hotels?
Fuel - equivilant to a normal track day?
Tires, though there is a toyo discount how many sets do you tend to go through?
Insurance - normally trackday cover, does it still apply because it's timed?

General wear & tear is fine, and modifying the car further is optional
How much track time do you get?

All feedback greatfully received

PS Car will be a 600bhp 300zx, with decent suspension and big brakes

[Listerofsmeg]

its really not cheap, but its usually unexpeted major failures that really cost, i blew my engine before it kicked off meaning i missed the first 4 rounds then at the one session i made the turbos died!! 5k+ add that as you say to say....£200+ fuel + accom costs (which could be another 200 per round depending where they are and how long) as well as consumables like tyres (500+ x 2 or 3 at least) etc....entry currently is 230 a round.

Its pricey. Good luck if you do though and ill see you next year

[tpw]

As Neil says it's not cheap.
Costs wise your far better off doing trackdays as you get more time on-track to our 3x 20 mins + 20mins if you qualify.
Time is also cut short if the session is red flagged and they have sold tracktime.

Saying that its a superb event and the atmosphere make it worth every penny.

Tire wise I think its not quite as people make out and I have a theory on this.
The fella who helps me out used to be a tire specialist for Ford Motorsport (M-sport) and pointed out something quite interesting.

Fact is the R888's go off very quickly giving you only a few banzai laps before you feel the car sliding around under you. Top teams then come in and whack another new set on.

What then happens is all these new tires wearing in on their sessions leave a deposit of oil and wax on the track that is picked up again by the hot tires. We think its not so much the actual tires going off but more the deposits that they are picking up. My last run at Brands we scraped off a deposit that was more like tar than hot rubber and the marbles you normally get on trackdays so backing up our thinking.

Question is, I'm still running on the same set of 888's I started the series on. Loads left in them as well. They go off after a few laps. Cool them down and they work fine again.
Others are running a new set a session. They still go off after a few laps just the same as mine.

Think about it.

Breakdowns have also been expensive for me with brakes being a regular issue as well as an exploding gearbox at Donny has left me well out of pocket with things I never budgeted for.

Overall I am glad I have done it. Loved every minute of it and if you get the chance go for it.

[Smokey 1]

Originally Posted by tpw

The fella who helps me out used to be a tire specialist for Ford Motorsport (M-sport) and pointed out something quite interesting.

ohhh MY GOOD GOD, pro class material

As Paul says it is a great event to be in. Loose about 200kg's and I may start to be competitive. The long distance rounds cost the most fuel, hotels, bar tabs, call girls,etc

Have fun




Smokey