Making a profit in drag racing ????

[Jeff Teuton]

A profit? You have got to be kidding!

[Bobby DiDomenico]

Originally Posted by Jeff Teuton

A profit? You have got to be kidding!

You've got it Jeff.

In the latest Dragster there is a blurb about a new SS/AH car. To keep the math simple, if the cars costs $50,000, the engine costs $50,000, the truck and trailer costs $50,000, and to run it for 5 years costs $50,000 with all maintenance, food, lodging, fuel, tax, lic., etc. what 5th business class would even dream of breaking even? (Let alone having a paper profit...)

[Terry Cain]

I'm gonna chime in now. Finished third in Super Stock IHRA points in 1980. Not in the division, Nationally, they didn't have divisions back then. Don't exactly remember what all I won or R/U at. During the winter before, my partner talked me into keeping a log of all winnings and expences. Never kept it before.
Well, in 1980 it cost me and my partner $32,000 to win $28,000. We watched our money pretty close. By the end of the season I was so tired of Bolonie (spell?) sandwiches.
That's the closest I've ever come to "making money".

Terry, The Corvette might STILL be for sale.

[K Stubbs]

The problem is class racing doesnt pay as much now, the contingencies are getting less each year so its harder because the cost increases. Not trying to sound negative but look at the payout today compared to 3-5 years ago, there is a big difference. One thing that would help is more combo races with good payouts like Pat had at No Problem Raceway. You get your money at the track and have three races in one weekend, or more if you choose to race like Michael did and double enter.

[Mike Bassin]

I think the only possible way to drag race without sponsorship and come out ahead a bit most race seasons would to bracket race a door car that is fairly cheap to build and maintain. Let me use Paul Werner as an example. He runs nearly exclusively at Maple Grove Raceway. Paul owns a 80 Chevy Malibu wagon, 350 ci. fairly mild set up, car runs consistently in the 11's, 60ft. the same from first time run til the finals, is towed in, open trailer, older truck and Paul lives 10 miles from the track. He runs Street and Pro, won Street championship in the four years I announced at the MG, 2004 - 2007 and won the Pro championship in 2007, won a 10k foot brake race and many other races in those four seasons. The car didn't hurt parts, was very predictable, the man can cut lights and drive the finish line. Paul is not miles ahead doing this but I'm sure he was in the black and I know he had fun, his brother Dave helps him and his wife attends the races a lot also, he is well liked by his competitors. I think this might be about as good as can get in our sport without major sponsor help or unless you can tie your business into the racing like Michael Beard does. Lots of good stuff on this thread!

Mike Bassin

[Myron Piatek]

For what it's worth, I finally got a minute to comment.

I went from local bracket racing to IHRA CM because I figured there would be more consistent opportunities to win more money and I could get more exposure for the people and companies that help out (sponsors) - so they would continue, or help more! Fortunately, I was right. But as far as sponsors go, I don't have anyone that would be considered a "big" sponsor. Almost all of my help is from product & service discounts or allowances. BUT that is money I don't have to spend that can go towards travel and entry expenses. Trying to keep up with them is a part-time job in itself. Nonetheless, "I" have to do well to keep racing, otherwise I start worrying about how much longer I can continue. I finished 16th in IHRA one year and almost couldn't race the following year.

I admit, I'm a tightwad and cut corners at home too to help! I always sleep at truck stops on the way to and from races, split motels when possible, including with Beard or other friends, or stay with them at "local" events. My 96 qt. cooler is always filled to the top with ice (free from work ) and food/drinks. When I stay at a motel, their ice machines usually help keep it up. I ran a Holley carb on the street and at the races all my life, so a Crate Motor combo with the mandatory Holley was a no-brainer for tuning. I also like IHRA for the shorter event durations, double-headers, lower entries, great programs like the Summit Allstars and Moser Axle Mania (which I didn't qualify for in 2011), etc. Overall IHRA pays less than NHRA, but I figured I could win more often. Hopefully things will improve soon with their contingency. I also started using an enclosed trailer only 4 years ago, which is literally my only "garage". (Had it unused for many years before that - but that's a long story.) Buying a used dually in 2005 was a tough decision. But I figured I had to take the gamble and get a newer, reliable truck if I was going to run around the country so much. A breakdown on the road would not only hurt my racing but force me to take more time off from work.

I chose the lowest HP/heaviest A-body combo so it could be outside the "hornet's nest" of G-H-I/CM combos. I like to go fast and can pick it up some, but i didn't want to get into a $$$ and HP battle in more populated classes. Gotta have money to race FIRST, then worry about going faster when time and money allow.

I also sell parts I don't need on the internet or the big local swap meet inside Daytona Speedway over Thanksgiving.

I actually came out ahead a bit 2-3 times since 1999, including 2009. Not sure how 2010 will end up yet. But getting rich or living off of drag racing ain't happinin'!

Last but not least, I thank God that I somehow developed the ability to do well enough to keep going and make it through the leaner years. It's not easy, but racing is like a "vacation" that let's me "get away from it all" at home. The "fun factor" and great people I've met is priceless. I'll do it as long as I can. I also know that it can end at any time.

[hemidup]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

Last but not least, I thank God that I somehow developed the ability to do well enough to keep going and make it through the leaner years. It's not easy, but racing is like a "vacation" that let's me "get away from it all" at home. The "fun factor" and great people I've met is priceless. I'll do it as long as I can. I also know that it can end at any time.

I liked your entire reply, but loved your last paragraph the most.

[cicero819]

Myron Pyatek congratulation on your R/U, hope you split the pot.lol This should help move the needle from the red and might touch the black a little. I think you're what Terry might of had in mind when he started this post. How about a big 440 4 barrel in a 74 Duster in IHRA trim, would make a great car with durability in Brackets. What do you guys think.CR

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Bobby DiDomenico

You've got it Jeff.

In the latest Dragster there is a blurb about a new SS/AH car. To keep the math simple, if the cars costs $50,000, the engine costs $50,000, the truck and trailer costs $50,000, and to run it for 5 years costs $50,000 with all maintenance, food, lodging, fuel, tax, lic., etc. what 5th business class would even dream of breaking even? (Let alone having a paper profit...)

$50,000 for a SS/AH Chassis and $50,000 for an engine...........Thats way to cheap. Some chassis builders charge in excess of $100,000 to do the chassis AFTER you supply a decent car. Last track I had on a "Winning" fast SS/AH Hemi engine (might last 10 or 12 runs) was in the $75,000 range. I guess you could cut corners and tow it with an old pick up and a wooden flat bed trailer or use towing hubs and a tow bar.....lol.

[Rich Biebel]

Save a few bucks.....no towing hubs...pull the drive shaft and keep an eye on the rear end gears...