How to make grassroots motorsports more affordable
There are many affordable hobbies out there, like gardening, painting, and weekend contact sports. However, some people like the thrills and spills of motorsport and dedicate a lot of time and money to it due to the level of enjoyment they get out of it.
As enjoyable as motorsports can be, they can also be expensive. However, you might be able to free up cash and make racing more affordable in some of the following ways:
Shop Around for Deals
Every dollar savings helps on your journey to having more money for car racing. Don’t be afraid to shop around service providers and find the best deals. For example, if you don’t believe you have the most competitive insurance rates for house, contents, automotive, and other, ask different providers for a car insurance quote and prices for other insurance products and compare them.
You can also do the same for everyday living expenses like groceries and utilities. A small amount of research before completing your weekly shopping might provide you with significant money savings you weren’t expecting.
Get to Know Local Businesses
After entering the world of motor racing, you’ve likely visited local automotive businesses so often that you’re now on a first-name basis. Nourish those relationships, and they might end up being mutually beneficial. Not only can you name-drop their business to your racing friends to bring them more work, but they might return the favor by providing you with discounted services or parts.
Get Comfortable With DIY
You might be a talented racer with great potential to win in your chosen motorsport, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a skilled mechanic. Currently, you might be relying on industry professionals to take care of everything from oil changes to engine rebuilds.
While professionals will always be required to ensure your vehicle is maintained to a high standard, consider educating yourself on repairs and maintenance. The more you can do yourself, the less you have to pay professionals, and the more money you can save.
Start At the Bottom
As tempting as it can be to purchase a high-end race car with all the bells and whistles you need to start winning races, starting at the bottom with an entry-level vehicle can be better for your bank balance.
Most beginners either start with go-karting or in their local SCCA series. The SCCA has many different categories you can enter,
You can start with a stock vehicle and make upgrades to make it more competitive. As you gain more knowledge and experience, you can move your way up the ranks and use your newfound connections and friends to purchase something better in the future.
Ask Businesses for Sponsorship
While some racing enthusiasts are self-funded and take care of everything themselves, there’s no harm in asking businesses if they’ll support you. Cash donations and discounts on products and services can be exceptionally helpful, especially when maintaining a race car and paying entry fees can be expensive. Think about what you can offer them in return, such as branding on the vehicle and free entry to race events.
Car racing will never be as affordable as more low-key hobbies like gardening and golf, but there’s no reason why you can’t save money. Approach businesses for help, do some of the work yourself, and shop around for deals. Every dollar saved is a dollar you can put toward your pride and joy at a later date.