The new racing season is upon us, hope and excitement fill the pits and garages around the globe. While most of the spotlight will be on the highest levels of professional motorsports, lots of action takes place at the grassroots level.
This month we will take a look at the role of gentlemen racer in the motorsports eco-system.
Top tier series require big budgets to compete. Funds are used for cars, engines, parts, tires, shop space, haulers, salaries and related expenses. Additional monies are spent for track rental, travel, and entry fees. Most teams will have sponsors paying to support the team in return for media exposure and activation opportunities. Sponsorship and in-kind exchange may cover up to two-thirds of the team budget with the remainder in purse and prize money and merchandise sales.
At lower levels of racing, the ability to generate sponsorship revenue may be limited. This leaves a gap to be filled. We know that racers typically spend everything they have and most times exceed all available resources. Speed cost money and all racers want to go fast.
Teams are left with the decision to limit budgets or be creative in covering the shortfall.
This is where the paying driver enters the equation. Instead of being paid by the team, they will drive for free. In most cases, they will bring with them money in the form of sponsorship or funds to pay for the seat. This money goes directly to the team budgets.
Once aspect of the driver bringing money that may not be looked on as favorable involves moving out an existing driver in favor of a sizeable sponsorship. Existing contracts may be honored and paid out, stills unsettles fans.
A driver may be trying to gain experience thru seat time and paying for the ride will give them an opportunity. The ultimate goal for many is to move up thru the ranks of racing to the highest level.
Another form may be the aspiration to be part of the racing lifestyle, usually on a part-time basis. Spending the weekend in the paddock away from the office is not a bad option. Fly to race track with a helmet bag as carry-on is the ultimate trip.
The goal for drivers may be to learn how to use their performance vehicles at the limit or work on obtaining their license to compete in higher level series.
Many teams and manufacturers offer “arrive and drive” packages. These inclusive packages offer a race-prepped track car and hospitality packages.
There are several series that host events on the world renowned race tracks. Access to the iconic venues is limited but participation with a track day school can provide that access. Similar to golf, many racers have that “bucket-list” of tracks and provides stories for the paddocks.
So what does it cost to be a “gentlemen racer?” It is not cheap. Rent a seat for local dirt track for weekly show might run $1,500 – $3,000. A Chili Bowl ride may cost between $7,500 – $15,000. A fully equipped McLaren may cost $30,000 for the weekend at the track. Full season in an IMSA sports car series may be up to $2.0 million.
Away from the track, many are using driver simulation rigs to hone their skills. Participation in iRacing.com has exploded with many professional drivers competing along side aspiring esports gamers and grassroots racers. The ultimate setup is to have a fully equipped setup with moving seats and multiple screens.
Not all “gentleman racers” compete on the track. Fastball Racing co-driven by a successful businessman and sports team owner competed in the Dakar Rally and Baja 100. This trophy truck carried the colors of MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers. The team had limited manufacturer backing from Toyota.
As racing gets more expensive, entities will look at deals that will provide them with the resources necessary to stay competing on the track. The other option is to cut costs and manage expenses, resulting in team parity.