I've heard the statement many times from the fans sitting in the grandstand, wondering, “How can I get involved in racing?” Listening to the car owners talk about how they need sponsors to help them get to the track on a weekly basis. After hearing this, I thought what better way to get more individuals involved, sponsoring a racecar.

 

You are thinking right now, "I don't have that kind of cash" and my $50 or $100 wouldn’t help out Mr. Race Car Owner. It is surprising to find out how your pocket change can help. It doesn't take thousands of dollars to help out your favorite driver. Just a small amount each week is appreciated.  Most teams don't have gigantic budgets and would welcome some assistance. I remember this one young driver who used to get people to sponsor him for as little as $20 per week. He figured if he got five people at $20 per week that's an extra $100 per week to race with. This driver was very good at making sure these people got their names mentioned, put in the program and put on the car. The announcer at Ascot would try to mention all of the names in one breath. Most of us love to hear our names mentioned over the P.A. system while others prefer to remain anonymous. John Redican, after each win would thank his “secret sponsor.”
 
Maybe you have a business that you could do some trading, rather than give outright cash. My ex-husband and I sponsored a car, while not always giving the owner cash, we would fill up the tow rig with fuel, supply oil and filters, which could easily be used as a tax deduction. If someone has a mini-mart or liquor store you could offer to supply soda, ice and munchies for the race night. Maybe you own a gas station; just imagine how much an owner would appreciate it if you filled up their tank once or twice a month. I have provided cash, fuel, and at one time when a team was having the motor rebuilt on their dually, we towed the trailer  with our semi-truck, paying for fuel and necessary permits going from California to Phoenix..
 
The expenses for racing are numerous. It all starts with the chassis, then the motor; front axle, drive line, rear end and steering gear, in addition to the numerous wheels and tires that are needed. The safety equipment: Butler Seat, belts; harnesses, Hans device, roll cage padding, cock pit padding and any safety item that is deemed necessary or makes the driver feel comfortable. I do not believe in skimping on driver’s safety. Track supplies include fuel jugs, tool cart, spacers, jack, tire knocker, shocks, torsion bars; brakes, magnetos, buckets; mud scrapers, shop towels, baby oil, sprayer for baby oil; chairs, ice chest; and probably lots more that I can't remember. Don't forget the quad or mule that is used to push the car around at the track. Then you need a trailer and pickup to tow the car to and from the racetrack at least unless you are getting one of the now famous toter-homes. The biggest expense is going to be the motor and the upkeep. Remember you have to have some horsepower if you are going to win. Fresh, tight motors are what it takes to win races and refreshing a motor costs a few thousand dollars. A new motor can cost anywhere from $20,000 - $40,000 depending on who’s building it and what horsepower you want.

 

 On race night you have the pit passes, ice and soda for the ice chest (not to mention the infamous beer and bottle of champagne for when you win); fuel for the race car; fuel for the tow vehicle and quad or mule; a right rear tire; and any other incidentals that might come up. That's for a local show too. If you happen to run out of town where it's too far to drive home that night, add in meals and motel and extra gas.

 

 Racing a sprint car is not an inexpensive thing to do. Many families sacrifice a lot to race.Vacations are planned around the racing schedule. Racing involves Mom and Dad and the kids now.Sponsoring a car could be a family thing where all members help out. Imagine how your child would feel if they contributed part of their allowance to see their favorite driver do well or even win. Plus how would the child feel to have his or her name mentioned over the P.A. system. This is just another thing to think about.

 A few of the car owners and drivers were polled about costs on the average racing night. These figures DO NOT include any accidents or bumps or any “Oops, did I do that?” problems. I was in shock at how much prices have increased over the years, since I was involved in the money end of racing. Those I contacted were very enthusiastic when I explained the questions about money. They were very supportive and would welcome anyone coming down out of the grandstands to talk about a possible sponsorship. E-mail me if you are interested in sponsoring someone and I willhelp you connect with a team representative.

 

Most everyone agreed to race just one night in ASCA the cost is around $1000.00.
I’ll break it down for you for a local race.
Pit Passes: $ 25.00 members $30.00 non-members
Fuel (Methanol) $ 2.40 per gallon (avg. 30-50 gallons per race)
Tires: $180.00 plus tax (right rear cost)
Oil and Filter $ 40.00 (avg.)
Gasoline $ 80.00 (avg. depending on where you drive from)
Ice Chest Stuff $100.00 (avg.)
Pill Fee $ 10.00 (for ASCA sanctioned races)
Misc. $100.00 (tear offs, baby oil, anything forgotten at home)
Now add on these for an out of town race:
Hotel/Motel $ 75.00 - $100.00 per night per room
Meals $ 40.00 - $50.00 per meal (avg.)
Extra Fuel $ 80.00 + (avg. depending on what kind of tow vehicle)
 
As you can see this all adds up for just ONE night of racing. Now if there’s a two-day or three day show; multiply by three. Every little bit adds up. Now factor in the other expenses that cost the owner or driver once per year:
Chassis: $ 3000.00 avg. (hopefully only one every couple of years)
Motor: New $20,000.00 - $40,000.00
Motor: Freshen $ 2500.00 - $4500.00 (avg. cost depending on damage)
Paint: $ 650.00 - $ 1000.00 (again avg. cost)
Shocks: $ 100.00 - $ 150.00 (depending on manufacturer)
Torsion Bars $ 200.00 (guessing estimate)
Front Axles $ 150.00 (estimate - is what I pd for one a few yrs ago)
Hans Device $ 1300.00 (there is a cheaper one can’t remember the name but it runs around $300-$500)
 
Keep in mind this doesn’t include spares. You need spare wheels, torsion bars, axles, shocks, motor, chassis, gears and much more that I’m forgetting right now. There is upkeep for the tow rig; oil changes, tires, and tune ups. Upkeep for the racecar includes washing it weekly, oil changes, checking everything out.
There’s a lot more than meets the eye to racing and maintaining a sprint car. That is why even small dollar amounts are appreciated. My favorite thing to do is get a group of people who you sit with on a weekly basis, pick your favorite driver and pool your resources. $10 or $20 per week, per person adds up quickly. It’s a fun way to get involved and help out your driver. Don’t think that an amount is too small. As you can see by my breakdown, any little bit goes towards the big picture. Get a group together and decide on who you want to sponsor and go for it. I can bet this would be greatly appreciated. I've heard people come up with names for their group. One group that sat in turn one was called the Over the Hill Gang. I remember when they came out of the stands to sponsor Bobby Michnowicz when he first started in sprints back in the early 80’s. There's another one called the Turn One Rowdies.

 

The most popular fan based support group that I know of is the Wagtimers; which if you are a regular to west coast sprint car racing, you know all about Mr. and Mrs. Wags, the Wagtimers and the Wagsdash. Mr. Wags started out by collecting a few dollars each week and giving it to the hard luck driver of the night. That quickly grew into now what is known as the Wagsdash. I would advise checking out www.wagtimes.com to find out more about it. Maybe this would help you make your decision on how to help out your favorite driver

 

I hope I’ve encouraged some of you to go down in the pits and get involved. I know the first time I did, I was a bit shy and nervous and I was afraid I would offend the car owner. I was so glad when my money was well received and appreciated. I miss having the extra money to start a fund for something like the Hard Luck Award or Best Looking Car award, maybe if I get a nice raise and get some personal issues taken care of, I might start something like that. For now, please go on down and talk to your favorite driver and car owner. See if what I’m saying is true.

 

I would like to thank all of the drivers; car owners, pit crewmembers, sponsors and friends who helped me gather the information needed to write this article/column. Thank you to: Robbie Allen, Jeff Henry, Bruce St. James, Jay Ervine, Cal Smith, Tom Stansberry, Steven Pruett, Gavin Lowitz, Dwight Cheney, Casey Shuman (who helped w/out realizing it), the Bullet Bob Ream, Jr., and a few others who should be named here but either I can’t find the emails or can’t remember who right now. Thank you for your help and assistance