Caterham racing - cost

[footsoldier]

Trying to decide if I should sell my Lotus and buy a Caterham for weekend/trackday use, or given likely limited use, should I just put the money into racing one instead?

Have done a bit of racing a few years ago, but don't have the technical know how to do self-support, and also geographically challenged for transporting etc. I wondered if anyone can give me a steer on how much it costs for weekend (this year) or possibly season hire next year and support from a good quality team in the Superlight R400 category?

Is it an option to buy an R400/C400, let team run it for racing an also use it on the road outwith/after season? Also, does there tend to be much testing time at circuits immediately prior to races?

I know that I'll need to talk to teams direct, just wanted a steer so I'll know if its a possibility or not...

Thanks

Edited by footsoldier on Friday 12th June 19:46

[rubystone]

footsoldier said:

Trying to decide if I should sell my Lotus and buy a Caterham for weekend/trackday use, or given likely limited use, should I just put the money into racing one instead?

Have done a bit of racing a few years ago, but don't have the technical know how to do self-support, and also geographically challenged for transporting etc. I wondered if anyone can give me a steer on how much it costs for weekend (this year) or possibly season hire next year and support from a good quality team in the Superlight R400 category?

Is it an option to buy an R400/C400, let team run it for racing an also use it on the road outwith/after season? Also, does there tend to be much testing time at circuits immediately prior to races?

I know that I'll need to talk to teams direct, just wanted a steer so I'll know if its a possibility or not...

Thanks

Edited by footsoldier on Friday 12th June 19:46

It's all possible and you ought to be able to negotiate a good deal this year. Depending on how competitive you want the series to be, you could do a lot worse than check out SEMSEC's Saloons and Sports Car Championship - upside is a bunch of nice guys, 99% of the races take place on a Saturday only (bonus points for the wife there)and some of the competitors are, well over the hill to be honest (ducks low blow from Merrick and Nigel).... downside if you don't live in Dover is that it mostly takes place at Lydden with the occasional foray to the land of whippets and real ale - Brands Hatch...

There are some obvious teams out there, and no doubt one or two will add to this thread. You couldn't go far wrong with Gary May at Freestyle and I have always rated Taylors Foundry, but there are several others that have a good name too...

[footsoldier]

Thanks for reply.

I've done a bit of single seater racing a few years ago, and would want to do the Superlight R400 championship - is it of a generally good standard?

Wanting to do the Silverstone/Oulton/Spa stuff to make it worthwhile travelling from Scotland, and "arrive and drive" in a competitive car would be what I'm looking for, ideally with some pre-event practice tagged on at the start of weekend.

[peter-2006]

Testing is usually available on the Friday before the meeting.
The one problem you will encounter is having an R400 that is eligible for the championship and also able to be used on the road as ehe R400 only have a race wiring loom with no connections for lights etc.

Some teams have cars available to hire but most people own there own cars and have a team to run them.

[jleroux]

Hi footsoldier, drop me a mail (jonny.leroux at bookatrack dot com) - i have some information which may be of use/interest.

cheers,

Jonny
BaT

[bse]

The R400 championship has had pretty small grids this year. The newer R300 class is only a little slower and has bigger grids despite being in its first year. I'd be going for this if I wanted fast, competitive caterham racing. I think I read somewhere that Caterham were guaranteeing eligibility for the R400 cars up to 2011 (anybody?)...but I think they need to better distinguish this class from the R300s. I'd put the cars on slicks and make them 3-5s a lap quicker than the R300s.

Either way R300s are the same as R400s in that they have no lights and wouldn't make a road car when not being used for racing. You'd have to go for Supergrads/Roadsport classes for that.

[thinfourth2]

Go to the scottishelises forum and find the member called greyrigg as he based in scotland and races in the CSR challenge

[fcat]

Have a look at CSCC Magnificent Sevens series, races all over the UK this year + Spa. Pretty much any Seven is eligible, road legal or otherwise. No reason why arrive'n'drive wouldn't work - can also recommend Gary May/Freestyle. SEMSEC run an excellent series in the South East but it wouldn't make much sense if you're based in Scotland.

Rubystone, that's several pints you now owe me, cheeky sod

Edited by fcat on Saturday 13th June 19:33

[rubystone]

fcat said:

Rubystone, that's several pints you now owe me, cheeky sod

Be a pleasure to repay you sir, do let me know when you're next in The Smoke and I'll glady redress the balance.

[The Wookie]

I raced in R400's last year, and while it was a great experience, it was more expensive than you might expect and if you're just doing it for fun I'd suggest going for Roadsports or Graduates. My budget last year was c.25 grand, and the car cost 22. The R300's have reduced the budget a bit, but I'm not convinced the difference will be massive. Both are also stuggling for grids this year, although that may not be the case next year if Caterham have got their act together with quality of service and parts.

Roadsports is fine if you want a team to run your car, but then the budget is still considerable. If you want really good value, seriously competitive racing with a road legal car, I'd go for a Supergrad. McMillan Motorsport support the series (i.e. fix your car if it breaks or you crash) and offer a package where they can store your car and bring it to each round so you can effectively arrive and drive, it's a lot cheaper than using a Roadsports team.

Grads has a great atmosphere and the racing is very very competitive. To put it in perspective, after a couple of poles and a couple of wins in the Superlights, I could only manage 4th in Quali at Cadwell in the Megagrads last year.

Basically, if you have 50 grand to burn, go for an R3/400, but if you're on a budget and are just doing it to have fun, go for Grads.

[footsoldier]

Thanks all for replies.

Having known little about it last week, I'm getting to be an expert on the various options now! Had some good info from Jonny at BaT as well, so will make some decisions in next wee while...

Cheers

[jleroux]

footsoldier said:

Had some good info from Jonny at BaT as well

good, if not impartial or unbiased!

Jonny
BaT

[taffyracer]

i've been looking into caterham racing and R400's, looking at the grids this year and the costs I would say that Roadsport A Sigma next year will be the best of the lot, better grids, lower costs and better racing, the R400 grids this year are awful and although they've given it a few years more, from what I am told the R300's are going to be the better option all round for longevity, as for deals, there are no real deals from what I can see....there are only a few decent cars about (and some right ste ones) but prices are still too high, 25k for a decent R400 and 4-5k / weekend's costs is far too much money to pay for small grids, 4k will get you a Britcar drive in a GT3, 5-6k will get you a BGT drive, so it's not great value and I don't see that improving.

R300's or Roadsport A's would be my choice if you want decent racing

Edited by taffyracer on Monday 15th June 19:36

[dreamer75]

I raced with SEMSEC last year, and this year with the grads (Caterham Graduates Racing Club).

Both very friendly clubs and I enjoyed SEMSEC and I'm enjoying Grads - one thing I would say, is that Grads have a support team come along to each meeting and official test day. So if something breaks, there is someone there who can fix it (assuming it's not too catastrophic). I've even seen them pilfer engine/gearbox from a broken car to put into a working car to get it out on track in time.

So if your lack of spanners skills is worrying you, that's a good solution !

SEMSEC is v friendly, and people will help you fix it if they can, but it's not quite in the league of a support team....

[Incorrigible]

If you'd like some equally unbiased options for car prep/transport and would consider any of the grads championships give us a call (01903 744234) or come and see us at Croft 11/12 July

Cheers

Ben

[The Wookie]

footsoldier said:

Thanks for reply.

I've done a bit of single seater racing a few years ago, and would want to do the Superlight R400 championship - is it of a generally good standard?

Wanting to do the Silverstone/Oulton/Spa stuff to make it worthwhile travelling from Scotland, and "arrive and drive" in a competitive car would be what I'm looking for, ideally with some pre-event practice tagged on at the start of weekend.

Just spotted where you're from, obviously Scotland is a big place, but in case you are going to watch the Toca at Knockhill in a few weeks, stick your head into the Motorbase Carrera Cup truck and ask for Ollie Jackson if you'd like a chat about all aspects of Caterham racing!

[pw75]

Interesting comments.... R400 certainly have small grids this year and its unlikely they will get much bigger next year. R300 grid is small-ish (12 at last race but its a brand new car) but growing almost every round. If there aren't 20+ next year I will be amazed, probably more like 25-30.

AS you say you want arrive and drive I'd certainly listen to Jonny oomments if R300 interests you, Fauldsport setup very professional and no I'm not one of his team mates.

Cars are awesome to drive and many people are saying its the best one to race in terms of power/handling etc. I certainly wouldn't disagree. Racing very close and fair. Had some very quick guest drivers to pit yourself against this year as well. Paul O'neill for one...

couple of vids on my youtube account, inluding mr Leroux....

www.youtube.com/user/plwls

Paul

1. 32

[pw75]

I forgot to add, if your buying a car they are £25k ish plus bits, and if your running it yourself budget £1k per weekend for entry, petrol, tyres, accomodation etc etc.

Vid from rounds 1/2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwHVy0z1g7E

[sfaulds]

Impressive maths Mr Wilson - can you show the class your workings please

[pw75]

I'd rather not uncover the true cost Stuart, but that was my RSA workings last year.

Entry £450
Accommodation £150 (budget)
Petrol £120
Leaves £280 for tyre wear/running costs.

Might have to add a bit extra for testing....

Not a million miles off £1k.