New Guy Costs.

If, and that's a big if at his point, I were to get a car to a challenge, what would it cost me outside the budget? 

Background:

Been pullin' wrenched since the 70's... been more into oddball stuff than fast, but adding power has always been one of the components! Hey, my "hot rod" is a 48 Ford F6 COE. Prolly hopped up to about 22 seconds in the quarter mile!

Hung around with the bike dirt drag guys a lot, but I was always just a hang around.

I only discovered this site and the Challenge less than a year ago. I'd Gastropod ( what is that word, anyway ) my DD 03 Grand Marquis in a heartbeat, but my wife would have a fit. And since it was her Mom's low mileage cream-puff, I don't have a say in it.

I have a couple other options that could meet the $2000 (or way less) and can cover the cost of living at the event, but what else would be needed.

My Motorcycle Helmet is a 3/4 HJC with flip up faceshield. I know it's dot, and may be snell, but don't know numbers, and is not "full face," cause they don't fit my chin/nose/jowls. Even the modular full face don't fit without some padding adjustments.

As a total non racer, I know nothing about what safety equipment is needed and what it costs.

So,

Tires and brakes outside of budget... TBD

Helmet?

Fire extuinsher ... any specific?

FR Clothing? Gloves?

Specific shoes?

Anything else I'm not thinking about?

Fire extuninsher $25 Home Depot. Helmet you can borrow or $200ish.  Travel cost down 200ish.  Hotel room $100ish a night, Drinks and food $100ish.  Waking up in the middle of the parking lot after a night at my bar Priceless.

Stampie (FS) said:

Waking up in the middle of the parking lot (to the sound of weird Wayne looking for a lighter or a trailer to steal)... Priceless.

Ftfy.

In reply to Stampie (FS) :

Nice!

I see you can't spell extinguisher either! (hey, I think I got it this time!)

I have several of them, even some mounts... I had the unfortunate opportunity to test a paint can size aerosol one this winter. Was quite impressed with its performance. Had 'em for a while I can now recomend (can give details to any/all interested!)

So helmet is all I need in the slow classes that would be my tops? What are the min. req. for helmet.?

Dead_Sled said:

Stampie (FS) said:

Waking up in the middle of the parking lot (to the sound of weird Wayne looking for a lighter or a trailer to steal)... Priceless.

Ftfy.

Sadly, I became an instant old fuddy duddy when I got married late in life. I had a good run... still living like a teenager at 45! Now at 56, my tired old body can't take the sucrose shock of my favorite whiskeys, anymore

I think the saddest part is, not only do I not mind being an old boring guy, I'm kinda proud of it!!!

You can easily spend $10,000 to attend the $2000 Challenge, or you can do it on a $500 budget. It's one of the few events that can still truly be done at any budget level. I'd suggest keeping your first attempt simple, buying a cheap car and coming to the event with an open mind. 

Last year I think all I spent outside the budget was the entry fee, hotel costs, and gas and food. Well and the wheels I bought but didn't use. Patrick gave me an old helmet he didn't need anymore, and I forgot to get a fire extinguisher but didn't catch on fire thankfully so didn't need one. Would've been nice to have of course.

My big plans for this year fell apart when I didn't have enough money for a set of brand-new Hoosiers and a junkyard supercharger  I have new ideas for next year though. My advice, get there as cheap as you can the first time, and then you'll know what to spend more on the next year.

Now that cost has been covered, let's enable.

Not a lot in Dothan, so I wandered around a bit.

This ad looks a little sketchy, but it might be legit https://columbusga.craigslist.org/cto/d/columbus-1999-ford-crown-victoria-lx/7183267069.html

https://montgomery.craigslist.org/cto/d/prattville-1985-vw-golf/7193775757.html

https://dothan.craigslist.org/cto/d/dothan-1996-ford-f150-mechanic-special/7189924377.html

This also feels sketchy https://panamacity.craigslist.org/cto/d/panama-city-1998-chevrolet-z71/7198677840.html

https://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/d/pensacola-1986-bmw-325es-fair-condition/7191320108.html

https://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/d/cantonment-65-ford-falcon/7195311037.html

https://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/d/navarre-fast-and-furious-acura/7188182794.html

https://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/d/pensacola-2001-dodge-neon-miles/7195515944.html

https://macon.craigslist.org/cto/d/fort-valley-01-honda-civic-ex/7199078233.html

I think this one is my favorite so far https://valdosta.craigslist.org/cto/d/lake-park-1971-pontiac-grand-ville/7191408856.html

Can't go wrong with a short wheel base truck https://valdosta.craigslist.org/cto/d/homerville-96-chevy-silverado/7191469614.html

Another SWB truck https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/cto/d/fayetteville-1978-ford-f250-ranger/7199054322.html

https://mobile.craigslist.org/cto/d/mobile-69-volkswagen-beetle/7186051854.html

Know what's better than a short wheel base truck?  A stepside short wheel base truck https://lakecity.craigslist.org/cto/d/branford-1991-chevy-work-hunting-truck/7196105440.html

Ford Courier's are always interesting https://bham.craigslist.org/cto/d/adamsville-1981-ford-courier-project/7193346892.html

In reply to Mr_Asa :

Haven't looked at any of them yet, but you always try to cost me money, and/or put my wife in prison. "course if the Judge knew me, it be justifiable Homicide, and she'd be fine!

In reply to Tom Suddard :

That's why I was asking for actual advice. I obviously do not have 10K to spend, and I mentioned getting there/staying there is not a problem. I just need advice on what I can get by on.

I do appreciate the keep it simple advice, but I need advice on what that means.

If the only safety equipment I need is a helmet, I can afford that - if the one I oun does not qualify. Any suggestions on how to find out?

One of the interests in this event I heard about just last year, is that any budget level. Now I just need to know what that means. Any budget prolly does not mean a $200 car and $100 to get it ready.

slowbird said:

Last year I think all I spent outside the budget was the entry fee, hotel costs, and gas and food. Well and the wheels I bought but didn't use. Patrick gave me an old helmet he didn't need anymore, and I forgot to get a fire extinguisher but didn't catch on fire thankfully so didn't need one. Would've been nice to have of course.

My big plans for this year fell apart when I didn't have enough money for a set of brand-new Hoosiers and a junkyard supercharger  I have new ideas for next year though. My advice, get there as cheap as you can the first time, and then you'll know what to spend more on the next year.

Thanks. The entry fee and local/getting there costs I can swing!

Do pick-um-up trucks have there own class? Anything like a truck I could bring would  handle the cones like a, well truck. Or worse.

03Panther said:

Do pick-um-up trucks have there own class? Anything like a truck I could bring would  handle the cones like a, well truck. Or worse.

Honestly, at this point in time, I doubt that anything you bring will do great.  You might fall into the perfect car, but thats rare. The goal now is to have fun, yeah?

With some work a truck could handle. Not budget friendly at this point in time though. 

In reply to 03Panther :

Have you ever autocrossed before?

if not, I can assure you the vehicle does not matter. You've never had more fun in a car by yourself. As for needed gear, a helmet and fire extinguisher are all you need in a normal car with shoulder belts. 

Mr_Asa said:

Now that cost has been covered, let's enable.

Not a lot in Dothan, so I wandered around a bit.

 

Another SWB truck https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/cto/d/fayetteville-1978-ford-f250-ranger/7199054322.html

 

In the interest of full disclosure, that Ford is an 8' bed.

I've never driven in any form of racing. hung around guys into many forms of racing. My dirt drags buddy went to school with Kebo, and has stayed friends - I've been to dinner with them a couple of times. Kebo was John Force's crew chief. His relaxation, for a while, was the equivalent of "street racing"... on the James River! "Nother friend (co-worker from the Shipyard days) had been to Europe doing some road racing... just thought, he prolly crossed paths with Frenchyd  as Frenchyd was doing less! (we're a few years younger.)  But have done no official wrenchin' or driving, and been to very few races as a spectator. Just a "guy on the fringes!"

One of my best friends (he'll tell ya I know where ALL the bodies are buried. was the major wench for when they were racing a Kawi Tripple in the Harley Dirt Drags. Reggie ( rider) had to set all the smaller bikes out a ways; when he ran the big HD's, they made him run heads up!!! They all knew and partied with us, and all said they KNEW they had to on their a game when Reggie lined up! He never did beat one, but it was ALWAYS close! They then put Reggie's Zuki 1100 on track only, and got it to where it was runnin' a consistent 8.99. When Reggie moved on with a responsable life, Red built a few cars for the local dirt tracks. (roundy rounds) A few years ago, he decided to build and drive a land speed car. I talked to him after -asked if it was worth it. His reply:

"That was the most fun I;ve ever had with my clothes on... tell ya the truth, it was more fun than a few times with them off..."

I'll either run one I have around, or the Lotus, if I can work it out. Just wanted some reasonable costs I could tell the financial advisor for approval. I make less than our bills each week, now that we are staying local, and I'm keeping this full time job. She makes up the difference with money we were able to save... should be going in retirement accounts, but at least we haven't had to take any OUT of retirement accounts. So she has the right to veto my hair-brained plans!

If my helmet meets the minium standard, I might be able to pull off the rest. Even if it doesn't, another helmet is doable!

Cooter said:

Mr_Asa said:

Now that cost has been covered, let's enable.

Not a lot in Dothan, so I wandered around a bit.

 

Another SWB truck https://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/cto/d/fayetteville-1978-ford-f250-ranger/7199054322.html

 

In the interest of full disclosure, that Ford is an 8' bed.

With the stupid prices folks are asking for dent sides, that's a decent starting price, for one of my favorite trucks. Too bad it has a slush box. And doesn't mention what engine. I've had a few with 300's,(two 240's) one 302, a 352, a 360 and a 390 and have a OBS with a 460 now.   The 352 was actually from a friend truck he wrecked. Carried that engine around with his toolbox to several shops as hed go to another heavy equipment company. Pick up a few parts to rebuild it here and there. Wasn't anything special; Mild Rv grind cam, performer intake - but was a sweet runner. Much peppier than the stock 73 390 it replaced!

Mr_Asa said:

03Panther said:

Do pick-um-up trucks have there own class? Anything like a truck I could bring would  handle the cones like a, well truck. Or worse.

Honestly, at this point in time, I doubt that anything you bring will do great.  You might fall into the perfect car, but thats rare. The goal now is to have fun, yeah?

With some work a truck could handle. Not budget friendly at this point in time though. 

Oh, I know I'll be slow, no matter what! I don't even care at this point in life! One my my Astro's would fit in the Radwood, for a laugh! My 97 Formula would be the fastest I could bring, but bone stock suspension, crappy tires and me as a driver... yea, can ya spell SLOOOW!

just don't know a thing about diferent classes. I have a 2 ton ford F450. If yall start a dually class I might win that... by virtue of being the only one!!! Hey... start a class just for the 'haulers!. Require they actually pull a car they enter with it!!!

Mr_Asa said:

With some work a truck could handle. Not budget friendly at this point in time though. 

some late models, yea. The older stuff I like, never happen in a budget friendly way! Unless I get a deal just to prove I could get it there this year, none of the others I have are important enough to work round the clock on to make this year. And the one couldn't happen unless I spent my last weeks vacation in VA ... and I might not be welcome back in AL if I did that!

Mr_Asa said:

Now that cost has been covered, let's enable.

Not a lot in Dothan, so I wandered around a bit.

Same areas I look for anything I'm interested in!

This ad looks a little sketchy, but it might be legit https://columbusga.craigslist.org/cto/d/columbus-1999-ford-crown-victoria-lx/7183267069.html

I've seen that ad, and had the same thought! If I got another panther, it'd have to be 03 or newer, so I could tell my wife its a parts car for her mom's i inherited.

https://dothan.craigslist.org/cto/d/dothan-1996-ford-f150-mechanic-special/7189924377.html

That one has been for sale for many months! Course he started at 1200, was 800 last I looked, so might be time to toss him an offer. I think most folks are tired of looking at it, since he posts about 4-6 adds each time.

This also feels sketchy https://panamacity.craigslist.org/cto/d/panama-city-1998-chevrolet-z71/7198677840.html

"Trust your feelings, Luke." 99.998% scam

https://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/d/pensacola-1986-bmw-325es-fair-condition/7191320108.html

I need to look into that one a bit. I'd love to trade projects with him!

https://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/d/cantonment-65-ford-falcon/7195311037.html

That I want as a DD.! I bet if ya tried to race it without MAJOR floor work -the front suspension would fall off!

https://macon.craigslist.org/cto/d/fort-valley-01-honda-civic-ex/7199078233.html

"Nother DD candidate... after ya sell the hoopty rims to a pawn shop in downtown.

I think this one is my favorite so far https://valdosta.craigslist.org/cto/d/lake-park-1971-pontiac-grand-ville/7191408856.html

Too old for Radwood, but points for STYLE!!! My wife put that nose through the kitchen wall (Homestead block house) learning to drive back then... good thing her dad built it! She could tell where the repair was, but nobody else would have noticed. Pop's was GOOD!

Never have warmed up to the step sides. Back when that was all they made, yea, but since the 60's, its just wasting space. Suits the folks that don't use their trucks, though.

Ford Courier's are always interesting https://bham.craigslist.org/cto/d/adamsville-1981-ford-courier-project/7193346892.html

One more I gotta go check out now! If the topper fits any modern sizes, its worth the cost of admission alone! Be several grand to have one like that built!

anybody want the give me a supercharged 3.8 to slip into that?

Wanted to drop a 289 into one back in the 70's. Ended up with a 76 Datsun 620, and fell in love with the body lines. Had a couple more. Still have the bed from my 76 - kept after the wreck, and turned into a trailer... just the bed... I'm not cheesey enough to use the frame and axle!!! Passed up a 78 extended cab 620 a few years ago for $300. Wish I had it now that I'm not traveling full time!

The next step is to read the rules. They should answer your helmet questions and much more.

Note that normally we'd have loaner helmets, but won't this year due to covid-19.

https://2000challenge.com/rules

It costs us typicaly $4-500 in diesel plus registration, food.  I can't stress this enough, to everyone who plans to do the challenge, get the best western mastercard.  I use mine for everything and over the course of the year I typically get enough points for 4 free nights at the challenge hotel.  That's around $600 after taxes and stuff.  
 

last year i took a $500 loss on the car and sold it at the event.  Took a $1500 car, threw $500 at it, sold for $1500 Friday night during drag racing.  Had I not been frustrated that a full tuneup and new coil didn't fix the misfire I would have kept it.  I had way more than $500 worth of fun.  
 

so between free hotel, lots of fuel, $500 mercedes racecar rental, food, tolls, entry it probably cost me around $2000.  
 

i'm generally not the "show up with a car i bought for the event" guy, so that's an anomaly for me.  I ran my datsun 3 years. 

In reply to Tom Suddard :

Thanks for the link... Made a bit more sense than it did last November! I had gotten lost in the budget stuff before; the rest was easier to follow, now that I was not even looking at budget ... Just safety. The link to nhra is a big help, also. 

The only safety item that might hurt my wallet would be having to buy a new 5point harness. Monies well spent, but prolly pricy!  Next year might happen!