HPDE costs rising

[dre99gsx]

I noticed this year some of the HPDE events I frequent have increased their costs. Some are $150/2-day event more than last year.

Add to that almost ~1/gal gas (and rising) from last year. I did some math on my typical costs and the same event this year compared to last year will cost me $250-$300 more, mostly due to gas for tow vehicle to/from venue, 8 sessions of gas for the race car, increased event cost.

Luckily I camp and don't pay hotel fees, and make my own food.

5 years ago, I was paying half of what I pay now. Feels like HPDE is quickly becoming something out of most folks' budget, which is a shame since last year some clubs were complaining of low turnout.

Anyone one have the same experience? And, what would cause the rise in event fees?

[SunUpTopDown3]

I don't know what the answer would be and I had no idea they are increasing as I am joining now this season. I did note prices were quite steep for my local (WWTR) track day, $170 for about 1-2 hour session. Someone was telling me a few years ago it was around $100. Big jump indeed. This is quite disheartening to see, esp to newcomers like me who now have finances to join.

I also signed up for a Track night in america via Scca at blackhawk farms raceway for about $150, combined with one-time $25 coupon from SCCA brought price down bit. That is by far the least expensive track day for an hour session I have found.

[Coi]

Even autocross prices have gone up a lot. There is one that takes place close to me and a three years ago it was $55 with 8-10 runs. Now it's $100. Feels a little ridiculous paying that much to drive my car in a parking lot for a total of about 5 minutes.

With gas prices I found that my average weekend drive with friends out in the mountains/canyons can easily be $40-$60 but I prefer to just ignore that information.

[Michael9218]

Hankook and Hoosier tire prices have also increased.

First world problems...

[sikedsyko]

Yeah I don't know when exactly it happened, but the org I run with raised their weekend rates by about $75, about 20% more vs the last ~5 years or so.

I definitely picked a bad time to commit to buying a tow vehicle and making my Z non road legal for trackdays.

[wdb]

Originally Posted by sikedsyko

Yeah I don't know when exactly it happened, but the org I run with raised their weekend rates by about $75, about 20% more vs the last ~5 years or so.

I definitely picked a bad time to commit to buying a tow vehicle and making my Z non road legal for trackdays.

I don't think there is such a thing as a bad time to make that decision. Go for it.

[dre99gsx]

Wow. RR's for my Z4 shipped from Tirerack went up $200 for full set from last year. My local tire changing facility increased prices $20/wheel to swap tires from last year. Seriously considering my own tire machine

[Michael9218]

Originally Posted by dre99gsx

Wow. RR's for my Z4 shipped from Tirerack went up $200 for full set from last year. My local tire changing facility increased prices $20/wheel to swap tires from last year. Seriously considering my own tire machine

Damn! I only pay $20/wheel for mount and balance!

[86Zed]

I run a few HPDE days with friends I enjoy and clubs I like to support, fees etc. are up. I also help plan the local BMWCCA event and every single item (food, track fees, corner workers, ambulance, tow truck) have all risen year over year with very little room to absorb costs. Our goal is to break even, no more, no less - not all clubs have that goal. We did well in 2021 as attendance went way up with newer faces, hoping they stay with it.

In my own garage I built a Miata to keep track costs where I can stomach them. No insurance, bring my own food, etc. Gas will hurt this spring. I tend to pick open lapping days more often now to maximize my miles/$