how do you get your car to the track?
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From: Marietta, Georgia, USA
how do you get your car to the track?
If your like me and opted for the BMW sports car instead of the Toyota Tundra and none of your friends have trucks or SUV's, what do you do ?
Right now to rent a truck is $90 a day and $53 for a u haul trailer... There has to be a better way!
Somone please give me advice because I dont want to sink $400 into towing etc,,,
i like 54 miles from the track, there must be a way to do this cheaper!
Thanks for you help guys!
Right now to rent a truck is $90 a day and $53 for a u haul trailer... There has to be a better way!
Somone please give me advice because I dont want to sink $400 into towing etc,,,
i like 54 miles from the track, there must be a way to do this cheaper!
Thanks for you help guys!
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From: One by one, the penguins steal my sanity.
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
$400/weekend rental x 5 weekends a year = $2000/year
$400/weekend rental x 10 weekends a year = $4000/year
$400/month truck payments x 12 months = $4800/year + insurance + tax
($400/month, based on very little down on a new full size)
So, unless you're doing 10+ events a year, renting is still the better choice economically.
$400/weekend rental x 10 weekends a year = $4000/year
$400/month truck payments x 12 months = $4800/year + insurance + tax
($400/month, based on very little down on a new full size)
So, unless you're doing 10+ events a year, renting is still the better choice economically.
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Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
U could always go the budget route. When I started gokart racing, I had a 77 Ford F-1-fiddy. A TOTAL crummy/hooptie truck. But Pretty strong and reliable. Bet you could pick up a decent older such hooptie, like maybe an old Ford "Camper Special" truck which could tow pretty well. Then go find a used open trailer for 1000-1200 bucks or so and you'd be rolling. You'd obviously have to go thru them and make em as mechanically sound as you could. But that'd be a pretty cheap way to do it. Bet you could get all of it done for under 4000 bucks with a little deal hunting. Just a thought.
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From: One by one, the penguins steal my sanity.
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Crack Monkey)
Well, the only problem with going the budget route is the potential to have a tow vehicle that is barely more reliable than the track car itself. And possibly requires have a third car as a daily driver (beater truck, track car, and daily driver). A new truck reduces the total car count to two. Maybe.
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From: Marietta, Georgia, USA
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Crack Monkey)
cant do the budget route bc i dont have place to park the car. Right now we have 3 cars in a tiny driveway... not happy neighbors!
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From: Fayetteville, AR
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Want2race »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">cant do the budget route bc i dont have place to park the car. Right now we have 3 cars in a tiny driveway... not happy neighbors!</TD></TR></TABLE>
Hmmm, then I don't think there is any good advice we can give you. You're about in my same boat. I don't want to sell the R and get a tow vehicle as a daily driver, but I'm also tired of Dad's old 250,000 mile (I ain't kidding either) truck that has no AC and is pretty low on power these days. For right now I just make do with the clunker truck because I only tow 3-4 days a month, versus driving every where else the rest of the month. My best advice, find someone who has some old beater truck they don't mind you using once or twice a month. That, or sell the bimmer for a truck/SUV.
Hmmm, then I don't think there is any good advice we can give you. You're about in my same boat. I don't want to sell the R and get a tow vehicle as a daily driver, but I'm also tired of Dad's old 250,000 mile (I ain't kidding either) truck that has no AC and is pretty low on power these days. For right now I just make do with the clunker truck because I only tow 3-4 days a month, versus driving every where else the rest of the month. My best advice, find someone who has some old beater truck they don't mind you using once or twice a month. That, or sell the bimmer for a truck/SUV.
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From: Bay Area, CA, USA
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Want2race »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">and none of your friends have trucks or SUV's, what do you do ?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Make new friends.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Make new friends.
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
I am in the same boat as you. I have no place to put a trailer and when you look into trailer storage it is cheaper to rent one for 6-8 weekends than it is to store it...at least in Southern California.
You can try something that worked for me with U-Haul. I spoke with the manager of the local U-Haul (it has to be corporate owned, not franchise) rental center and proposed trading the use of a trailer for sponsorship of the race car. They liked the idea and for a while I had a free trailer at my disposal with no worries about where to put it.
The drawback is you have to deal with crappy, heavy U-Haul trailers. There may be other places that rent trailers that would be willing to make a trade like this...especially since there is no cash out of their pocket.
I of course had my own tow vehicle so it was not as big an obstacle. But who knows U-Haul might even throw in the truck.
You can try something that worked for me with U-Haul. I spoke with the manager of the local U-Haul (it has to be corporate owned, not franchise) rental center and proposed trading the use of a trailer for sponsorship of the race car. They liked the idea and for a while I had a free trailer at my disposal with no worries about where to put it.
The drawback is you have to deal with crappy, heavy U-Haul trailers. There may be other places that rent trailers that would be willing to make a trade like this...especially since there is no cash out of their pocket.
I of course had my own tow vehicle so it was not as big an obstacle. But who knows U-Haul might even throw in the truck.
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From: Miami, FL, USA
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
When I was in HPDE activities, I drove to the track.
When I was road racing, i found a low cost SUV and dropped a new motor in it.
I also do the flat tow method when I tow to the track. I have done the tow dolly and trailer thing also. UHaul sucks (you can read other threads about that) and it's trailers are heavy.
When I was road racing, i found a low cost SUV and dropped a new motor in it.
I also do the flat tow method when I tow to the track. I have done the tow dolly and trailer thing also. UHaul sucks (you can read other threads about that) and it's trailers are heavy.
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From: ct, usa
One of my friends forwarded this as a hint to reply...
I ran into the same issue many of you have. I initially tried to tow my car with a V4 Jeep Wrangler. It surprisingly did pretty well, but for long term use it was not what I needed. It was rated for 2,000 lbs; the car and trailer totaled 3,000 lbs.
I too have a limited about of storage space / budget. I bought a tow dolly which was much cheaper to purchase ($500 on eBay - it isn't very difficult to get one at this price range). This was much lighter than a typical trailer (500 lbs) and much easier to store.
As for a tow vehicle - like me - you need to make some choices. Unfortunately it came down to me having to sell my baby, a '96 Mits. 3000GT; still trying to sell it
With this, I am going to get a real tow vehicle. My wife finally got fed-up with our "junk yard." As for the neighbors, talk to them! I felt really bad about the used car parking lot (5 cars for 2 people). The conversation went much differently than I anticipated! They had no problems with the cars that we had in our driveway / lawn. They surprised me even more when they offered to give me one of their cars that needed some work. As you can imagine, I had to pass on that offer.
If you have room for another car but are worried about spending money on a tow vehicle, try a route that I tried...Yes, sponsorship! I originally was looking to borrow a tow vehicle, but one of the dealers told me that they can not loan cars due to liability / insurance reasons. But, they would be willing to give me a car. They gave me a 1986 V8 Ford Bronco. Unfortunately I discovered under towing that it was only working on 7 cylinders. There was no way to have known this because it drove great with out the car / trailer on it. I still use it to tow, but it is not the best - that's why I'm selling the mits. I talked to the dealership about buying a car from then. They told me how much I can buy a pathfinder from them. Wow, I checked-out other dealers and they are offering it to me at a very, very low price. They also offered to get me another tow vehicle instead of purchasing one from them. At this point, my wife just wants to get a good tow vehicle and be done with it.
As for what it costs the dealership...not too much. Dealers typically purchase cars in lots / groups. Often times as a part of a lot, there are some cars they wouldn't sell on their lot. These cars often goto a auction. The dealer isn't loosing too much by giving it to you.
How to obtain sponsorship is a whole different topic. I truely believe that people don't take advantage of it's opportunities, but that is good for me! Best of luck!
I ran into the same issue many of you have. I initially tried to tow my car with a V4 Jeep Wrangler. It surprisingly did pretty well, but for long term use it was not what I needed. It was rated for 2,000 lbs; the car and trailer totaled 3,000 lbs.
I too have a limited about of storage space / budget. I bought a tow dolly which was much cheaper to purchase ($500 on eBay - it isn't very difficult to get one at this price range). This was much lighter than a typical trailer (500 lbs) and much easier to store.
As for a tow vehicle - like me - you need to make some choices. Unfortunately it came down to me having to sell my baby, a '96 Mits. 3000GT; still trying to sell it
With this, I am going to get a real tow vehicle. My wife finally got fed-up with our "junk yard." As for the neighbors, talk to them! I felt really bad about the used car parking lot (5 cars for 2 people). The conversation went much differently than I anticipated! They had no problems with the cars that we had in our driveway / lawn. They surprised me even more when they offered to give me one of their cars that needed some work. As you can imagine, I had to pass on that offer.If you have room for another car but are worried about spending money on a tow vehicle, try a route that I tried...Yes, sponsorship! I originally was looking to borrow a tow vehicle, but one of the dealers told me that they can not loan cars due to liability / insurance reasons. But, they would be willing to give me a car. They gave me a 1986 V8 Ford Bronco. Unfortunately I discovered under towing that it was only working on 7 cylinders. There was no way to have known this because it drove great with out the car / trailer on it. I still use it to tow, but it is not the best - that's why I'm selling the mits. I talked to the dealership about buying a car from then. They told me how much I can buy a pathfinder from them. Wow, I checked-out other dealers and they are offering it to me at a very, very low price. They also offered to get me another tow vehicle instead of purchasing one from them. At this point, my wife just wants to get a good tow vehicle and be done with it.
As for what it costs the dealership...not too much. Dealers typically purchase cars in lots / groups. Often times as a part of a lot, there are some cars they wouldn't sell on their lot. These cars often goto a auction. The dealer isn't loosing too much by giving it to you.
How to obtain sponsorship is a whole different topic. I truely believe that people don't take advantage of it's opportunities, but that is good for me! Best of luck!
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From: Montreal, Canada
Re: (granracing)
I'm still driving the car to events. I only trailored once and that was for the Glen, but for Tremblant, Shannonville, I have driven to the track *200 miles or less). I have no driveway, I park my daily driver on the street, usually park the race car at my parents' house. I know people have issues with driving to the track, having to drive home. First of all, I don't drive differently knowing I have to drive the Civic home. If it breaks, i will THEN go rent a truck and trailer and pick it up later in the week or another time, or ask around if there's a local shop that can fix the problem for cheaper than the price of renting the towing rig. This has worked so far for two double events and i will be doing it again this weekend. I also feel a certain pride in driving to the track (I'm usually the only one) and it makes me feel like the Le Mans racers of the 50's who drove to the track, raced 24 hours and then drove home with the same car...
P.S. one of the keys to driving on the street is the adjustable sound Supertrapp muffler
P.S. one of the keys to driving on the street is the adjustable sound Supertrapp muffler
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Marietta, Georgia, USA
Re: (Civic44)
well it looks like this weekends plans are cancelled.. No U haul has any trucks to rent and budget and penske wont allow in state towing..
Armada has no trucks and a tow truck is like $3 a mile.. which is damn expensive bc they have to charge a return fee too...
Armada has no trucks and a tow truck is like $3 a mile.. which is damn expensive bc they have to charge a return fee too...
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From: Gainesville, FL
Re: (Civic44)
As far as the trailer goes, maybe this is different around the country, but the resale value for a quality trailer is about 98% of the retail price. I see all sorts of rusted, busted car trailers selling for $1,000-1,200 and mine was only $1350 new. If I can sell that back for $1,000 in a couple of years I'd say that's pretty damn good. Good trailers just don't lose their value. Plus, when you have a trailer, you tend to make lots of new friends 
And most of these new friends have trucks 
And most of these new friends have trucks
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (drkarrow)
i drive mine to the track.
it's registered, insured, and the track is only 10mins from my place.
so, if i break something, towing it home is dirt cheap.
go me.
but, i have thought about buying a work van. that way, i could sleep in it (if necessary), it can flat tow a car, and i can keep things inside of the van and not have to worry about buying a camper shell or theives.
it's registered, insured, and the track is only 10mins from my place.
so, if i break something, towing it home is dirt cheap.
go me.
but, i have thought about buying a work van. that way, i could sleep in it (if necessary), it can flat tow a car, and i can keep things inside of the van and not have to worry about buying a camper shell or theives.
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From: Lancaster, PA, USA
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Driven)
Two plans:
Plan A:
1) Find a sponsor who has a place to park a trailer
2) put huge advertising graphics on car
3) Buy a $1000 trailer
4) put sponsor graphics on trailer
5) Buy a $2000 F-150
6) put sposor graphics on truck
7) Park entire rig at sponsors
8) sponsor pays for all graphics
Plan B:
Buy a van and a tow dolly. Store the dolly in van.
Plan A:
1) Find a sponsor who has a place to park a trailer
2) put huge advertising graphics on car
3) Buy a $1000 trailer
4) put sponsor graphics on trailer
5) Buy a $2000 F-150
6) put sposor graphics on truck
7) Park entire rig at sponsors
8) sponsor pays for all graphics
Plan B:
Buy a van and a tow dolly. Store the dolly in van.
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From: Monroeville, PA, USA
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
Travis makes a good point about resale value. Trailers made of aluminum will fecth more in the Northeast than steel ones. Out West where rust is less of an issue-either type will bring a good return. In the end you are probably better off to buy with long-term financing than to rent.
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From: I started it
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
If you know anyone who owns a business, try and see if they'll rent you (or free you) some space. Or if you know someone who owns land, see if they'd rent/free you a piece of it. You never know.
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From: Marietta, Georgia, USA
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (krshultz)
Space is the problem. Everyone in Atlanta has no space OR you cant leave a trailer there!
Trust me, besides paying $200 a month in stordge its not going to happen...
car is for sale come monday assuming I dont ball it up this weekend!
Trust me, besides paying $200 a month in stordge its not going to happen...
car is for sale come monday assuming I dont ball it up this weekend!
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From: Fayetteville, AR
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Want2race »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">car is for sale come monday assuming I dont ball it up this weekend! </TD></TR></TABLE>
why? not because of the trailer situation surely
why? not because of the trailer situation surely
Thread Starter
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From: Marietta, Georgia, USA
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (uncleben)
nope.. I decided at age 19 its time to leave home.. So Im moving back to south africa where I will probably land up watching racing and not participating..
I dunno if its my thing honestly... But gimme 24 hours and see if my opinion changes
The trailer isnt the reason.. But the funny thing is, friends of mine there WITH racing cars tow it with little 1200cc cars!
I know a friend who JUST bought a tow vehicle.. What is it? a 2.0 NA toyota tacoma!
Makes ya think!
I dunno if its my thing honestly... But gimme 24 hours and see if my opinion changes
The trailer isnt the reason.. But the funny thing is, friends of mine there WITH racing cars tow it with little 1200cc cars!
I know a friend who JUST bought a tow vehicle.. What is it? a 2.0 NA toyota tacoma!
Makes ya think!
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From: Suffolk, VA, 23437
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (Want2race)
I also like to use a tow dolly. It is easier to tow, load, etc. (everything except back up).
I don't tow with this http://webpages.charter.net/k....w.JPG
anymore, but it is possible...
I don't tow with this http://webpages.charter.net/k....w.JPG
anymore, but it is possible...
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Re: how do you get your car to the track? (kedwards)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kedwards »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I also like to use a tow dolly. It is easier to tow, load, etc. (everything except back up).
I don't tow with this http://webpages.charter.net/k....w.JPG
anymore, but it is possible...
</TD></TR></TABLE>
What kind of hitch do you use for that civic...is a class 1 with a 2" ball good enough?
I don't tow with this http://webpages.charter.net/k....w.JPG
anymore, but it is possible...
</TD></TR></TABLE>
What kind of hitch do you use for that civic...is a class 1 with a 2" ball good enough?
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From: Suffolk, VA, 23437
Re: how do you get your car to the track? (89civicdx)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
What kind of hitch do you use for that civic...is a class 1 with a 2" ball good enough?</TD></TR></TABLE>
The 2" ball is sufficient, but the receiver is rather ligth duty. Honda recommends not towing with a '95 Civic Coupe. Hidden Hitch rates it for only 1000 lbs., I think... It could be 2000 lbs.
What kind of hitch do you use for that civic...is a class 1 with a 2" ball good enough?</TD></TR></TABLE>
The 2" ball is sufficient, but the receiver is rather ligth duty. Honda recommends not towing with a '95 Civic Coupe. Hidden Hitch rates it for only 1000 lbs., I think... It could be 2000 lbs.