Post by rick-taylor on Dec 31, 2008 21:17:25 GMT 12
Having viewed several threads that have gone off tpoic recently and onto the lines of costs etc.. I thought I would take the initiative and start a discussion regarding costs within our sport, in particular the stockcar/superstock class as that is what I am fmailiar with.
Before I start, this is not an attack on anyone who has put themselves in a position to afford an expensive car, I don't begrudge that, and hope that the hard work I put into my business will allow me greater pleasure later in life aswell.
Anyhow, back on topic. I personally believe that we have to address the escalating costs of superstocks. If for nothing else, to ensure that we maintain a reasonable number of cars able to compete at the highest level.
On another post someone mentioned that since superstocks are the "pinnacle" of our sport that they should have no restrictions. However, looking at the global economy and other motorsports such as V8 Supercars, Formula 1, WRC to name a few are all busy trying to trim costs in an effort to ensure sustainability.
There will always be a number of people who can afford to spend whatever it costs to race, however, that number spread accross our country will result in a diminished racing field over time.
Possible solutions: Many and varied. As mentioned in other threads controlled components are a good start. The tyres for example are a key area. if the tyre only allows so much traction then the need for more horsepower is reduced and therefore engine costs are lower. The added bonus of a control component is suppliers tender for the right to supply this component at a fixed rate over a given period, thus by giving 1 supplier the opportunity for a large number of guaranteed sales the cost to the end user is usually better aswell. I have been involved in tendering for controlled components in other forms of motorsport and believe it could work.
Another solution is a simple RPM limiter, supplied by SNZ as a sealed unit. If an engine can't rev above a set limit then the build cost can be reduced by limiting the need for expensive high revving components. Another item could be wheels, I have a bit of experience with this area, and beleive that even something as simple as a control wheel would also curb escalating costs. (won't go into detail here over pricing variations)
Other components could include suspension/brakes and driveline, however with the variations in chassis packages these are harder to find a generic soultion.
Now if you look beyond the superstock class, the stockcar class is also of concern. To the untrained eye there is little to distinguish these classes, and credit to some of the stockcar builders out there, some would not be out of place in the average superstock field on a Saturday night. But... are the top stockcars getting too expensive and advanced aswell. Are more restrictions required in this class and leave the supers alone to increase the difference between classes ?
there you go, my 2 cents worth - start throwing your toys.
Cheers- Rick 23K
Before I start, this is not an attack on anyone who has put themselves in a position to afford an expensive car, I don't begrudge that, and hope that the hard work I put into my business will allow me greater pleasure later in life aswell.
Anyhow, back on topic. I personally believe that we have to address the escalating costs of superstocks. If for nothing else, to ensure that we maintain a reasonable number of cars able to compete at the highest level.
On another post someone mentioned that since superstocks are the "pinnacle" of our sport that they should have no restrictions. However, looking at the global economy and other motorsports such as V8 Supercars, Formula 1, WRC to name a few are all busy trying to trim costs in an effort to ensure sustainability.
There will always be a number of people who can afford to spend whatever it costs to race, however, that number spread accross our country will result in a diminished racing field over time.
Possible solutions: Many and varied. As mentioned in other threads controlled components are a good start. The tyres for example are a key area. if the tyre only allows so much traction then the need for more horsepower is reduced and therefore engine costs are lower. The added bonus of a control component is suppliers tender for the right to supply this component at a fixed rate over a given period, thus by giving 1 supplier the opportunity for a large number of guaranteed sales the cost to the end user is usually better aswell. I have been involved in tendering for controlled components in other forms of motorsport and believe it could work.
Another solution is a simple RPM limiter, supplied by SNZ as a sealed unit. If an engine can't rev above a set limit then the build cost can be reduced by limiting the need for expensive high revving components. Another item could be wheels, I have a bit of experience with this area, and beleive that even something as simple as a control wheel would also curb escalating costs. (won't go into detail here over pricing variations)
Other components could include suspension/brakes and driveline, however with the variations in chassis packages these are harder to find a generic soultion.
Now if you look beyond the superstock class, the stockcar class is also of concern. To the untrained eye there is little to distinguish these classes, and credit to some of the stockcar builders out there, some would not be out of place in the average superstock field on a Saturday night. But... are the top stockcars getting too expensive and advanced aswell. Are more restrictions required in this class and leave the supers alone to increase the difference between classes ?
there you go, my 2 cents worth - start throwing your toys.
Cheers- Rick 23K
