Im not sure why the audio isn't lined up exactly perfect, it is on my original file... Either way I hope you all enjoyed this video! Let me know your thoughts in the comments!!!
Thank God the SLM racing is Still fairly strong up here in Wisconsin, ( usually 25-30 ) cars for ARCA Midwest Tour or SLM specials at the Dells , but it’s a far cry from what it was , and regular night SLM car counts aren’t strong ( 10-17 ) cars , NOOOOOOO REASON in the World imo to be buying more than ONE new tire a night ( on regular nights) , promoters Need To stricter Tire rules ( for sure ) because Racers being Racers Don’t want to EVER think there be “ out- tired “ ,AND OFTEN THE PROMOTERS ARE GETTING A KICK- BACK FROM THE TIRE SALES , IM not stupid I know what’s going on , SLM racing is dying , ESPECIALLY on regular nights
Crazy how it all works.. 2 years ago won my first feature in a micro sprint, after 25k into the car not including all my spares and such (probably another 20k in spares) got the payout! It was a whopping $250😂 it really hurts lmao
Great breakdown Landon. We were rough-crunching numbers one time for what it costs to run a TransAm Series car at the top level (TA1) and figured on $25-30k for a weekend where we didn't smash anything or blow something up. Racing is a labor of love! If you want to make a fortune racing, start with a large fortune and work your way down!
Growing up with my dad racing asphalt midgets on the West Coast, I watched it go from a sport that you could be competitive at and raise a family on a normal income to a sport that pushed those Driver/Owners off the track.
These numbers make the crate Wingless series I'm in look like a bargain! Running on a shoestring budget, it costs me about 4k a year to do 12-14 races at the local track about 20 miles away. Non-wing cars are pretty easy on tires, so that helps a ton. Bought the car used, full spares and trailer for 20k in 2020. Had to get the motor refreshed last winter, cost around 6k. Worth every penny. In capable hands, I'm confident this car could still compete for wins. It has in its past. Growing pains of a noob... It's not cheap, but it's the most affordable Sprint car out there. And the competition is amazing here in Wisconsin. Averaging 40 cars showing up every night. Purses are similar to what you've said you race for. Way less laps, and lower investment to get in.
@@Richard.Hybelsdepends on a lot of factors. Personally, I'm still running on tire stock that came with the car. A set of fronts should last a season or two, generally. LR will usually last a season , maybe replace once. RR is the main wear item, but I ran a whole single track season last year on an already used tire. Now, I was not running top pace, and the track never got real slick and rubbered down, so I never burned the rears off. Some tracks are worse, and will eat a rr in a night. Luckily I haven't had to deal with that.
Great video. I raced dirt started in 97 in a bomber car. I had about 1000 in it motor and all. Ran Firestone Firehawks on it. Purse was 125. I won about 6 races in first season. I moved up to an IMCA STOCK CAR. had about 6k in it including motor and tires and everything you need. I finally bought a motor 5k for it, changed from Power Glide to 3 speed with mini clutch, so i ended up with about 10k in the car and was winning a lot of races at different tracks, pit passes and fuel was about 200 week and usually a tire or two another 200. So was spending about 500 a week to race for 125.00 to win. NOW just a good chassis and body will cost you 25 30K. Motors now 15k it is outrageous amount of money. Purses have went up to about 500 weekly Which was big show money when i was doing it. I got several 500 paydays though. Now big show money can reach 25k Lots of 10 15k shows now. Hell Factory Stocks here in Texas are the way to go for the money and they have some BIG money races for them. But there might be 150 show up for a 24 car field too lol.
Really enjoyed this. I raced Late Models and Limited Late Models for nearly 30 yrs at Myrtle Beach. 30 plus wins and one championship. Cant believe how much i spent, and you proved it.
Amazing video, really informative....I never had a chance to live the dream cause everyday life didn't allow it . Landon with these behind the scenes videos gives people like me a chance to see what the lifestyle would have been like, the ups and downs and everything. As far as dirt racing, I've followed Indy and NASCAR for 50 years and can not for the life of me understand the appeal of dirt late models. With that jacked up front lip and that body that doesn't even look connected to the frame half the time they have to be the ugliest thing that's ever had a motor put in it. But to each his own....stay the course, Landon!
@@LandonHuffmanRacing I was a teenager in the 70’s, and watched Ralph Brinkley become the king of Bowman Gray Stadium modified racing. (I think the place is bad joke now!) A number of years ago I saw Ralph at a Lexington BBQ place, and he was telling me that back in those days he actually MADE money racing there! Evidently used part of his winnings to buy a machine shop and start his racing engine business! It’s pretty crazy, but I have to keep in mind that he was running a corvair body on an unknown frame (storebought tube chassis hadn’t gained widespread use yet!), and a straight axle front end! It was a roll your own sport! A stick welder, some select car and truck parts, and add a little beer (ok, a lot of beer) and boys, we’re going racing!
Came across your video as a suggestion. Was always curious about late models, as I mostly watched the top nascar series' since the early 90's. This was super informative, and down to earth. Definitely a new sub, keep up the good work!
Great video. Very informative. I'd be interested in learning more about sponsorships since that seems to be how you keep the lights on. The work that goes into finding sponsors (networking, cold calls, etc) as well as what various sponsors bring in (what companies will pay for a quarter panel decal vs a hood decal, etc).
@@LandonHuffmanRacing That would be excellent. Raising money is not easy. People think that sponsors "grow on trees" but that is not the case. The same for drivers looking to raise sponsorship money so they can race.
Loved the video. I was curious what asphalt prices were like. Honestly, I’d say dirt late model prices are about on par tho. Maybe a little cheaper start up costs but pretty much the same for weekly costs and maintenance. The only difference, around here (South Georgia) anyways, is I don’t know of anybody that pays for their crew to get in. Lol. My dad told me they used to back when he first started but that ended long before I can ever remember. Also, most of us just make our own body panels. So that saves a little money. But the nose on a dirt late model is $400 - $600 now and it’s not hard to tear one up. Crate motors run just shy of $4,000 for a 602 but you can spend as much as $80,000 for a super motor if you wanted to. Haha. But tire prices are the same. Minimum of 4 new ones every race. Basically everything else you talked about is the same. I’d imagine suspension parts, gears, etc. are all about the same. Fuel is the same. Across the board everybody runs race gas which I’m sure you guys do as well. I think sprint cars are the only ones running alcohol Or methanol. I’m not sure which one they run. Oh, and we definitely mount our own tires. I’m not aware of any dirt track that mounts them for you. There may be some. I’ve just never been to one. Pit prices are anywhere from $35 -$60 depending on track and event. And IF the track has a practice session it’s usually on a Thursday night with the racing events on Friday and Saturday which means you have to buy a 3 day pass. So roughly $100+ each. So basically what I’m trying to say is we’d all be a lot better off financially if we took up drugs instead of race cars. But oh well. Addiction is a disease they say and you can’t pick your diseases. 😂
wow thank you sir. you always hear from racers they dont do it for the money. and this video shows how much that is true it is a shame the payouts couldnt be higher to help offset the costs of running each week.love seeing your videos every week keep getting it
Appreciate the cost breakdown, not a lot of people would take the time to do this but i hope it helps educate some on what it takes to race at the local level
Thanks for the info. I've been wondering how much things have went up this year. Guess I'm gonna have to pull a few more hours at work if I want to start racing!
4 tires a week is a killer. the tire shortage has been great for our local track. everyone gets one a week (8 inch wheelman series type car) and we race for $500 on a regular friday night (25 laps)
Honest vid Huff. Decent hauler / travel trailers are at least 125+ any more. . Travis Sharpe was going to rent me an SLM for Motor Mile at 10k per night back in 2012 so 8k a night sounds like a deal! Racers never really quit, they just run out of money.
Lots of guys running dirt were once asphalt racers. None will tell you it was cheap but all will tell you dirt is more fun. Asphalt = Car; Dirt = Driver. Go try it. You’ll pass more dirt tracks on the way to an asphalt one.
I’m from Canada. I want to eventually get my son into racing when he’s old enough and I’m currently looking to get into mini stock racing personally. My father in law has purchased a few box stock karts. My son is turning 3, we’re hoping to get him driving the karts this year.
The cost is staggering, hence not enough cars to supply numerous local tracks in close proximity leading to low car counts at many. For some the limited late model fields are actually the bigger and the best race for fewer laps. A number of factors make the limited late model a bit cheaper to race, and for the local guy, like yourself, just trying to make it happen the budget will rule the day. None of the divisions are cheap by any means. Even "street stocks" are anything but stock. I am amazed that you are able to do what you do while running against the money you are. Shows a lot of hard work, determination, and grit on behalf of you and your team. Money can by a lot of things, but talent, heart, and spirit are not things they keep on the shelf for sale. Keep on doing what you are doing. It's working.
Thank goodness I decided to go bracket racing. It’s not cheap, but it’s a damn sight less expensive than Late Model. I always thought it was weird going to Bowman Gray. There’d be 10,000 to 15,000 people in the stands at $10 a head, but to win a modified feature paid out $800. 🙄
Good video man!! Lots of information! There’s a ton not mentioned that people who do this weekly, already understand. Brake Cleaner, air filter, rivets, nitrogen, wrap, the list seems endless! Good luck man! Y’all keep diggin!
I’ve rented a pro car about 12 times, been racing 30 years. It roughly cost me 10k a race. I just couldn’t justify it anymore and have hung the helmet up for now. May go back with my own equipment in the future. Shit has gotten out of hand in the pros and supers. I would love and could afford to run a late model stock but unfortunately there isn’t a class locally. Awesome channel by the way man.
When I worked for Harris Auto Racing in Iowa. The average was 36,000.00 for a roller minus the engine. Although Harris is the winningest dirt modified chassis company for this style of car. Then I know that one of the teams I worked for paid on average 30,000.00 for an engine. Which included dino time, aside from the high dollar engine parts and pieces. Now it is my understanding that a good (Super dirt late model) roller without engine. Will normally run 40 to 45 grand minimum. Then a engine from one of the major engine builders is around 50,000.00. Which is dino'ed and ready to plug in to the car. Of course for a GM 604 crate engine it is normally 7-8 thousand dollars. Yet there are all steal block limited late models, 602, and so on... Needless to say, there are a lot of different options. That have good paying races. Of course, Mark Noble someone I definitely look up. Used to say he didn't race unless it was a 1000.00 to win, on top of the payback being reasonably good. I would update that and say if it is not at least 1500.00 with a reasonably good payback. Than I will be watching if I was the driver who paid the bills.
I always wanted to race but never had funds or opportunities as the nearest local track was hours away. Now I’m too old and need to cut some weight to get into a car to be honest 😂. Maybe one day before I get old as dirt I’ll get fortunate enough to turn a few laps in a street stock or late model in one of those driving experiences!
@@LandonHuffmanRacing I’m 39 but you do have a valid point. I have always wanted too but been held back by a fear of starting or what others will think about me doing that at my age! Financially I got a good job and near some race tracks now like Kingsport speedway, Lonesome pine in Coeburn and Motor mile in Radford Va so maybe I can get into street stock or something. Who knows 🤷♂️. Thanks for the reply also! 🙌
73k views as of now. That's so many people interested in going racing and wanting to know more. I would love to know more about ARCA Menards and see someone do this on ends for the lowest budget and highest budget teams. But people need to realize how full fields would be if people would sell used chassis cheap enough that people could scrape a car together. If the cost of entry were lower, this sport could grow so much. Thanks for the education and time Landon.
we run Northeast Dirt modifieds and just about all the tracks pay $2,500-$2,750 to win a normal weekly show. $300 to start. then, just about every week there are special shows in the NJ ,Delaware and eastern Pa that pay between $5,- $10,000
Great video. The teams with big money has hurt the small guy in grassroots lms. Use to be some easier to the working man to race lms. Now a lot of them run limited because it is so expensive and hard to get big dollar sponsors. Be interesting to see cost difference of when your dad did lms to now
@@LandonHuffmanRacing its crazy. I never knew purse. I used to help some lms in early 2000s and tires then was like 400ish a set or so. But that was when driver development started and the rich really started dumping money in grassroots cars.
THANK. YOU. I'm a dirt bike racer and love learning about other sports and all of their intricacies. So many channels keep this a secret like it's taboo to talk about legit numbers. Can't wait to check out the rest of the channel👍
Love your videos Landon. We Run the Late model NASCAR at All American Speedway in Roseville California. At 42yrs old I have done a ton of motorcycle racing and Canyon style late night by myself if you know what i mean . A wealth of knowledge with engine building and chassis setup. I have my permit on its way for late model. After doing construction my whole life and well paid. Im leaving for sales to make a ton more to fund a late model and bust ass in $$ and talent to have NASCAR Truck that will be raced, Take Care 🏁
I ran a Limited Late Model at Caraway for $3800 per race. Pretty competitive car and was a damn lot of fun. Saved up and scraped the funds together to run her a couple times since I don’t own any equipment. Networked with a lot of folks in the community and got some good seat time with the group I was with which is invaluable. If I do it in the future I’d probably go the route you guys have gone and attempt to do my own deal at a single track or tour around to Caraway, Tri-County, Florence, Hickory, etc. That’d be a lot of fun!
You are right in the area. I spend 1000 per pro late race with most of the expenses that you had mentioned being relatively the same but for at the pro late level. Thank you for the education.
in 1998, Goodyear tires were $400, VP fuel was $3.75g, pit entry was $15 and purse to win at Orange County, NC was $3000 for 150 laps, $3500 for 200 laps. Bare Townsend, A&E or Hedgecock chassis was $5k. Complete roller car was $15-20K Good engines were $12-14k
They can still be that cheap but everyone is so greedy these days!! I’ve known some respected engine builders that charge 20-30k for an engine but told me all the parts to build that engine doesn’t cost 5k. They always told me that people will pay that much so why not charge it!
I feel your pain! I run Ministocks granted we can’t get tires right now but when we are able to get them there 140 a piece, 580 a set. We race for 400 to win. Add diesel fuel, race fuel and a few pit passes your out a few hundred if you win lol
I have been racing for 2 years, first in a 4cyl and now a legend. Something you dont think about before getting into racing is all the extra tools each specific car needs and tools that only can be used for racing. Like scales or fuel containers and what not. And after you buy a car like a legend for 10k you have to buy a trailer for another 5 to 6k. I never really look at it but you also don’t realize how quickly all the little things cost like entry fee, fuel, oil every couple of weeks and what not i guess it adds up quickly.
We race bomber/any car division. $150 for race day $75 purse if you win. We do it for fun and it's affordable. Our division usually puts on the best show of racing too. The fans love it. My buddy that owns and drives the car I sponsor is 80 years old. Yep he's " papa smurf " ! He's made a name for himself through the years. We race eastern NC Southern National, Carteret ECT.
I win the lotto I'm gonna give you and the fellas at Hunt the Front a shout, I've always wanted to drive a race car. I grew up watching almost every friday night at Asheville Motor Speedway...Hippies,The City (leader and head hippies) and Biltmore Estate killed that, and we'd go down to Bryson City? (It's been a long time) a dirt track in around that area, and Newport Motor Speedway. I'd love to expierence both even more than NASCAR, that's what I think of when I think of "Race Car" is a late model or similar, great video brother.
Most of the tracks up here in New England run a tire rule for weekly competitors it’s either one or two tires a week depending on what class you’re running & they’ve gone to crate engines, if you run a built engine it’s usually a 100 lb weight penalty.
A lot of people think we race for the purse and that's just not the case either. The only time it's actually possible to make money is if you win one of the big dollar races that happen maybe once or twice a year? A lot of people also think that your startup cost is just gonna be how much the car costs and that's not the case. You end up spending thousands on tools and other equipment like scales, camber/caster gauges, etc.
I have always wondered how dirt late models and dirt super late models seemingly have much larger purses compared to asphalt. It seems like every weekend there are 6 or 8 dirt races just in the south that are 10k to 50k to win. Some tracks have one on Friday night and again on Saturday.
dirt is popular right now, same thing here in michigan 410 sprint series small show 4000 to win, cars from all over, go to local paved track, dont pay anything to win
I talked to one of the top super dirt late drivers in the country in February. He said a turn key car in their shop is $170k-$180k. So it costs way way way more to be competitive on dirt lol
@@nathaneller2268 you are mistaken brother, not when you compare the level we are racing at to the equal level on dirt. If I was telling you what it costs to run a full season of CARS Late model tour action, or field a asphalt Super late model in all the big money events of the year… We would be at a different number.
Dirt track racin is a completely different beast man! We ran pure stock and street stock cars and won the championship multiple years in a row in the pure stock division. Its a whole lot more work than asphalt racin. Motors get rebuilt every couple races and your CONSTANTLY tearin shit up, ALOT of beatin and bangin! Don't get me wrong its not a demo derby race but its a whole lot more physical than asphalt racin. So maintenance is a very very high cost for dirt racin! Another thing is the tires, you'll use more tires than your using now. And our team was a lot like yours, we did everything on the car ourselves for the most part with a budget and we were very competitive
I use a new set of tires every single weekend. What i’ve heard from everyone on dirt is that isn’t the case, I’d love to give it a shot in a late model or mod
Great video! Hope to meet you at HMS soon. Best of luck to you. You've had some fast, fast cars this year and you've done some really great driving too.
Wow, I knew it cost money but you explained it well. To bad the purse for winning wasn't more. If you love racing then by all means, go for it. Hope a good sponsor sees this and helps you out. Good luck for the rest of the season.
I run a 602 Sportsman Dirt modified up north and the track I run at weekly pays 800 to win and 100 to start but other tracks around me pay 1000 to win weekly and 100 to start. Also have big shows that can pay 5-10 grand to win. Tires are a little more expensive but can last you multiple weeks. A brand new roller would probably cost you around 30-40K and a dynoed motor brand new costs around 14K with everything with it.
But on dirt, crate racing, you dont need brand new stuff to be competitive and win. Couple year old car with good stuff you can pick up ready to race for 15-20K and it a car you can win in.
We race the GAS cars at Salem and the guy I help used to own an ARCA team in the early 2000’s was telling me operating costs back compared to what they are today and I’m mind blown. The “street stock” at Salem are 1985 Winston cup cars minus spoiler, 4 barrel, wheels, couple windows. He said total cost in the engine his roughly 30k for a “street stock” there now days. I remember though they had super late models there as a weekly division and they were all CRA legal cars too but that ended in 2012ish.
There is a hell of a lot more sponsors in dirt racing to.its sad asphalt racing purses are so low. wish you the best on the rest of 2022 season Landon.
We race pro late models up in Canada. Our numbers per race are fairly similar, unfortunately this year has taken its toll in terms of expense. Our tires have gone from $700 to $1000 a set, and diesel is a small fortune. Between that and several sponsors pulling out it’s a hard to justify going racing anymore.
The pain is felt even at the entry level. A few years ago I raced in the Outlaw FWD category (FWD street cars like Honda Civics and Pontiac Grand Am's converted to race cars). It cost me about $8500 to build the car, and the winner took home $150. Nowadays they upped payout to $175 to win, but in order to be competitive you are spending between $12,000 and $15,000. And that's supposed to be the ENTRY LEVEL class...
The moment Covid hit, I got out of late models and back into mini-stocks. Smartest decision I ever made. Costs maybe a few hundred per weekend and you are ALWAYS racing as a support class somewhere.
Not much cheaper. My buddy races super dirt late model and a good year with no major repairs even with the oil sponsor we still spend roughly $30-$35k a year.
Hey Landon, easy subscribe. I saw someone in the comments mention you should use an Amazon affiliate link. I think that is a great idea! You would get a small portion of each purchase done through your links, and honestly you deserve it.
It's a shame that racing has gone so far out of sight that the average working man cannot run in limited or late model, and in some cases, cannot afford to run any division. I ran limited sportsman dirt cars and stopped 20 years ago. Wanted to get back into racing in 2020 and got back into karts, (picked up track championships 2020 & 2021) karts are cheaper, but still expensive. With the cost of racing limited and late model so high, it definitely kills dreams of many "would be" good drivers who would just like a chance but can't afford it. Thanks again for the video!
Yes. Dirt is way cheaper. You get maybe 3 laps of practice. And the tires don't wear out and you can work them like grooving and siping. There's a huge cut in weekly expense right there. At my local track we run 602 Crate Sportsman center steer modifieds and pays $1200 to win weekly. So the engine is (well was) "cheap." Maybe $5000 but upwards of $8000 now.
this was great,you were so transparent would i be able to ask what you average finish was racing bare bones like you do,thankyou and good luck this season
Late models run all over the north east as well, like pro stocks. You've got the ACT which are late models, NH has weekly late model classes at every track I believe (NHSTRA runs late models but no pro stocks/slm), Maine has them at all the tracks as well.
This is why I sold my Super Late Model. Just couldn't afford it anymore. We were spending basically $1,600 every time the car went to the track between tires, fuel, pit passes, etc. and racing for $500 to win. And that $1,600 was IF nothing went wrong, which you and me both know, it seldom does. Now I run the Vintage Modified and the price is MUCH cheaper. We're running a 604 crate motor, so fuel is cheaper (I just run pump ethanol free, works fine). We have a 12 tire rule for the season, so the tires cost less and you only get 12. I'm not out here trying to make a living, but those Late Model costs aren't sustainable unless you're a successful business owner with a lot of extra income.
I spend about 3000 per race and I do alot of the work / maintenance myself I run a prolate and that's if she's gos back in the box with out a scratch. Love the videos keepn coming
Thanks for this video. Years ago, I wanted to race, but I couldn't afford it-at least not real cars, anyway! I ended up racing slot cars instead; it's easier and cheaper, as you can carry your car, tires, and tools in a tool box... :) BTW, I subscribed, so I can see all your new content! Thanks again... :)
This was pretty cool to hear the money side. It was pretty cool that the audio wasn’t synced, it was like watching the old Godzilla films! I asked you once before you should set up some sorta wat for fans to help, page/ go fund me. Either way it’s cool that you are showing people what it takes to run a team and try to win each week!
I’ve done the membership deal now here on this channel, so you can join up and support that way! I don’t like asking for donations, I try my best to offer something up for everyone’s contribution!
Good video, we race a pro late model in south ga , north Florida and parked it this year due to cost and our car is slightly outdated and just doesn’t handle line the new cars.
@@LandonHuffmanRacing ours is a 08 Howe with 2013 updates, of course Howe has stopped building late models. It is not a bad car , off just a little bit really, but a couple tenths is a lot on a short track.
If you go back through the history of the Hickory Motor Speedway and look at all the consistent entries over the years, even though the parts and upkeep was much cheaper. They still dedicated their lives to their car. Countless hours maintaining a car that could compete week after week. Long live the body man! Who most of the time seconded as the motor man, and chassis set up and cargo hauler to and from the track...... He would have also changed the tires and refueled the car, but it's hard for the driver to get out of the car and have consistent pit stops...
I raced late models all through the 2000’s and early 2010’s I’m 55 now. Had I invested the money I spent on race cars I’d be retired now. I loved it. It definitely is an addiction. If I could give any young man thinking about racing one piece of advice it would be this. If you aren’t wealthy as in you will never need to worry about money PLEASE read rich dad poor dad by Robert Kiyosaki before you start. It’s been 15 years sense I’ve been in a car. I still miss it. I don’t go to the tracks anymore because the smell alone is like heroin. Be careful boys. If you aren’t well funded and connected you aren’t going to make it to the top level…we ALL know the 43 that start every Sunday are NOT the most talented,,,just the most connected.
I’m not worried about making it to the top anymore, if I can race at this level and make a living doing it, support my family and have a blast, that’s all I care about. Opportunities will come if they are meant to be, All I can do is work on creating the most value possible for current and potential sponsors!
@@LandonHuffmanRacing I said the same thing 20 years ago my friend. If you are making a living and planning for your future and your retirement that’s great! Most just spend a ton of money that could and should be used more wisely. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I had my fun. Sense I’ve stopped racing I’ve realized just what it did to me financially and it sends shivers down my spine! I’m not criticizing anyone. But I sure I hope I help someone have a better future. We are far from in financial trouble but I will have to work for a few more years at least but I would be retired now if I had ent wasted all that money. God knows I’d rather be traveling with my wife right now instead of working! Good luck to you my friend! Just remember the differences between assets and liabilities. If you are making money racing it’s an asset. If not…well. You are smart enough to figure it out.
@@GuitarTimeWithBillyC yeah me too, tons of pictures and a shop full of trophies! Had a LOT of fun but as you well know hindsight is 20/20 I tell the young ones but few will listen. As I’m sure you well know the vast majority of them certainly will be saying the same things we are 20 years from now!
Regarding the tire shortage: do they (Hoosier) feel that supplies will be back to pre-COVID levels once spring 2023 rolls around? If I may also ask: what race is considered the season finale and when do you start back up for 2023? Thank you, Dave
It all depends on the company/sponsor and the level of racing, Many of my sponsor deals come from the reach I generate on social media and here on youtube. Very seldom will you find companies willing to put their name in your racecar only without you offering another avenue of ROI! ESPECIALLY at the local level. Now there are some exceptions when it comes to local companies marketing in their own target markets
Drag racing is the cheapest motorsport to get into if you want to just have fun at your local track on a Friday night. Drag racing is also expensive if you want to start winning.
Man dont know if I should have watched that video I’m depressed now lol.I’m building that limited car I bought for tri county and that video reminded me how expensive this shit is .Glad to see new sponsors on your ride .I have a long way to go.My buddy Roger bought those body parts from Jason a couple of weeks ago said he was really nice 👍 What size wheels did you get and were they 5 inch backspace
Landon, just came from the Slinger Nationals, up here in Wisconsin,Are you familiar with Upchurch engine's?? I'm a little suspicious about that piece, what can you tell me about them?
Well that makes me feel a lot better about the bill for a year of club racing on road courses in the mid-atlantic... at 'only' $1020 per weekend; also about as cheaply as possible.
Great info ! A question...When you're describing "renting" a good late model stock car, what is it you're saying @9:30 about a high dollar team with a "stacker" ? What is a "stacker" ? (I'm older & haven't kept up with the lingo so much.)
Im not sure why the audio isn't lined up exactly perfect, it is on my original file... Either way I hope you all enjoyed this video! Let me know your thoughts in the comments!!!
did'nt you say you were on a budget🤣
boi
@@_Gmatt_ it exported fine man idk, was good when it uploaded
Everything looks good to me might've glitched on ya
All good 👍
I was blown away by the rental fees. Thank you Mr Huffman for educating us on Late Model Racing.
No problem! thank you for watching 🤘🏻
Meanwhile promoters can't figure out why they're getting 5 cars for their $1,000 to win races
Yeah they are pretty much saying, if you win it will cover your fuel cost,,,,,,,,maybe, where did you drive from lol
Thank God the SLM racing is Still fairly strong up here in Wisconsin, ( usually 25-30 ) cars for ARCA Midwest Tour or SLM specials at the Dells , but it’s a far cry from what it was , and regular night SLM car counts aren’t strong ( 10-17 ) cars , NOOOOOOO REASON in the World imo to be buying more than ONE new tire a night ( on regular nights) , promoters Need To stricter Tire rules ( for sure ) because Racers being Racers Don’t want to EVER think there be “ out- tired “ ,AND OFTEN THE PROMOTERS ARE GETTING A KICK- BACK FROM THE TIRE SALES , IM not stupid I know what’s going on , SLM racing is dying , ESPECIALLY on regular nights
You assume a lot of these local tracks generate much profit too.
Here in Roseville CA, there were 8 cars for their 100 lap “NASCAR” main event.
1k barely covers fuel and tires not to mention other expenses
Crazy how it all works.. 2 years ago won my first feature in a micro sprint, after 25k into the car not including all my spares and such (probably another 20k in spares) got the payout! It was a whopping $250😂 it really hurts lmao
If you spent 45k on a micro…
…..here’s your sign
@@dwarfcargospel7581 it’s our form of racing, karting teams are putting in 40k now lol it’s all about having the best equipment for what you’re doing
@@dwarfcargospel7581 Shoot, a brand new Raceready Hyper 600 can cost $40k+ lol.
@@trevor4533lol trying to go from bando racing to micro racing next year and this past year alone we’ve spent over 70k to race a bando lol
@@elirussell1796 Damn, you must have done some serious tour racing to spend that kinda money racing a bando!
Best of luck micro racing!
It's obvious at this level it's purely about the love of racing. Thanks for this video.
Great breakdown Landon. We were rough-crunching numbers one time for what it costs to run a TransAm Series car at the top level (TA1) and figured on $25-30k for a weekend where we didn't smash anything or blow something up. Racing is a labor of love!
If you want to make a fortune racing, start with a large fortune and work your way down!
very true!
Growing up with my dad racing asphalt midgets on the West Coast, I watched it go from a sport that you could be competitive at and raise a family on a normal income to a sport that pushed those Driver/Owners off the track.
Unfortunate but what we are dealt right now. Hopefully it gets better in the future!
These numbers make the crate Wingless series I'm in look like a bargain! Running on a shoestring budget, it costs me about 4k a year to do 12-14 races at the local track about 20 miles away. Non-wing cars are pretty easy on tires, so that helps a ton. Bought the car used, full spares and trailer for 20k in 2020. Had to get the motor refreshed last winter, cost around 6k. Worth every penny. In capable hands, I'm confident this car could still compete for wins. It has in its past. Growing pains of a noob...
It's not cheap, but it's the most affordable Sprint car out there. And the competition is amazing here in Wisconsin. Averaging 40 cars showing up every night. Purses are similar to what you've said you race for. Way less laps, and lower investment to get in.
Man I hear ya! sounds like a solid deal, especially compared to what I deal with weekly!
How many sets of tires do you need for a season?
Where in WI?
@@Richard.Hybelsdepends on a lot of factors. Personally, I'm still running on tire stock that came with the car. A set of fronts should last a season or two, generally. LR will usually last a season , maybe replace once. RR is the main wear item, but I ran a whole single track season last year on an already used tire. Now, I was not running top pace, and the track never got real slick and rubbered down, so I never burned the rears off.
Some tracks are worse, and will eat a rr in a night. Luckily I haven't had to deal with that.
@@SS-kz7td I run at Wilmot Raceway at the Kenosha county fairgrounds. SE corner of the state.
Great video. I raced dirt started in 97 in a bomber car. I had about 1000 in it motor and all. Ran Firestone Firehawks on it. Purse was 125. I won about 6 races in first season. I moved up to an IMCA STOCK CAR. had about 6k in it including motor and tires and everything you need. I finally bought a motor 5k for it, changed from Power Glide to 3 speed with mini clutch, so i ended up with about 10k in the car and was winning a lot of races at different tracks, pit passes and fuel was about 200 week and usually a tire or two another 200. So was spending about 500 a week to race for 125.00 to win. NOW just a good chassis and body will cost you 25 30K. Motors now 15k it is outrageous amount of money. Purses have went up to about 500 weekly Which was big show money when i was doing it. I got several 500 paydays though. Now big show money can reach 25k Lots of 10 15k shows now. Hell Factory Stocks here in Texas are the way to go for the money and they have some BIG money races for them. But there might be 150 show up for a 24 car field too lol.
Really enjoyed this. I raced Late Models and Limited Late Models for nearly 30 yrs at Myrtle Beach. 30 plus wins and one championship. Cant believe how much i spent, and you proved it.
its tough but we keep coming back and spending it lol
Amazing video, really informative....I never had a chance to live the dream cause everyday life didn't allow it . Landon with these behind the scenes videos gives people like me a chance to see what the lifestyle would have been like, the ups and downs and everything. As far as dirt racing, I've followed Indy and NASCAR for 50 years and can not for the life of me understand the appeal of dirt late models. With that jacked up front lip and that body that doesn't even look connected to the frame half the time they have to be the ugliest thing that's ever had a motor put in it. But to each his own....stay the course, Landon!
Thanks Eddie I appreciate the support!
@@LandonHuffmanRacing I was a teenager in the 70’s, and watched Ralph Brinkley become the king of Bowman Gray Stadium modified racing. (I think the place is bad joke now!) A number of years ago I saw Ralph at a Lexington BBQ place, and he was telling me that back in those days he actually MADE money racing there! Evidently used part of his winnings to buy a machine shop and start his racing engine business! It’s pretty crazy, but I have to keep in mind that he was running a corvair body on an unknown frame (storebought tube chassis hadn’t gained widespread use yet!), and a straight axle front end! It was a roll your own sport! A stick welder, some select car and truck parts, and add a little beer (ok, a lot of beer) and boys, we’re going racing!
@@tomt9543 times have definitely changed! that’s kick ass though!
You need to go to Eldora for the world 100 and you will see why dirt is for racing and asphalt is for getting there
Came across your video as a suggestion. Was always curious about late models, as I mostly watched the top nascar series' since the early 90's. This was super informative, and down to earth. Definitely a new sub, keep up the good work!
Thanks man I appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed the info!
Great video. Very informative.
I'd be interested in learning more about sponsorships since that seems to be how you keep the lights on. The work that goes into finding sponsors (networking, cold calls, etc) as well as what various sponsors bring in (what companies will pay for a quarter panel decal vs a hood decal, etc).
definitely something I can discuss in future videos!
@@LandonHuffmanRacing That would be excellent. Raising money is not easy. People think that sponsors "grow on trees" but that is not the case. The same for drivers looking to raise sponsorship money so they can race.
Loved the video. I was curious what asphalt prices were like. Honestly, I’d say dirt late model prices are about on par tho. Maybe a little cheaper start up costs but pretty much the same for weekly costs and maintenance. The only difference, around here (South Georgia) anyways, is I don’t know of anybody that pays for their crew to get in. Lol. My dad told me they used to back when he first started but that ended long before I can ever remember. Also, most of us just make our own body panels. So that saves a little money. But the nose on a dirt late model is $400 - $600 now and it’s not hard to tear one up. Crate motors run just shy of $4,000 for a 602 but you can spend as much as $80,000 for a super motor if you wanted to. Haha. But tire prices are the same. Minimum of 4 new ones every race. Basically everything else you talked about is the same. I’d imagine suspension parts, gears, etc. are all about the same. Fuel is the same. Across the board everybody runs race gas which I’m sure you guys do as well. I think sprint cars are the only ones running alcohol Or methanol. I’m not sure which one they run. Oh, and we definitely mount our own tires. I’m not aware of any dirt track that mounts them for you. There may be some. I’ve just never been to one. Pit prices are anywhere from $35 -$60 depending on track and event. And IF the track has a practice session it’s usually on a Thursday night with the racing events on Friday and Saturday which means you have to buy a 3 day pass. So roughly $100+ each. So basically what I’m trying to say is we’d all be a lot better off financially if we took up drugs instead of race cars. But oh well. Addiction is a disease they say and you can’t pick your diseases. 😂
I like behind the scenes videos like this one. The business side of racing has always intrigued me. Thanks for uploading!
wow thank you sir. you always hear from racers they dont do it for the money. and this video shows how much that is true it is a shame the payouts couldnt be higher to help offset the costs of running each week.love seeing your videos every week keep getting it
Thanks man! appreciate you watching!
The payout for how you finish is a bonus. It is the same as gambling you spend what you are comfortable with anything you win is extra.
Appreciate the cost breakdown, not a lot of people would take the time to do this but i hope it helps educate some on what it takes to race at the local level
of course brother! I’m happy to educate those people who have an interest! looking forward to seeing you race down here soon
Thanks for the info. I've been wondering how much things have went up this year. Guess I'm gonna have to pull a few more hours at work if I want to start racing!
4 tires a week is a killer. the tire shortage has been great for our local track. everyone gets one a week (8 inch wheelman series type car) and we race for $500 on a regular friday night (25 laps)
man that’s not a bad gig at all!
Honest vid Huff. Decent hauler / travel trailers are at least 125+ any more. . Travis Sharpe was going to rent me an SLM for Motor Mile at 10k per night back in 2012 so 8k a night sounds like a deal! Racers never really quit, they just run out of money.
this is very true
Lots of guys running dirt were once asphalt racers. None will tell you it was cheap but all will tell you dirt is more fun. Asphalt = Car; Dirt = Driver. Go try it. You’ll pass more dirt tracks on the way to an asphalt one.
I’m from Canada. I want to eventually get my son into racing when he’s old enough and I’m currently looking to get into mini stock racing personally. My father in law has purchased a few box stock karts. My son is turning 3, we’re hoping to get him driving the karts this year.
have a blast with it! Enjoy going to the track and watching him grow. The best part of doing this is doing it with my dad!
The cost is staggering, hence not enough cars to supply numerous local tracks in close proximity leading to low car counts at many. For some the limited late model fields are actually the bigger and the best race for fewer laps. A number of factors make the limited late model a bit cheaper to race, and for the local guy, like yourself, just trying to make it happen the budget will rule the day. None of the divisions are cheap by any means. Even "street stocks" are anything but stock. I am amazed that you are able to do what you do while running against the money you are. Shows a lot of hard work, determination, and grit on behalf of you and your team. Money can by a lot of things, but talent, heart, and spirit are not things they keep on the shelf for sale. Keep on doing what you are doing. It's working.
thanks David I really appreciate that!
Thank goodness I decided to go bracket racing. It’s not cheap, but it’s a damn sight less expensive than Late Model.
I always thought it was weird going to Bowman Gray. There’d be 10,000 to 15,000 people in the stands at $10 a head, but to win a modified feature paid out $800. 🙄
Good video man!! Lots of information! There’s a ton not mentioned that people who do this weekly, already understand.
Brake Cleaner, air filter, rivets, nitrogen, wrap, the list seems endless! Good luck man! Y’all keep diggin!
yup it keeps adding up! thanks for the support willie 🤘🏻
I’ve rented a pro car about 12 times, been racing 30 years. It roughly cost me 10k a race. I just couldn’t justify it anymore and have hung the helmet up for now. May go back with my own equipment in the future. Shit has gotten out of hand in the pros and supers. I would love and could afford to run a late model stock but unfortunately there isn’t a class locally. Awesome channel by the way man.
It has but if you do it yourself it can be done at a much cheaper rate!
Landon Huffman if you ever decide to put together a rental program I’m in. Would love to race with you guys at Hickory.
When I worked for Harris Auto Racing in Iowa. The average was 36,000.00 for a roller minus the engine. Although Harris is the winningest dirt modified chassis company for this style of car. Then I know that one of the teams I worked for paid on average 30,000.00 for an engine. Which included dino time, aside from the high dollar engine parts and pieces.
Now it is my understanding that a good (Super dirt late model) roller without engine. Will normally run 40 to 45 grand minimum. Then a engine from one of the major engine builders is around 50,000.00. Which is dino'ed and ready to plug in to the car.
Of course for a GM 604 crate engine it is normally 7-8 thousand dollars.
Yet there are all steal block limited late models, 602, and so on...
Needless to say, there are a lot of different options. That have good paying races.
Of course, Mark Noble someone I definitely look up. Used to say he didn't race unless it was a 1000.00 to win, on top of the payback being reasonably good.
I would update that and say if it is not at least 1500.00 with a reasonably good payback. Than I will be watching if I was the driver who paid the bills.
I always wanted to race but never had funds or opportunities as the nearest local track was hours away. Now I’m too old and need to cut some weight to get into a car to be honest 😂. Maybe one day before I get old as dirt I’ll get fortunate enough to turn a few laps in a street stock or late model in one of those driving experiences!
hey keep digging dude it’s never to late to hop in the seat. You have to have fun, if it isn’t fun it isn’t worth the time, money or hassle
@@LandonHuffmanRacing I’m 39 but you do have a valid point. I have always wanted too but been held back by a fear of starting or what others will think about me doing that at my age! Financially I got a good job and near some race tracks now like Kingsport speedway, Lonesome pine in Coeburn and Motor mile in Radford Va so maybe I can get into street stock or something. Who knows 🤷♂️. Thanks for the reply also! 🙌
73k views as of now. That's so many people interested in going racing and wanting to know more. I would love to know more about ARCA Menards and see someone do this on ends for the lowest budget and highest budget teams. But people need to realize how full fields would be if people would sell used chassis cheap enough that people could scrape a car together. If the cost of entry were lower, this sport could grow so much. Thanks for the education and time Landon.
Goddamn. This def makes me appreciate the races at my local short track a lot more instead of just telling my Uber driver “it’s just a local race”
yes that will do it!
we run Northeast Dirt modifieds and just about all the tracks pay $2,500-$2,750 to win a normal weekly show. $300 to start.
then, just about every week there are special shows in the NJ ,Delaware and eastern Pa that pay between $5,- $10,000
bad ass, shame we don’t have that type of payout on asphalt regularly
Great video. The teams with big money has hurt the small guy in grassroots lms. Use to be some easier to the working man to race lms. Now a lot of them run limited because it is so expensive and hard to get big dollar sponsors. Be interesting to see cost difference of when your dad did lms to now
It was roughly half the price with the same purse! Back in the day Dad raced for around $1000-$1500 a week in LMSC
@@LandonHuffmanRacing its crazy. I never knew purse. I used to help some lms in early 2000s and tires then was like 400ish a set or so. But that was when driver development started and the rich really started dumping money in grassroots cars.
THANK. YOU. I'm a dirt bike racer and love learning about other sports and all of their intricacies. So many channels keep this a secret like it's taboo to talk about legit numbers. Can't wait to check out the rest of the channel👍
thanks dude I appreciate that!
Love your videos Landon. We Run the Late model NASCAR at All American Speedway in Roseville California. At 42yrs old I have done a ton of motorcycle racing and Canyon style late night by myself if you know what i mean . A wealth of knowledge with engine building and chassis setup. I have my permit on its way for late model. After doing construction my whole life and well paid. Im leaving for sales to make a ton more to fund a late model and bust ass in $$ and talent to have NASCAR Truck that will be raced, Take Care 🏁
I ran a Limited Late Model at Caraway for $3800 per race. Pretty competitive car and was a damn lot of fun. Saved up and scraped the funds together to run her a couple times since I don’t own any equipment. Networked with a lot of folks in the community and got some good seat time with the group I was with which is invaluable. If I do it in the future I’d probably go the route you guys have gone and attempt to do my own deal at a single track or tour around to Caraway, Tri-County, Florence, Hickory, etc. That’d be a lot of fun!
$3800 isn’t a bad price! We do it for a bit less than that with our limited car! That’s a solid deal
Damn...maybe I need to come drive for y’all then! lmao
You are right in the area. I spend 1000 per pro late race with most of the expenses that you had mentioned being relatively the same but for at the pro late level. Thank you for the education.
no problem dude!
in 1998, Goodyear tires were $400, VP fuel was $3.75g, pit entry was $15 and purse to win at Orange County, NC was $3000 for 150 laps, $3500 for 200 laps. Bare Townsend, A&E or Hedgecock chassis was $5k. Complete roller car was $15-20K Good engines were $12-14k
man what a time
They can still be that cheap but everyone is so greedy these days!! I’ve known some respected engine builders that charge 20-30k for an engine but told me all the parts to build that engine doesn’t cost 5k. They always told me that people will pay that much so why not charge it!
I feel your pain! I run Ministocks granted we can’t get tires right now but when we are able to get them there 140 a piece, 580 a set. We race for 400 to win. Add diesel fuel, race fuel and a few pit passes your out a few hundred if you win lol
I have been racing for 2 years, first in a 4cyl and now a legend. Something you dont think about before getting into racing is all the extra tools each specific car needs and tools that only can be used for racing. Like scales or fuel containers and what not. And after you buy a car like a legend for 10k you have to buy a trailer for another 5 to 6k. I never really look at it but you also don’t realize how quickly all the little things cost like entry fee, fuel, oil every couple of weeks and what not i guess it adds up quickly.
We race bomber/any car division. $150 for race day $75 purse if you win. We do it for fun and it's affordable. Our division usually puts on the best show of racing too. The fans love it. My buddy that owns and drives the car I sponsor is 80 years old.
Yep he's
" papa smurf " !
He's made a name for himself through the years. We race eastern NC
Southern National, Carteret ECT.
I win the lotto I'm gonna give you and the fellas at Hunt the Front a shout, I've always wanted to drive a race car. I grew up watching almost every friday night at Asheville Motor Speedway...Hippies,The City (leader and head hippies) and Biltmore Estate killed that, and we'd go down to Bryson City? (It's been a long time) a dirt track in around that area, and Newport Motor Speedway. I'd love to expierence both even more than NASCAR, that's what I think of when I think of "Race Car" is a late model or similar, great video brother.
This was very cool and educational Landon, Thanks!
no problem Steve thanks for watching 🤘🏻
Most of the tracks up here in New England run a tire rule for weekly competitors it’s either one or two tires a week depending on what class you’re running & they’ve gone to crate engines, if you run a built engine it’s usually a 100 lb weight penalty.
Annnddd this is why I got a sim rig! Thanks for sharing. Good luck to you out there!
thank you! nothing wrong with going sim racing!!
A lot of people think we race for the purse and that's just not the case either. The only time it's actually possible to make money is if you win one of the big dollar races that happen maybe once or twice a year? A lot of people also think that your startup cost is just gonna be how much the car costs and that's not the case. You end up spending thousands on tools and other equipment like scales, camber/caster gauges, etc.
oh yes, I didn’t even go into detail on the items needed to operate
I have always wondered how dirt late models and dirt super late models seemingly have much larger purses compared to asphalt. It seems like every weekend there are 6 or 8 dirt races just in the south that are 10k to 50k to win. Some tracks have one on Friday night and again on Saturday.
dirt is popular right now, same thing here in michigan 410 sprint series small show 4000 to win, cars from all over, go to local paved track, dont pay anything to win
hence the reason I think I might should go dirt racing 😂😂
I talked to one of the top super dirt late drivers in the country in February. He said a turn key car in their shop is $170k-$180k. So it costs way way way more to be competitive on dirt lol
@@LandonHuffmanRacingwe raced street stock and outlaw super late model i wish paved tracks could promote and bring the cars that dirt can
@@nathaneller2268 you are mistaken brother, not when you compare the level we are racing at to the equal level on dirt. If I was telling you what it costs to run a full season of CARS Late model tour action, or field a asphalt Super late model in all the big money events of the year… We would be at a different number.
Dirt track racin is a completely different beast man! We ran pure stock and street stock cars and won the championship multiple years in a row in the pure stock division. Its a whole lot more work than asphalt racin. Motors get rebuilt every couple races and your CONSTANTLY tearin shit up, ALOT of beatin and bangin! Don't get me wrong its not a demo derby race but its a whole lot more physical than asphalt racin. So maintenance is a very very high cost for dirt racin! Another thing is the tires, you'll use more tires than your using now. And our team was a lot like yours, we did everything on the car ourselves for the most part with a budget and we were very competitive
I use a new set of tires every single weekend. What i’ve heard from everyone on dirt is that isn’t the case, I’d love to give it a shot in a late model or mod
I knew some of this but to hear you lay it out was eye opening!
I could go into more detail too! it’s a tough sport to stay in
Great video! Hope to meet you at HMS soon. Best of luck to you. You've had some fast, fast cars this year and you've done some really great driving too.
thanks dude! See you at the track!
Love all of your content! Great insight!
Wow, I knew it cost money but you explained it well. To bad the purse for winning wasn't more. If you love racing then by all means, go for it. Hope a good sponsor sees this and helps you out. Good luck for the rest of the season.
Thanks Mark!
I run a 602 Sportsman Dirt modified up north and the track I run at weekly pays 800 to win and 100 to start but other tracks around me pay 1000 to win weekly and 100 to start. Also have big shows that can pay 5-10 grand to win. Tires are a little more expensive but can last you multiple weeks. A brand new roller would probably cost you around 30-40K and a dynoed motor brand new costs around 14K with everything with it.
But on dirt, crate racing, you dont need brand new stuff to be competitive and win. Couple year old car with good stuff you can pick up ready to race for 15-20K and it a car you can win in.
Very good info to compare!
We race the GAS cars at Salem and the guy I help used to own an ARCA team in the early 2000’s was telling me operating costs back compared to what they are today and I’m mind blown. The “street stock” at Salem are 1985 Winston cup cars minus spoiler, 4 barrel, wheels, couple windows. He said total cost in the engine his roughly 30k for a “street stock” there now days. I remember though they had super late models there as a weekly division and they were all CRA legal cars too but that ended in 2012ish.
There is a hell of a lot more sponsors in dirt racing to.its sad asphalt racing purses are so low. wish you the best on the rest of 2022 season Landon.
Thanks dude!
Great explanation. Thank you!! Best wishes and good luck.
We race pro late models up in Canada. Our numbers per race are fairly similar, unfortunately this year has taken its toll in terms of expense. Our tires have gone from $700 to $1000 a set, and diesel is a small fortune. Between that and several sponsors pulling out it’s a hard to justify going racing anymore.
holy crap $1000 a set
The pain is felt even at the entry level. A few years ago I raced in the Outlaw FWD category (FWD street cars like Honda Civics and Pontiac Grand Am's converted to race cars). It cost me about $8500 to build the car, and the winner took home $150. Nowadays they upped payout to $175 to win, but in order to be competitive you are spending between $12,000 and $15,000. And that's supposed to be the ENTRY LEVEL class...
I feel that, Racing is not a cheap sport no matter the level!
You can run a dirt ump mod for less then that weekly. That's insane only paying 625 to win and 100 with that much weekly cost.
that’s what people have been telling me!
The moment Covid hit, I got out of late models and back into mini-stocks. Smartest decision I ever made. Costs maybe a few hundred per weekend and you are ALWAYS racing as a support class somewhere.
Completely understand that!
Not much cheaper. My buddy races super dirt late model and a good year with no major repairs even with the oil sponsor we still spend roughly $30-$35k a year.
Hey Landon, easy subscribe. I saw someone in the comments mention you should use an Amazon affiliate link. I think that is a great idea! You would get a small portion of each purchase done through your links, and honestly you deserve it.
thats a smart idea!
That late model looks way cooler than the actual cup series cars
i’d have to agree lol
Excellent video. Thanks for the great information and good luck at the track.
thank you!
It's a shame that racing has gone so far out of sight that the average working man cannot run in limited or late model, and in some cases, cannot afford to run any division. I ran limited sportsman dirt cars and stopped 20 years ago. Wanted to get back into racing in 2020 and got back into karts, (picked up track championships 2020 & 2021) karts are cheaper, but still expensive. With the cost of racing limited and late model so high, it definitely kills dreams of many "would be" good drivers who would just like a chance but can't afford it. Thanks again for the video!
money is king in our current time unfortunately, no problem and thank you for watching!
No matter the cost I will race one day and that’s for sure
Keep digging!
Yes. Dirt is way cheaper. You get maybe 3 laps of practice. And the tires don't wear out and you can work them like grooving and siping. There's a huge cut in weekly expense right there. At my local track we run 602 Crate Sportsman center steer modifieds and pays $1200 to win weekly. So the engine is (well was) "cheap." Maybe $5000 but upwards of $8000 now.
I’d love to give it a shot! Asphalt racing has always been my love but I’d be down to try dirt out 100%
@@LandonHuffmanRacing Devil's Bowl Speedway in West Haven Vermont. Shoot the track a message on FB. I'm sure we can find you a ride!
@@skittlecar1 I would make the trip for some content if it didnt cost me anything to wheel it!
this was great,you were so transparent would i be able to ask what you average finish was racing bare bones like you do,thankyou and good luck this season
3 wins, 7 second place finishes, 11 top 3 finishes and 14 top 5s in 2022
very good info, great vlog, if i had the money i'd float some your way, Good luck at the next race
thanks dude!
It is very easy to make a small fortune in racing.....start with a large fortune.
Good info brother. It’s crazy that the purse is so low. Seems like the purse hasn’t increased much if any over the years.
It hasn’t. Dad raced late model in the 80s and was $1000 to win then!
Late models run all over the north east as well, like pro stocks. You've got the ACT which are late models, NH has weekly late model classes at every track I believe (NHSTRA runs late models but no pro stocks/slm), Maine has them at all the tracks as well.
This is why I sold my Super Late Model. Just couldn't afford it anymore. We were spending basically $1,600 every time the car went to the track between tires, fuel, pit passes, etc. and racing for $500 to win. And that $1,600 was IF nothing went wrong, which you and me both know, it seldom does.
Now I run the Vintage Modified and the price is MUCH cheaper. We're running a 604 crate motor, so fuel is cheaper (I just run pump ethanol free, works fine). We have a 12 tire rule for the season, so the tires cost less and you only get 12.
I'm not out here trying to make a living, but those Late Model costs aren't sustainable unless you're a successful business owner with a lot of extra income.
very true! Have to race where it’s feasible and fun, otherwise why are we doing this
I spend about 3000 per race and
I do alot of the work / maintenance myself I run a prolate and that's if she's gos back in the box with out a scratch. Love the videos keepn coming
Dirt racing is a lot harder on your car. I run a mini stock in the Carolinas, whole lot less than a late model.
heard that!
Get a dirt late model team going... that would be great to see. Thanks for the video, interesting stuff.
Maybe some time down the road if we can find some extra $$
Thanks for this video. Years ago, I wanted to race, but I couldn't afford it-at least not real cars, anyway! I ended up racing slot cars instead; it's easier and cheaper, as you can carry your car, tires, and tools in a tool box... :)
BTW, I subscribed, so I can see all your new content! Thanks again... :)
heck yeah thank you! I love slot car racing! Dad and I did it for years!
@@LandonHuffmanRacing cool!
This was pretty cool to hear the money side. It was pretty cool that the audio wasn’t synced, it was like watching the old Godzilla films! I asked you once before you should set up some sorta wat for fans to help, page/ go fund me. Either way it’s cool that you are showing people what it takes to run a team and try to win each week!
I’ve done the membership deal now here on this channel, so you can join up and support that way! I don’t like asking for donations, I try my best to offer something up for everyone’s contribution!
Good video, we race a pro late model in south ga , north Florida and parked it this year due to cost and our car is slightly outdated and just doesn’t handle line the new cars.
definitely tough in our current time! bring that thing up our way, my pro is older but still gets it done!!
@@LandonHuffmanRacing ours is a 08 Howe with 2013 updates, of course Howe has stopped building late models. It is not a bad car , off just a little bit really, but a couple tenths is a lot on a short track.
That old saying 'How do you make a small fortune in racing? Start with a large one'
exactly lol
That helmet is my FAVORITE lol it reminds me of days of thunder I gotta do my helmet like that
I had it made after rowdy burns open face!
Excellent content. Follower’s asked and you provided. You’ll blow by 10k subscribers. I’m hooked in WV.
Thanks brother🤘🏻🤘🏻
If you go back through the history of the Hickory Motor Speedway and look at all the consistent entries over the years, even though the parts and upkeep was much cheaper. They still dedicated their lives to their car. Countless hours maintaining a car that could compete week after week. Long live the body man! Who most of the time seconded as the motor man, and chassis set up and cargo hauler to and from the track......
He would have also changed the tires and refueled the car, but it's hard for the driver to get out of the car and have consistent pit stops...
Even fwd racing can add up if you're doing anything more than the really cheap knock windows out and go.
racing isn’t cheap no matter the series!
If you haven't already, can you do a video that goes in to more detail about the difference between the cars?
Absolutely! I’ll add that to the docket. Might can pump that one out this weekend
I raced late models all through the 2000’s and early 2010’s I’m 55 now. Had I invested the money I spent on race cars I’d be retired now.
I loved it. It definitely is an addiction. If I could give any young man thinking about racing one piece of advice it would be this. If you aren’t wealthy as in you will never need to worry about money PLEASE read rich dad poor dad by Robert Kiyosaki before you start.
It’s been 15 years sense I’ve been in a car. I still miss it. I don’t go to the tracks anymore because the smell alone is like heroin.
Be careful boys. If you aren’t well funded and connected you aren’t going to make it to the top level…we ALL know the 43 that start every Sunday are NOT the most talented,,,just the most connected.
I’m not worried about making it to the top anymore, if I can race at this level and make a living doing it, support my family and have a blast, that’s all I care about. Opportunities will come if they are meant to be, All I can do is work on creating the most value possible for current and potential sponsors!
@@LandonHuffmanRacing I said the same thing 20 years ago my friend.
If you are making a living and planning for your future and your retirement that’s great! Most just spend a ton of money that could and should be used more wisely.
I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I had my fun. Sense I’ve stopped racing I’ve realized just what it did to me financially and it sends shivers down my spine!
I’m not criticizing anyone. But I sure I hope I help someone have a better future. We are far from in financial trouble but I will have to work for a few more years at least but I would be retired now if I had ent wasted all that money. God knows I’d rather be traveling with my wife right now instead of working!
Good luck to you my friend! Just remember the differences between assets and liabilities. If you are making money racing it’s an asset. If not…well. You are smart enough to figure it out.
I'm 55 and did the SAME thing!! Had a great time, but it cost a fortune. I guess it was worth it. I have some pictures...
@@GuitarTimeWithBillyC yeah me too, tons of pictures and a shop full of trophies! Had a LOT of fun but as you well know hindsight is 20/20
I tell the young ones but few will listen. As I’m sure you well know the vast majority of them certainly will be saying the same things we are 20 years from now!
Regarding the tire shortage: do they (Hoosier) feel that supplies will be back to pre-COVID levels once spring 2023 rolls around? If I may also ask: what race is considered the season finale and when do you start back up for 2023?
Thank you,
Dave
Wish you talked more bout sponsors & what they are willing to cover. Is it just cash, etc etc
It all depends on the company/sponsor and the level of racing, Many of my sponsor deals come from the reach I generate on social media and here on youtube.
Very seldom will you find companies willing to put their name in your racecar only without you offering another avenue of ROI! ESPECIALLY at the local level. Now there are some exceptions when it comes to local companies marketing in their own target markets
Great information video! Thank you 😊
Drag racing is the cheapest motorsport to get into if you want to just have fun at your local track on a Friday night. Drag racing is also expensive if you want to start winning.
Man dont know if I should have watched that video I’m depressed now lol.I’m building that limited car I bought for tri county and that video reminded me how expensive this shit is .Glad to see new sponsors on your ride .I have a long way to go.My buddy Roger bought those body parts from Jason a couple of weeks ago said he was really nice 👍 What size wheels did you get and were they 5 inch backspace
Yessir 5 inch backspace! Hickory sells them! Basset wheels. Keep your head down and digging! if anything I can help with let me know
Nice video I’m Always interested in how much the motors in racecars cost 👍🏻
thanks dude!
Very informative, thanks for the information !
no problem!
Landon is so awesome what a wheel Man Thank you Landon
It's been my desire to run Legend Cars for a long time, I'm unfortunately in a rock in a hard place on how to break into the sport.
it’s tough! keep digging!
Seth, RJ and I frequent the corners of the Hickory area to pay for upkeep costs... If ya know... ya know...
Them the Huffman Racing hoochie bois
Always taking one (sometimes 2) for the team
Landon, just came from the Slinger Nationals, up here in Wisconsin,Are you familiar with Upchurch engine's?? I'm a little suspicious about that piece, what can you tell me about them?
Appreciate this vid man. Keep up the good work.
thank you!
Well that makes me feel a lot better about the bill for a year of club racing on road courses in the mid-atlantic... at 'only' $1020 per weekend; also about as cheaply as possible.
that’s not bad compared to most racing!
Would love to see you in a dirt late model but hope to see you in a truck or xfinity car soon.
Dirt late model is probably more realistic currently but i’ll drive anything thrown my way! lol
Great info ! A question...When you're describing "renting" a good late model stock car, what is it you're saying @9:30 about a high dollar team with a "stacker" ? What is a "stacker" ? (I'm older & haven't kept up with the lingo so much.)