Cost of running a clone at Norway?

[Hornswoggler]

I am trying to estimate the cost of running a clone kart for a season at Norway. I know these karts are slow, and the tech may be difficult to enforce, but I would rather run something slow and cheap than sit on the bench this season. It would also be nice if I can chuck the engine after a year and slap on a HPV/KPV .. let me know if that is a reasonable plan or not. I figure the clone would make a good intro to immerse myself into the karting world, and I figure the first season to be a learning opportunity. I am not worried about competing with cheaters or those build to the limits of the class, as I find just as much enjoyment competing against myself (improving laptimes, etc) and if popular enough, I'll find some buddies mid-pack to benchmark against. Springfield is pretty close to me too, so I would spend a day or two down there just to check the place out.

I know the topic of Spec vs Clone will come up, so here is my take:
- Clone may be cheaper to scrounge together
- Clone runs during the day, and spec at night? I would rather race during the day
- Is clone easier to upgrade to a faster class? I'll want to graduate in a year or so
- Clone can be run at other tracks, diversifying my exposure to the hobby

Anyhow, what I want to do is estimate the cost of running a season of clone. I know 2010 is the first year for clone at Norway, so maybe I'll find a place to cross-post w/ 61 kartway crowd (Delmar, IA). I understand this will be "best guess", but I trust you guys can get me closer to a ballpark figure than I can on my own.

My goal is to try and get a few others in my area (central IL) to buy in as well. I know a handful of autocrossers who would enjoy karting, but they are a cost sensitive crowd and it might help sway them by having cost estimates.

Here is my very rough guess:
Clone kart purchase: $800+
Safety equipment: ? (will need helmet, suit, gloves, shoes, rib protection, etc)
Tires: $25 per race day?
Kart Gas: $25?
Misc. stuff: Kart stand, tools, gears, lube
Race entry fee: $45 (or $500 for season pass)


Tires and gas I have no idea about. How many races should a set of clone tires last? I do not plan on being competitive for a while. This is mostly to have fun and learn some basics.

I understand the clone class is very new to the area, but thanks in advance for any insight you can shed. These estimates can be rough, I am just trying to avoid big surprises! Thanks in advance!!!

[Hornswoggler]

Would this be a good chassis to start?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/rvs/1653102219.html

[JET Karting - Andy Finke]

Collin-

I believe that starting the season expecting to not compete with the pack is doing yourself a disservice.

Most of the drivers that were in the front pack last season in Spec had little to no experiance prior to purchasing the Spec Racer package. They all had the equipment equal to the front pack, and knew what that package was capable of. If they couldn't equal the times, they knew who to blame.

Gone were the worries about chassis brand, tires, tire dope, engine builder, cam, etc. It was all about the driver and chassis tuner. Thats typically the same guy...

The coolest thing I saw was that EVERY driver in the field could get to be among the fastest. It was a lot of work for all, but the work was in understanding what to do, not finding a magic bullet.

Don't count yourself out. If you think running midpack all season will be fun, just consider how much fun progressing up to the front will be. It's possible when the field is truely even.


Andy

[Hornswoggler]

don't worry... I'll still die trying!

(just trying to maintain realistic expectations, lol)

I plan on calling you soon Andy to sign up for a driver academy!

[Rick]

Would this be a good chassis to start?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/rvs/1653102219.html

If I'm not mistaken, that is the same one as this one --> http://www.chicagoracers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33881

It could probably work for clone. Usually adults get 30mm chassis. I believe that is a junior (under 16 years old) kart, but I'm not sure. But maybe the Clones don't flex the chassis as much as HPV or TAG. So that might actually work.

[Scott]

I ran spec last year and I will be running spec and clone this year. If you have specific questions on either I might be able to shed some light on them. As far as tire cost goes it should be low. All the clone guys have agreed to run mg blues which will last a whole season at $200 bucks a set. We'll see if that agreement lasts because if you run bridgestones you can gain a second easy. Race day fees will be $65...you need to rent a transponder, get a hot grid pass, and pay the entry fee. There is also unforeseen costs as these are racing machines and things bend, wear out, and sometimes just fly off. Don't be discouraged though, the beauty of either of these classes is you will have a TON of fun for the least amount of money. If you need any help with setup or the track find me in the pits.
Scott Sweeney #36

[Scott]

btw...If you buy a tillet seat you shouldn't need rib protection in a clone. We don't pull the 3-4 gs the tag and shifter guys do.

[Ed Q]

It would also be nice if I can chuck the engine after a year and slap on a HPV/KPV .. let me know if that is a reasonable plan or not.

The only issue here is if you buy a 2-cycle chassis you may have to modify it for a 4 cycle engine.


I figure the clone would make a good intro to immerse myself into the karting world, and I figure the first season to be a learning opportunity. I am not worried about competing with cheaters or those build to the limits of the class, as I find just as much enjoyment competing against myself (improving laptimes, etc) and if popular enough, I'll find some buddies mid-pack to benchmark against. Springfield is pretty close to me too, so I would spend a day or two down there just to check the place out.

It's gonna be a blast either way. If someone comes in and wants to blow tons of cash to run by himself then the rest of us will have fun in the pack


- Is clone easier to upgrade to a faster class? I'll want to graduate in a year

It's the same with either Spec or Clone.


Here is my very rough guess:
Clone kart purchase: $800+
Safety equipment: ? (will need helmet, suit, gloves, shoes, rib protection, etc)

You could spend a minimal amount or a whole lot depending how fancy you want to get with helmets, suits, etc.

Tires: $25 per race day?

Budget around $200 for tires. If we end up running a softer compound then it'll be a couple sets for the year

Kart Gas: $25?

Pretty close. Maybe a bit less


Misc. stuff: Kart stand, tools, gears, lube
Race entry fee: $45 (or $500 for season pass)

around $60 per race if not prepaid


I do not plan on being competitive for a while. This is mostly to have fun and learn some basics.

Andy had a great point here. Last season was the first for me and my bro-in-law. He had two wins and I had a third place. You will run up front at some point!!!

Hope to see you at the track this season!