CDEL
08-13-2010, 06:33 PM
I was at the nostalgia drags the other day and kept wondering where these guys get their money for some of these incredible machines and operations...and I'm not even referring to the big NHRA pro teams. The 'to be expected' reponses from people sitting close by were "family money, cashed out the retirement, knows something we don't, kids didn't go to college, recreational pharmaceuticals, etc.".
I didn't have much luck "Googling the internet machine" so I was hoping someone might be able to direct me to an information source, book, or whatever on how to go racing (hobby or business) and pay for it...or at least not go completely broke. Even if a person had the cash for the car (and it's hauler?!) it seems to me that parts, fuel, entrance fees, and other expenses are high enough they would seem to preclude the hobby racer from more than a race or two whenever they can scratch enough together.
I'm aware that some of the cars are part of associations and are paid appearance fees...I would love to know how one gets involved and how that business works. What about the lone racer? Does he/she run as a hobby business and write it off until the IRS says no more?
My dream is to buy/build a front engine dragster (Jr. Fuel would be cool, probably just gas for now) and go racing with my dad and my son. I could probably scrape enough together to get the car...but keeping the ball rolling is what seems to be the missing piece. I've heard the expression that to make a small fortune in racing you need to start with a big one...I have neither.
Anyone with "inside knowledge" of the racing business care to share their tips or wisdom and help a guy off the bench?
Many thanks!
--Chris
I didn't have much luck "Googling the internet machine" so I was hoping someone might be able to direct me to an information source, book, or whatever on how to go racing (hobby or business) and pay for it...or at least not go completely broke. Even if a person had the cash for the car (and it's hauler?!) it seems to me that parts, fuel, entrance fees, and other expenses are high enough they would seem to preclude the hobby racer from more than a race or two whenever they can scratch enough together.
I'm aware that some of the cars are part of associations and are paid appearance fees...I would love to know how one gets involved and how that business works. What about the lone racer? Does he/she run as a hobby business and write it off until the IRS says no more?
My dream is to buy/build a front engine dragster (Jr. Fuel would be cool, probably just gas for now) and go racing with my dad and my son. I could probably scrape enough together to get the car...but keeping the ball rolling is what seems to be the missing piece. I've heard the expression that to make a small fortune in racing you need to start with a big one...I have neither.
Anyone with "inside knowledge" of the racing business care to share their tips or wisdom and help a guy off the bench?
Many thanks!
--Chris