DRAG STRIPS Custom built slot car tracks by Gerding Fast Tracks 1/8 mile (40 minimum) 1000 (55 minimum) 1/4 mile (72 minimum) All 1/24 scale slot car drag strips will be built as free standing (not wall mounted). At a minimum, two million dollars could be a ballpark figure for a basic setup, not comprising the added features. Is this track in your backyard or something you will hold races with spectators etc? Even if you have every driver sign a waiver, you will still be required to maintain liability insurance with a minimum of $1 million of underlying coverage and a minimum monthly premium of $1,500. While there were a couple of objections to building a drag strip, the local council granted the permits in 2004. Posted March 19, 2010. Another major expense is equipment purchases and maintenance. With the continued success of race meetings the club is always looking for new members and volunteers. There are three main factors that affect how long it takes to build a drag strip: size, materials used, and how much work you do yourself. After all, Harley-Davidson is known for building some pretty speedy bikes, both on tracks with turns and straight up drag racers. The land is most important when it comes to the construction since it involves how much land you will need to layout the track plan and how much money you will need in order to satisfy all government regulations regarding the drag strip construction. The computer then calculates the time difference between when the starting light turns green and when your car reaches its final destination (the finish line). However, to provide more racing opportunities the rule book has been updated to include 1/8th mile and 1000ft racing distances. You can either go for asphalt or concrete. Areas that are zoned for residential use even if they havent been developed yet may be off-limits for a commercial construction project like a drag strip. The track surface is primarily made up of asphalt or cement. The cost to build a drag strip can vary greatly depending on the type of equipment used and the size of the track. The expenses related to this are simply immense, so this is why we should always look at ways in which they can be reduced or eliminated through negotiation. But, generally speaking, it costs between $1 million and $5 million to build a drag strip. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Big Country Race Way is an IHRA Div 4 1/8 mile drag strip located on Interstate 20 just west of Abilene, Texas. Striping is important for keeping racers from crashing into each other. It is too crowded here, people do not want a dragstrip near them. These tracks can be found in many different parts of the world, but most are located in North America or Europe. I have built a 1/24 scale 1000ft strip by constructing what is in effect a timber channel in which Carrera track is laid. Drag racing was originally popular in the western United States before spreading around North America and overseas. If you want to build a quarter-mile track, then you should budget at least $250,000 for construction costs alone. With a RARS round coming to South Coast Raceway there is more incentive for racers chasing an ANDRA championship to make the trip down south. The cost of building a drag strip depends on the number of lanes you want to have. There was a lot of testing to see how the strip would work, whether I'd need to fit any cork borders (no - the cars ran pretty straight) and how to stop the cars after the finish line sensors. Even with racers going quicker and quicker, it was beyond the clubs wildest dreams that they would ever have doorslammers run down the track. Many people sell their tracks because they want to retire or they no longer have time to maintain them properly due to other obligations such as work or family commitments. The average income for a drag strip owner is $32,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are three main components: cleaning, rubber and glue. If you want to be able to control your car remotely, you'll need an electronic speed controller (ESC) as well. You should always invest in a good quality set of racing supplies if you want to benefit from them in the long term. These questions all factor into whether or not building an NHRA-approved racing course on the private property makes sense for your situation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Initially the plans were to start small and keep costs down. However, some tracks are reserved for club members only and are not open to the public. What kind of soil is there? The electronic systems that keep the IT, lighting, and communication systems functioning are also a major part of the track infrastructure. The cost of building a drag strip will vary depending on where you live and what sort of permits are required for this type of construction project, but the general consensus is that a fully functioning drag strip will cost you anywhere from $1,000,000 to $4,000,000 just to get it off. Finally, if all these steps arent done professionally on-site then we estimate this could add another week or two at least depending on the complexity/skill level required etc. Today, its how to build a drag strip. A square mile of land is sufficient to house the track and other facilities required to make up the racecourse. The Make a Wish Foundation is also an integral part of the event. With all of the earnings going back into the track, the club has continued to improve the facilities including a permanent shower block, sealed return road, longer run off area and improvements to the staging lanes to name a few. Contains components, hoses, fittings, and hardware-- all in one convenient package. Advertising and brand management for companies are well availed at drag strips. The surface of your drag strip is the most expensive component, but it also depends on the length of your track. These tracks are usually used for testing purposes by those who own cars that are designed for racing at high speeds. 12" of compacted stone (in 3" lifts) with Mirafy fabric underneath. Many hundreds of people must have raced on it Our house was built in 1972 and is nearly as strange. How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In Boston, How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In Brainerd Mn, How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In Boise Idaho, How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In Big Bear, How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In Bend Oregon. These lanes, commonly referred to as return lanes, run parallel to the actual drag strip. A racing driver must slow down before crossing over any barrier between lanes at a race track because it could cause a collision if someone is behind him or her. the owner makes around $2000 per track day. Scheduled for the 4th and 5th of January 2013, the RARS round is part of the ANDRA drag racing championship for sportsman racers, consisting of groups 2, 3 and 4. NHRA National Dragster Senior Editor Kevin McKenna wanted a car that was capable of 10-second elapsed times on the dragstrip and would be an effective weekly bracket racer, but it also needed to . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This is how dead strips can send a signal to lap counters. The price can range from $15 to $30 per person, depending on how many people are attending the event. What about an old airstrip? The Slamfest continues to be a marquee event for the track and the 2013 edition will be no exception. However, it does provide drivers with better traction thanks to its flexibility under stress caused by heavy vehicles speeding down it; so if youre looking for something that can withstand high speeds without costing too much money upfront or having any major issues down the road then concrete might be your best bet. But does the Bexhill speed trial still run? You should be able to get track specs from the NHRA with a phone call, and maybe even some rough price estimates. Most consider that the land price accounts for about 80% of the entire investment since it involves how much land you will need to build the track and how much money you need to spend in order to satisfy all government regulations regarding the construction of a drag strip. In fact, 4 years after setting up the new club the guys were no closer to finding a block of land or raising the funds to build a drag strip. And do not forget about the drag strip racing supplies! Drag racing is a form of motorsport that involves two or more drivers competing against each other to cover a set speed or distance in the shortest period of time. at least concrete for the first 1/8 and asphault after that. We then test-fit the lower portion of the wheelie bars before getting to work on the X-member. The total cost depends on what you choose for the topmost layer but should start at around $100 per square foot for simple concrete or asphalt surfaces with no special features such as grooves or seams; it could increase significantly if you go all out with fancy graphics or colored tarmac like at airports where airplanes taxi onto runways beyond which theres nothing but grass fields surrounding them, Grandstands are not just for racing fans. It has proved to be a nice addition to my slot car passion! Drag racing is all about being the fastest down the track. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A timing system is necessary for a drag racing track because it records the time it takes for a car to reach the finish line. Rent costs for your car race and drag strip business very much depends on your location. A very good question and with lots of variables. This Is Why Formula 1 Tires Have No Treads. I hope so with the proxy races. How Wide is a Drag Strip? Typically, insurance companies will require proof of liability coverage in case theres an accident involving a driver at your track. Which Countries Have Hosted The Most F1 Races. This guide will walk you through both so you can squeeze the best possible performance out of your car in a drag race. A question many drag racers wonder is how much does it cost to build a drag strip? With the Brighton Speed Trials more than likely cancelled this year, it would be apt to hold an HO race down here. Features a brand-new 2-piece air intake for maximum performance. Bruton Smith is still thinking about buying the NHRA which could mean a 1/4 mile track at TMS. Cars, Gear, Fitness Whatever your interest, well keep you interested. A standard drag race runs along 402m of road with a run-off area that follows. What? Do you want a quarter-mile asphalt strip or a dirt track? Insurance costs vary widely depending on the location of your drag strip, but its important to know that insurance will be your biggest expense for building a drag strip. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How much does it cost to build a drag strip?The cost of construction of a drag strip depends on many factors, such as location, design, concrete, and asphalt. Talk about commitment and passion for drag racing! Be sure to hone your soft-field . Some radials are even street legal. Some of the most well-known drag strips in the U.S. were built back in the 50s and 60s. This is a two part circuit for racing RC cars. blacktop or asphault pits.. Not an NHRA event track. Yeah, they have pretty much shut down all the street racing in Dallas, now all the Dallas racers come to Ft. Worth..was just abig write up in the local paper Friday about it..Ft. Worth PD says is not a big issue but if people start getting killed they will assign more officers to control it Just down down to the north side of town around midnight on Sat and there will be a few hundred street racers in the area parking lots. These are generally a single lane on which the car must maintain a minimum, safe speed when returning. The construction of a drag strip can range from $5,000 to $100,000. 8 Simple and Profitable Ways to Elevate Your Home's Exterior. Two major parts of the infrastructure were donated by the Alcoa aluminium smelter in Portland; the control tower is a gatehouse from the smelter and the club rooms are one of the accommodation units. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Top Fuelers are the fastest type of race car because the driver has full control over his vehicle throughout the entire race. That will bring sponsors and spectators. they make their money by charging admission and having vendors sell stuff in the parking lot. Are you going to use asphalt, concrete or some combination of the two in your construction? The former and most popular length (1/4mi) requires around 700m (0.44mi), which is regarded as a safe distance for the vehicle to brake and be brought to a complete stop. Most drag strips require that the owner of the property has a business license, and that the track is open to the public. It could be advisable to get government involvement, reducing individual investor costs, and working on a lease-type agreement. If you are the owner of a track and you have previously invested money on it, then you should do your best in order to make sure that you protect it. Whats the Best First Motorcycle for Beginners. The rest of the costs are for machinery, fuel, maintenance and other expenses associated with operating a business. To build a standard drag racing track and strip, you need between 1 million and 4 million dollars. One of the founding members of the club is Dean Cleary. However, there are tracks that run mile as well as 1-mile tracks. This, however, has not yet been approved or adopted by motorsport sanctioned facilities. Download our free race car design aids to assist you designing your race vehicle. While these might seem unnecessary since you dont have any employees or spectators yet, theyre still necessary so that when accidents do happen at some point in time they wont cause financial ruin for yourself or others who may be involved in them. Here's how: Step 1: Buy a motor and controller Your first step will be to buy a motor and controller from your local hobby shop or online store. So lets look at how much it costs to build a drag strip and what steps you need to take in order to get started. For 1/10 scale cars, there are a few different popular styles. Drag Strip - A simple drag strip to test on. Keeping this in mind, its needless to say that the need for purpose-built drag strips is increasing. Fans can look forward to match racing between two nostalgia nitro funny cars and two nitro front engine dragsters. This can be a factor of negotiation when it comes to security. The longer the track, the less time it takes for this acceleration, so long tracks allow you to go faster than short tracks do. A drag strip is the official name for a race track that is used exclusively to race automobiles with racing cars. Drag strips are used for acceleration contests in the automotive and motorcycle racing industries. This is why most owners want to build their own private racetrack and stop allowing anyone else to race on their property. I'll not hear a bad work said against builders thank you. Who can say that they got 20 of their mates together and built a race track in such a short amount of time and made it work that well?". An official drag strip requires at least 25 feet for each lane. Drag racing is a type of motor sport that involves accelerating automobiles or motorcycles to a specified top speed (typically between 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) and 140 miles per hour (230 km/h)) over a measured distance without the use of brakes. With the start gantry a foot off the end wall and the need for at least a little shutdown, the length of the strip will be a lot less than that. A couple of us in the UK send cars to races in the USA, so it might be nice to do something this side of the Atlantic. JavaScript is disabled. First you must buy a suitable piece of land, close to half a mile long, and at least a couple of hundred feet wide for most of it's length, so as to have room for necessary spectator's seats, garage area, parking, etc. Drag Racing Timing system for HO slotcars. Drag strips are great investments and they will provide you with many years of fun, so make sure that you invest your money in the right way! However if you dont own the land but want to build on it, expect to pay double or triple what it would cost to simply build on your existing property because you now have to buy land as well as construct your track. It makes sense to run mostly T-Jets on the strip. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, HOW TO REBUILD AND MODIFY CARTER/EDELBROCK CARBURETORS.For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can visit this link: LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK HERE Drag racing is a competitive form of motorsport in which two or more vehicles (usually cars) race on an oval circuit where they are limited to the speed that they can achieve. This high-end deluxe fitted drag strip will surely host all your largest events and some. One would need to consider the frequency of events held vs. running costs in terms of generating revenue. All these materials combined with the labor factor could make your track up to $1 million in price. There is also a World Hot Rod Association, and that is an organization that regulates all other drag racing in addition to sanctioning races for all categories. Building a drag strip is an expensive endeavor, but it can be done for less than $500,000 if corners are cut carefully. Pre-stage, Stage, Speed trap and Finish Sensors. The reason for this is because there are many different parts and processes involved in building a drag strip. what is important is that you give this style of racing a chance. Chevrolet Nova ('70-'73) Similar to every community in car culture, there's a lot of debate swirling around the drag racing enthusiasts as to which muscle car is the best. September 20, 2016. Wild, custom Harleys are cool and all. A great example of this is the Nostalgia Nitro meeting which will be held on December the 1st 2012. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The Car Our race team is converting a 1995 Mustang GTS into an 10.90 second Super Street race car for NHRA and IHRA competition. 0:00 / 1:15 How to build a Drag Strip #1 [Mag Drag Racing] MagDragster 148 subscribers Subscribe 4.7K views 6 years ago How to build a Drag Strip - More info at http://magdragster.com/ Join. The labor involved in building a racetrack can be upwards of $300,000. Or is it just for fun? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Initial estimates were set at $120,000 to build the drag strip and put in very basic facilities. The hanger I am using is made by Plasticville. Decide on the size of your track. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The engine will idle and cruise just like an LS3, but the power increase is there whenever you need it. The house was built quite small amd although that wall is not a bad size, it's a smidgen under nine foot. With 40" of dead track. Consider the type of track you want to build. Insurance is required by law, and youll want to get it before you start construction. Drag strips are usually a quarter-mile long, after which is a "speed trap" of about 70 feet (21.3 m), where your top speed will be measured. Theyre required by law and necessary for safety, the operation of the track, and for spectators to be able to see whats going on at night. Grandstands made from wood cost about twice as much as those made from concrete or steel. They are the primary safety zone for vehicles and spectators, as well as a place to stage cars before they take off. By connecting the 2 rails, it creates a "short" when the car is coasting, and the motor stops quicker. , Scott recalls. The dragstrip is 13' 2" from starting line to the finish line. For example, if there were 10 racers participating in an event with $1 million worth of prize money up for grabs and each racer paid $100 for entry fees, then each racer would owe the track owner 10%. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 3. In general, the track must be built in order to cover around 60 acres; however, there are some who build tracks in less space and still have good results (although those tracks will have smaller budgets). If you have the space you can really get a great looking drag strip; if you have a small space to work with, you can simply recreate the starting line and you'll still end up with some great photo opportunities. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Here are some tips on how to get started: 1. These tracks would often have longer run-off areas or greater allowance in the distance from the one-kilometer speed trap to the area where the vehicle can be brought to a complete stop safely. Introduction. Zoning restrictions will definitely apply if there are residential properties, even as far as a mile away from the desired location. Add chat time display (with radius configuration options) In addition to the array of venture facilities, seating and viewing areas make up a considerable part of the infrastructure. Even though there are specific rules in most states regarding where you can build your drag strip, there are still many who use their land to build and run their own private racetracks for those who want to race but do not want to wait for all the permits and other requirements. Other lengths of drag racing are run over (1,000 feet or 305m) or, in some cases, 18mi (660ft or 201m). In general, the equipment you will use to maintain your drag strip is very important. View attachment 266260. 2. Keep in mind the other facilities and features youll want to have on your property, too. Nov 24, 2010. Such courses have been in use for many years and have traditionally been about 1 mile long. Step 2 was to look for a suitable block of land and source funding from which ever level of government would come to the party. Timing gear is by TrackMate and the cost so far is in excess of 500. In order to answer that question, the following must be taken into account: labor, design, concrete, land and equipment. The final step in building a drag car is to choose the right accessories. This is determined by how much space you have available for it in your property. Dec 17, 2003 (Edited) Cool!! RR08.2.2 Length of the strip The strip should have a timed distance of 201,16 m (1/8 mile) or a timed distance of 402,33 m (1/4 mile). If your interest is in tearing up your local drag strip, some could argue there is no better platform than a Corvette. This article applies to the C5 (1997-2004) and C6 Corvette (2005-2013). The cost of building a drag strip depends on the number of lanes you want to have. The cost of building a drag strip will vary depending on where you live and what sort of permits are required for this type of construction project, but the general consensus is that a fully functioning drag strip will cost you anywhere from $1,000,000 to $4,000,000 just to get it off. Dont skip any steps, make sure all your Is are dotted and your Ts are crossed and your track will serve you well for years to come. The local motorsport governing body would also have to have involvement unless the establishment wishes to run its own licensing system for competitors. If your dream is to own your own drag strip, what do you need to keep in mind before you can cut the ribbon and drop that checkered flag on opening day? Quote. You should always remember that the maintenance of your track is one of its most essential parts, so make sure that you get it right. At 480 horsepower, the retail of $6,500 is fair. 5. Perfectly scaled to suit Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Tomica and other 1/64 scale diecast model cars. Plus, you can make some money inviting other local racers to take advantage of your track. Some facilities are beginning to adopt new surface technology, which is made up of a rubber-type material, similar to that found on warehouse floors. The name drag strip comes from the fact that the cars use a combination of power and fuel-efficient features to move fast around the track faster than normal traffic. This way, you will be able to get many more years out of your investment. I love slot cars! 1 McLaren F1 GT. A drag strip is a racing facility that allows vehicles to drive on a straight track, usually asphalt or concrete. We're very fortunate to have a dedicated bunch of guys. Its important to consider that these costs do not include labor or maintenance over time. In most cases, it is enough to reach a point where you can safely stop your car. Repeat steps 1 - 5 for the starting laser gate. The cost of building a drag strip depends on the size of the track. I have some ideas for regs - a street stock Micro Scalextric class would be perfect and very accessible although I do like the T-Jets, but those need to come from the States. A percentage of event winnings is collected by private drag strip owners who have invested in their own racetrack instead of leasing one from another business or agency. The great thing is that the lane width can be widened to give more of an authentic drag strip look and have space for either Christmas Tree lights or a flag man between the cars at the start. One of the primary expenses is labor costs. Well be speaking with representatives of the group 2 classes to make sure its viable for everyone involved and the track can handle it.. The answer is more complex than you might think. Concession stands typically give an extra percentage of their sales back to the track owner. The timing systems also play a crucial part in assessing and measuring the drivers reaction & exit times, and exit speed. about inch twisted and folded over and twisted again and then soldered. Anyone have any idea how much it would cost to build a simple 1/4 mile drag strip? The next thing is the length of the strip that you want to build. The total length of a drag race strip will be about 80 meters and a minimum width of 4.86 m (two lanes). With the green light, 5 trucks ran back and forth from the local quarry for 2 weeks to deliver the base for the drag strip. Thunder Valley Dragstrip. The periods of time between races (known as eliminations) may be as long as several hours or days, depending on the number of cars in the competition. Step 1: Get the Vehicle A larger track will also require more equipment and concrete, and the asphalt could cost more as well. If the Spectator entry can account for a major part of the revenue generation.