944S destroyed engine... do I kill it or fix it?

[Guest]

I have been reading this with interest and a few giggles along the way!!! []
This sounds so like fun! If there is still a berth I would be up for it.
No promises but I may even be able to get a little sponsorship from the company I work for
they are interested in sponsoring my racing project for next year so why not????
We know Jon can build something that will be fun and last the duration so if its on and there is a spece
count me in guys!

 

[Indi9xx]

I have been giving this some thought and need to give it some more thought and have some ideas.

One idea that we have had is that it may be an idea to get a car together not with the idea of doing the 24 hour this year, but maybe as others have said, planning on doing the 24 hour next year. But... still getting the car ready this year and between now and the 24 hour 2008, getting all the drivers to do some track days in her and hopefully some of the events in the same series this year.

That way the car has had a good shake down and stands more of a chance of lasting the full 24 hours.

I also think that one thing needs to be clear... and that is the point should be lasting the full 24 hours so everyone gets their goes and everyone can say they competed and completed. Rather than everyone hating the chap that destroys the car trying to fend off a car with 40 times the budget and 4 times the power!

It also gives a chance for some people to drop out, new people to come in and the team to settle into a rhythm.

The other bonus is of course that the car will have passed all its checks several times already with the officials and there would not be any regulations to rain on our day on the 24 hour.

The budget isnt so much an issue.. the big issue is that for many of the team members this will be a lifetime event, something to remember when your old grey and using a commode, so its best not to fall at the first hurdle.

I am 100% up for the idea, but I think its worth doing right, doing safely and doing with every advantage that a little time can give us.

 

[carlmthompson]

Very well said Jon. I think what you said is what I would certainly want out of it- and the chance to gain some experience before 2008 would certainly be welcome. I would hate to be responsible for letting down others due to a Rookie mistake, or getting in the way of something way more expensive!

The chance to learn and go through the Racing Licence process with others who need to (or want to) would only enhance this for me - even if it would mean a regular(ish) commute from the North to somewhere more Southy where other people tend to live (although it would be even better if Croft were one of the event tracks!)

 

[Alex Postan]

BUT
write the rules of your syndicate first and get everyone to sign it.
What has to be paid
Waht has to be done
What to do when something goes wrong
Who is the boss
And when to everything
JFDI

 

[John Sims]

Hi Alex,

As far as I am concerned it isn't a syndicate. It is Jon's car. If Jon decides that he wants to make a seat available in his car on a "Pay per Drive" basis that is all we need to know.

Jon decides what he wants to charge based on the value/risk in respect of the car, consumables, wear & tear, entry fees, staff costs, supply & demand etc. We either accept those costs, pay up and drive, or we don't.

As you have already indicated (and I know from experience) motor racing is far from cheap. Once the real costs are established I don't think people will be quite as enthusiastic. Obviously, if Jon decides he is going to offset some of the real costs in respect of labour etc against the promotion of his business that is a commercial decision on his part. With due respects to many on this forum, I don't think they/we could afford the real cost - if we could we would be doing it already and probably wouldn't own 944's.

The seat obviously has a value and that is a straight financial agreement between The Driver and Jon. If a driver is able to negotiate a reduced rate through providing expertise, services or parts to offset a proportion of his fee, that is between Jon and the individual. This has nothing to do with any other driver who may wish to pay for a seat.

How simple is that?

Obviously, in a multi driver event - such as the 24hrs - then clarification of the agreement needs to be established. Do "The Drivers" only pay if they get to drive? Do they pay an "All Risk" fee where they loose their payment if Driver One has an attack of the Ayrton Senna's and smashes up the ride on the first lap? Is there some sort if mid ground where everyone bears some risk?

How much is a seat worth? Well in last years 24 hr, teams were selling seats at IRO £6K. There is a 24hr event at Spa purely on a Pay per Drive basis. All the cars are identical. IIRC one car, for a team of your picking, was £14K. .'. £3.5K each for a team of four.

Like I said....it is up to Jon.

 

[944Turbo]

well said Jon, (and John) glad it is still having some thought, broke the news to Yudra and she took it much better than I thought, thinking that fireproof suits / helmets / boots etc sounded like excellent potential birthday/christmas presents. Admitedly I was keeping the cost figure around the 1k mark, but I can be persuasive []
Tony