Like all other teams, I did make a budget at the beginning of the season... Now at the midpoint is a good time to check where we stand!
This will not be a detailed account, since time does not allow that. I know from other teams that they say they usually spend about 20k€ per season (plus car acquisition cost) so this is a good benchmark. Obviously I have tried to save money throughout the season, and thus for example have been using old tires rather than fresh ones in most races.
So far our team has started in 8 races (Kemora Open, Ahvenisto, Alastaro and Pärnu), and we have 6-7 left (Botniaring, Ahvenisto, and potentially then Padborg Park Formula Ford Festival). We have managed to complete all races (and qualifiers) without technical problems, which of course reflects both the preparations but also spare parts stock and other such factors. I have counted a total of about 675 laps completed, which is not as much as is really needed (1000 laps would be nice, for being competitive) but is a decent amount for a privateer team like ours. Definitely the racing has taken all available spare time, and then some, both from me and my mechanic!
I divide my costs in car costs (and other investment items, such as major tools etc.) and then season costs. Right now I have counted that the car and spare parts stock (including also key tools and such) will be about 20k€ so that is the acquisition cost. This of course can be spread over many seasons, and to be fair I got the car in great shape, with a solid spare parts stock and a reasonable price (Zetecs are reasonably priced).
As for the seasonal costs, I counted so far about 12k€, which is a bit more than expected since I use a lot of old tires (most came with car). However, in this I have already included some parts/consumables costs that will last throughout the season. Thus I think it is fair to say our seasonal budget will run at about 15-16k€, which is in line with our "lower cost" approach. I have purchased 4 new sets of tires (3 slicks, 1 rain) and hope these will last through the season. I also have brake pads, oil and other such consumable in stock for the rest of the season. Also, some costs are covered by sponsors and some costs do not appear at all (since my sponsors do that for free).
Formula racing, even Formula Fords, is not cheap for sure. Sponsors help a lot, both financially and through their work, and are key to managing things. However, let me add that the above budget really is on high side from the aspect that we have made sure we have all the stuff we need, and can successfully and reliably compete. I could save in spare parts and consumables, but then reliability would certainly suffer! The only thing I am consciously saving here is tire cost.
Let me report how the season turns out once we get there...
