jfaphoenix32

For those of you wanting to step up in to Grand Am Koni Challenge, ST class,, we are putting together a program for funded drivers. Arrive and drive, fully professional effort in very competetive AWD cars...

10 races plus the January test days...

For more information call 610-482-0141 or jfaphoenix32@aol.com

63Corvette

I would LOVE to drive. What's a "funded driver"?

Todd Z

You pay or have sponsors supprting you. A good amount of cars in Koni, GA, SWC, etc. are funded drivers.

GAS

Hey Todd...U going to SEMA??

wallyman424

I can't wait to have money.

Koni is the most attractive race series going on right now.

Todd Z

Geff check your PM. I think the bank could sponsor You and me in a Koni car.

davidfarmer

Your aren't serious......?!

wallyman424

hell yeah I am! The racing looks so close in the koni challenge races!

dfinke23

How much are we talking?

John Shiels

if you have to ask forgggget-a-bout it!

mikahb

Not sure about Joes team which I'm sure will be top notch, but prices for a KONI seat right now - at least the teams I've talked to - range from $7k/race (that's a one-car, no-frills effort) to $35k/race for a GS car with all the trimmings. There may well be teams spending more, but that's at least a ballpark.

I agree that KONI is the best bang-for-the-buck serious in the US right now, but it's still a very tough time to find sponsors. If your wallet is extra thick, have at it!

L98Terror

$7k How much do you win? I think I spent 7k all last year for 21 events.

If I built a car and showed up on an open trailer would that be frowned upon?

Kubs

The price doesnt sound all that bad actually. If one were to save for an entire season and then show up with a well prepared car, and drive well it might be worth it.

Ken I would think you would have no problem finding sponsorship. Ill change tires for you if you go!

clubracer6

I think from a spectators view and an arrive and drive deal - in Pro-Racing it doesn't get better than Koni.

BrianCunningham

What kind of car?

Obviously not a Corvette...

AU N EGL

Talked to two Koni teams. $12K per race with fresh engine each race - car has potential for pointy end of the field. Depending on drivers.

$4-6K per race for mid pack car with used engine.

These were Miata teams.

dfinke23

21 events dong what?

ScaryFast

Subarus.

That's what Andrew campainged in '08/'09, I assume it's the same for next year.

BuckeyeZ06

Ken,

You are comparing apples to oranges.

Koni is NASCAR owned, and as such has rules about many more things than you and I are used to when we do our club racing.

First, because these are almost 3 hour races, pit stops are required as well as two drivers. So to make that pit stop, you need a pit crew. If I remember correctly, seven is the magic number...per car. If you run two cars you can potentially share the crew (just don't pit at the same time!).

Each crew member has to be a Grand Am/Koni member, which costs $450 per year. Then you have the cost of uniforms (no t shirts allowed!), and some need firesuits (single layer) and a helmet. Then these people need fed, housed and paid.

Fueling system? I think those are about $3500...used (don't hold me to that amount).

Tires? Have to use the Hoosier spec tire. Harder than an R6, but still need replaced more often than some do in club racing.

Motors? Yes, a new one every week IF you want to run up front. Even 4-cylinder Mazdas cost a few $$ to rebuild.

You can run the factory computer in the car, but if you go aftermarket Koni requires a Bosch unit. I think these are $25K per (again guessing from memory). The Bosch unit does make a bit more HP than a moded factory computer.

There is a special transponder that signals the driver when a yellow flag is present...more money.

It adds up, but you get some really great seat time, and the competition is getting better all the time.

rbl

And man would they be PO'd when you won!
Hell, that would be worth a sponsor in itself