[james1138]

I bought my M340i with the intent of taking it to a track a couple times a year. I’m a novice, so nothing too extreme. I’ve reached out to several insurance companies and none of them will cover my car for a track day. I’ve also reached out to companies for track day insurance, like Haggerty, and they are charging me the same amount I pay for a years worth of insurance for only 3 days.

I know being able to afford things is relatively but am I missing something?

[CSBM5]

You can try this one: https://locktonmotorsports.com/. I have no idea how much they charge, but if you are a CCA member, there's a 10% discount.

[peelerec]

As far as insurance is concerned, there is no option other than
A: track without insurance
B: track with single day / single weekend insurance through companies such as Hagerty and of the like. I normally pay $350-450 each weekend.
C: purchase a year long / season insurance through aforementioned insurance carriers. This would be the most cost effective option if tracking multiple days throughout the year, however, you’d have to track x amount of times for it to be worthwhile. I believe last time I talked to my friend, he had calculated that he would need to track roughly 16 track days to save $ rather than pay for single day. Works out for him since he tracked at least 20+ days.

The other thing to consider is consumables (tires, brakes, fluids).

[james1138]

Thanks for the input! I’ll try that company listed above.

When I asked Haggerty for an instant quote, I just put in what I bought my car for new and they quoted for $2-3k for a track by me. I would totally do it for around $400.

I haven’t even begun to consider tires, brakes, and fluids. I was just hoping to go stock and have a good time. Is that naive.

I’ve only done autocross a couple of times and raced at Thermal but I’m definitely a novice and not a risk taker.

[peelerec]

Originally Posted by james1138

Thanks for the input! I’ll try that company listed above.

When I asked Haggerty for an instant quote, I just put in what I bought my car for new and they quoted for $2-3k for a track by me. I would totally do it for around $400.

I haven’t even begun to consider tires, brakes, and fluids. I was just hoping to go stock and have a good time. Is that naive.

I’ve only done autocross a couple of times and raced at Thermal but I’m definitely a novice and not a risk taker.

Absolutely recommend going to the track “stock” once, to understand the pros and cons of the stock platform. At the very least I’d recommend upgrade brake fluid and pads if you can since the stock pads/fluid can become squishy and lose bite fairly quickly. Again, depends on how hard you push the vehicle and yourself.
What tires are you on, currently?

[james1138]

Tires are a whole other story.

I just turned in my first set of Bridgestone run flats for some snow tires so I’m going to be in the market for summer tires. Unfortunately, I have the wheel and tire warranty so my dealer is telling me I have to install performance room flats on my car if I want it to be covered.

[peelerec]

Originally Posted by james1138

Tires are a whole other story.

I just turned in my first set of Bridgestone run flats for some snow tires so I’m going to be in the market for summer tires. Unfortunately, I have the wheel and tire warranty so my dealer is telling me I have to install performance room flats on my car if I want it to be covered.

Runflats are inferior, obviously. Highly recommend PS4S for a street tire that has the capability for some light track time.
Additionally, keep in mind, tires will only last 2-4 track sessions. After that, new tires are needed. Consumables are costly!

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by james1138

I bought my M340i with the intent of taking it to a track a couple times a year. I’m a novice, so nothing too extreme. I’ve reached out to several insurance companies and none of them will cover my car for a track day. I’ve also reached out to companies for track day insurance, like Haggerty, and they are charging me the same amount I pay for a years worth of insurance for only 3 days.

I know being able to afford things is relatively but am I missing something?

"How do you make tracking a car affordable....." you don't

If you break down the cost for a track day, including everything (gas, tires, insurance, future maintenance, etc.." it adds up fast and is not cheap.

You can reduce those costs quite a bit by sticking with the novice group and not pushing too hard. Also, this is 100% where you want to start. You will have the chance to push the car a bit without getting a ticket. Even if it is just cornering a little quicker and going WOT on the straights. You will still have fun.

[peelerec]

Originally Posted by Dan B

"How do you make tracking a car affordable....." you don't

If you break down the cost for a track day, including everything (gas, tires, insurance, future maintenance, etc.." it adds up fast and is not cheap.

You can reduce those costs quite a bit by sticking with the novice group and not pushing too hard. Also, this is 100% where you want to start. You will have the chance to push the car a bit without getting a ticket. Even if it is just cornering a little quicker and going WOT on the straights. You will still have fun.

Totally agree. The point is to just get out there and learn, watch videos, ask questions, meet fellow enthusiasts and have fun.

[prostcfc]

OP, what track near you are they quoting 2-3k? Something sounds amiss. Did you add a zero when they asked for the value of the car? This is what I paid last year for a weekend through Lockton:

Limit: $55,000 / Deductible: $5,500
Premium: $324.00

[Dan B]

The last time I bought track day insurance it was through Lockton. For a $30K stated value it was $211.

Please keep in mind, that different tracks will have different rates.

[Garf117]

Others have said it but expensive is kind of relatively. For some cost reference I've put what I've paid for running two track days during one season below.

Track day admission: $300 x2
Hotel night before: $150 x2
Track insurance: $300 x2

New tires: $1000
Fresh brake pads: $350
Better brake fluid: $120
Helmet: $200

Gas is an estimate but I'd call it around $3300 all up. I'm miss some small stuff there but those are the heavy hitters.