With tires, fuel, maintenance etc. plus kitty towards engine and tranny rebuilds, I think you're looking at probably $1200-1500 an hour running costs. I originally estimated a figure of $1000 an hour but I think that turned out to be low. The engine and gearbox are the big costs besides tires, even at 100 hours (which is a LOT for an engine) you're looking at say $25K for a rebuild, so that's $250 an hour right there. Add another $10K allowance for gearbox and clutch while you're at it, and that's another $100. Do it at 60 hours (Porsche recommendation) and it's close to double, and you won't get as many hours the second or third time around, if it's already been rebuilt.

sky palace. saw one of your posts and got the feeling you can help me. I am considering the purchase of an 04 cup. i know the car well and know its been babied- track days and DEs only, never raced never wrecked not a dent. it sounds like you have a $/hr cost of driving. my plans mostly are to track it alot and 3-5 race weekends/yr at most. i know the tires are hi $, and i know parts and labor are too. Can you give me an idea of the ongoing costs of owning a cup car?