Getting started in rallying : Buying your first race car

By RobinB on 20 August 2024
Rally
banner image banner image

Rallying is a motorsport discipline that combines speed, skill, and endurance. However, becoming a rally driver, even as an amateur, requires much more than just passion. A rigorous preparation and a thoughtful financial investment are essential, especially when it comes to choosing your first rally car.

For beginners, choosing the right car is a crucial step. It influences not only your performance but also your safety and budget. This article guides you through the essential steps of buying a racing car, covering selection criteria, budget considerations, and the potential benefits of renting, depending on your logistical means, goals, and skills, especially in mechanics.

Setting a Budget for Your First Rally Car

Even before thinking about which car model to buy, it is crucial to define your budget.

Like all motorsports, rallying is an expensive sport, and costs can quickly add up. Here are some factors to consider for establishing a realistic budget.

The purchase of the racing car represents the most significant initial expense. Prices vary considerably depending on the model, its age, the level of preparation, the condition of the vehicle, and the spares that might be sold with it.

You can find a small Group N car like an N1 (106, AX GTI, or Sport…) or N2S starting at €6,000, but the most recent and high-performance models can cost up to €80,000 and even more 💸

Ax Sport N1 in rallying

For example, a new Clio Rally5 costs around €47,000 excluding tax, and a new Peugeot 208 RC4 is priced at €66,000 excluding tax as of today. At this price, you only get the car itself, with no spares or parts. For reference, the price of the most high-performing cars, namely the R5 or Rally2, was capped by the FIA at €260,766 excluding tax in 2023.

Toyota GR Yaris Rally2

In addition to the purchase, you will need to budget for preparation costs, especially in the case of a second-hand purchase. Even with a car sold ready to race, specific adjustments to your needs and driving style are likely required. This includes installing or updating the roll cage, as well as replacing bucket seats, harnesses, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment if their homologation dates have expired. A good overhaul (engine, gearbox, suspension…) is also recommended to avoid any unpleasant surprises during your first rally and to start confidently with your equipment.

Overall, here is an estimate of the specific costs you should plan for:

  • Car (initial purchase): €6,000 minimum.
  • Minor repairs and miscellaneous expenses: €2,000 to €10,000 depending on needs.
  • Driver and co-driver equipment (helmet, Hans system, suit, gloves, etc.): around €1,200 per person.
  • FFSA license: between €270 (regional RCC license) and €470 (national NCC license). To be obtained from the ASA (automobile sports association) of your choice. An annual ASA membership fee will be added to the license price.
  • Rally entry fees: around €300 to €500 per event.

In France, the unofficial rule is that the co-driver covers half or all of the rally entry fees. Depending on the arrangement with the driver, a reconnaissance car loan may also be requested.

These figures already give you a more precise idea of the initial investment required to start rallying. Remember that rallying is a motorsport that involves recurring costs for car maintenance, spare parts, tires, fuel, and transportation and accommodation expenses during competitions 😉

On average, a rally season for an amateur can quickly cost between €10,000 and €20,000 (excluding the initial costs listed above). Most drivers, therefore, rely on patrons or sponsors to fund their season.

Choosing the Right Car Model to Start Rallying

Once your budget is set, it’s time to choose the car that will accompany you on your rally adventures. The choice of vehicle will depend not only on your budget but also on your goals, experience level, and the type of competitions you want to participate in: regional rallies, national rallies, or French Championship events.

You have two options for buying your first car: buy a second-hand rally car that is already prepared and ready to race or buy a stock car that you will prepare yourself.

Each of these options has its pros and cons.

Buying an already prepared car is often the simplest, most economical, and fastest solution. These cars are usually equipped with everything necessary to participate in competitions immediately. However, it may be difficult to find a model that perfectly matches your needs and preferences. There is also always a risk: you never really know the full history of a car or how it was assembled in detail. You might also have some unpleasant surprises. Try to leverage your contacts to get information about the car and the seller; this can help.

On the other hand, buying a car and preparing it yourself allows you to tailor the vehicle to your needs and desires. It’s a great project that requires, however, mechanical skills and experience in preparing competition vehicles, as well as a significant time investment. Financially, it generally costs more than buying a pre-assembled vehicle because all specific parts will need to be purchased: roll cage, seats, harnesses, fire extinguishers, engine preparation, gearbox...

For beginners or those with a limited budget, here are some suggestions depending on the different price ranges:

  • Small budgets (€6,000 - €10,000): Peugeot 106, Citroën AX, Citroën Saxo, Peugeot 206. These models are affordable, reliable, and have good spare parts availability. They are often categorized in N1, N2, or N2S classes. Some small F2000s can also be found in these price ranges.
  • Medium budgets (€10,000 - €25,000): Renault Clio RS, Citroën Saxo VTS. These cars offer better performance while remaining cost-accessible. In this price range, you can find nice N2, N3, or A5 cars as well as pretty A6 models with sequential gearboxes. More recent models like the Twingo R1 can also be found around €15,000 to €20,000.
  • Comfortable budgets (€25,000 and more): For those who can afford a more significant investment, factory models like the Clio RC5 or the 208 R2/RC4 are already well-equipped for rallying and offer good performance from the start while providing an excellent level of safety.
206 N2S: rallying on a budget

When buying your rally car, especially if you’re a beginner, try to prioritize reliability and ease of maintenance. A rally car must be able to withstand extreme driving conditions and frequent repairs. Popular models like the Peugeot 106 or the Citroën Saxo are well-known for their robustness and ease of maintenance. Also, make sure that spare parts are readily available and reasonably priced.

What to Look for When Buying a Rally Car

Buying a rally car requires careful attention to detail to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition and meets safety standards. Here are some essential points to check when purchasing.

Car inspection: Before finalizing the purchase, a thorough inspection of the car is essential. Start by checking the overall condition of the vehicle, including the bodywork, engine, transmission, shocks… Look for signs of excessive wear, corrosion, or structural damage. If possible, also inspect the underside of the car.

Safety elements are particularly important. Ensure that the roll cage complies with the latest standards, that the bucket seats and harnesses meet FIA standards and have not exceeded their validity dates. Also, check the presence and proper functioning of fire extinguishers and other mandatory safety equipment.

Interior of a Clio Rally5

Vehicle history: The car’s history can provide valuable information about its condition and reliability. Ask the seller for maintenance and repair documents, as well as compliance certificates and technical passports. If possible, get information on the competitions the car has participated in and the results achieved. A vehicle with a good track record can be a sign of quality, but it is also important to check that it has been properly maintained between races.

My advice: you can use the site ewrc-results.com to check the car's history. If you see retirements or off-road incidents in the results, ask the seller for more details on the causes.

Always meet the seller in person and inspect the car before making your decision. If you’re unsure of your technical expertise, consider hiring a mechanic or rally car expert to assist you during the inspection.

Renting a Rally Car: A Good Alternative

For novices or those with a limited budget, renting a rally car can be an excellent alternative to buying.

See also: "How much does it cost to rent a rally car?"

Advantages of Renting a Rally Car

Renting offers several advantages, particularly in terms of initial costs and flexibility. Renting a rally car allows you to test different cars without committing to a significant financial investment. This can be especially useful for beginners who are not yet sure if they want to fully commit to the sport or who only want to participate in a few events during a season.

Alpine A110 RGT available for rally rental

Another advantage is that rally car rental companies usually include transportation, maintenance, support, and repairs in their contracts. This means you don’t have to worry about the costs and hassles of logistics or car maintenance: you just have to drive and enjoy yourself!

Rental Options for Rally Beginners

There are many specialized structures offering rally car rentals. These teams offer a range of vehicles suited to different skill levels and budgets. Most provide comprehensive packages, including a hands-on session at a testing base, car transportation, on-site mechanical support, and even coaching to help you improve your driving skills.

Financial Considerations for Rally Car Rentals

Compared to buying, renting may seem expensive in the long run. However, for those who plan to participate in only a few events per year, renting is often more cost-effective. For example, if you plan to participate in one or two rallies per year, the maintenance, storage, and insurance costs of a purchased competition car can quickly exceed the cost of renting.

Renting is also a good option for those who want to try different types of cars before deciding which one to buy or for those who wish to change cars regularly. This allows you to discover your preferences and gain experience without the financial risks associated with buying and preparing a competition car.

Preparing Well for Your Entry into the Rally World

Buying a rally car is an exciting but complex step that requires careful planning and preparation. Setting a clear budget, choosing the right model based on your needs, and thoroughly checking the vehicle’s condition are essential steps for a successful entry into this magnificent sport.

For beginners or those with a limited budget, renting a rally car is a viable alternative that offers flexibility and peace of mind. Renting allows you to test different cars without the financial and logistical constraints of buying, and often includes maintenance and support.

Whatever option you choose, the important thing is to start cautiously and enjoy every moment on the timed stages.

By following this advice, you will be well-prepared to take your first steps in rallying and fully enjoy your passion for this magnificent sport. Good luck and happy rallying!

Similar posts
See all blog posts arrow right icon
arrow up