2025 specialty class proposal: cash in the envelope

So a few of us have been kicking around an idea for the 2025 challenge. Making a subclass of cash in an envelope. A legitimate $2,000 build. No exemptions no freebies no recoup. Start with $2,000 in cash in an envelope and everything in the car comes out of that envelope. Fluids filters tires brake pads Etc. Part of the thought process behind this is actually because the $2,000 challenge is now more about the $4,000 Challenge and creative budgeting and accounting practices. Trying to bring back some of the fun and approachableness of the old days. Similar to the gastropod approach but more of an Everyman class. What are y'all's thoughts? I'll say that my Baja build is already geared towards this.

I'd be in. I could do it for 2024. 

What about tires?

SV reX said:

What about tires?

EVERYTHING.

I would suspect the move here would be buy the best thing you could and pray. 

In reply to Mndsm :

I'm onboard with that. I'm just aware that I don't think I have seen any sub $2000 cars that weren't showing the cords. 

SV reX said:

In reply to Mndsm :

I'm onboard with that. I'm just aware that I don't think I have seen any sub $2000 cars that weren't showing the cords. 

My Jeep wasn't... but there's no way in hell they'd let that thing anywhere near an autox course. 

In reply to Mndsm :

My MINI would be fine. ;-)

With the new rules allowing negative budget cars, half-budget is significantly less of a challenge.

$2000 all-in. Zero exemptions, no recoup. It's the new half-budget, for reals.

Honest questions..

What about maintenance on cars that have been owned for a while?  For example.. if you bought a car with decent tires when you bought it, but you drove it for 5 years and have worn them out?

No recoup?  No trading?  No safety exemptions?

SV reX said:

No recoup?  No trading?  No safety exemptions?

Zero, nadda, nein.

In reply to gumby :

Agreed. 
 

How about the maintenance question?

Id say tire maintenance is a gray area. Would fall into the don't be a dick rule. Prove long-term ownership. Additionally I'd say that anything softer than 400 treadwear would need to be in the budget. Especially if bought between now and the challenge. Would seem too coincidental to me otherwise. For my own build I'm keeping my eyes open for used 200 treadwear even though my car came with good all season tires

I'm not saying tires are exempt. I'm saying it in response to your earlier question that if you bought a car with good tires drove it for a couple of years and had to replace the tires that those could be considered exempt if you used a high mileage All Season instead of a performance all season

In reply to Dusterbd13-michael :

Makes sense

I agree. That's why I asked. 

Litmus test: if you need to explain why something should be allowed, it's not allowed.

$2000 all-in is a simple concept. Let's keep it simple.

In reply to gumby :

Understood. 
 

But a purchase price less than $2000 that includes decent tires that have since worn out is a little different. 

I love this idea. 

I think many people have shown that you can get good tires for cheap or free, and not run on the cords. 

This is basically what I did in 2021 with the Emergency Backup Saturn. It was legit under $2000 all-in, including tires. I think my budget was like 3 lines. It was fun but slow.

@SVreX, Instead of building a class to suit a car, how about building a car to suit a class?

$2000 all in.

i'm in for 2025.

In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :

I'm not building a class.  I'm wanting to use a car I already own, and trying to determine if the car I have would be eligible. 
 

I think the question is both reasonable and appropriate. 

You guys do know that I'm going to destroy everyone in this class. 

If it's on the car at the event it needs to be in budget.  No trades, no recoup, no maintenance allowance.

If the car had good tires when you bought it, take them off, put tires you pay for on it, and put the in budget ones back on before the challenge.

If you are going to do something "All in" make the rules simple.

$2000 All in, no Exemptions.  Cars must be safe and pass tech.  

I would propose a fellow competitor "Sketch" inspection prior to the event.  If the goal is to return to the roots and make useable race cars for $2000 they should be useable racecars for $2000 that are beyond reproach.  They should have safety equipment and be in a condition that is appropriate to use beyond just sneaking through with sharpied cords on the tires, janky brakes, cooling systems waiting to scald people, and dangerous seats/belts.    It's not impossible to make a safe functional car for $2000.  We shouldn't compromise on that to make the car "fast" also.  

In reply to nocones :

Nailed it.

Im not an eloquent man in type. Y'all are spelling out what I'm ineffecively trying to communicate. 

Thanks!!

I am very interested in doing this. Not sure that I can make something happen though. Particularly this year.

Somewhat related. Anyone want to buy a non-running XJR that "ran when parked" in 2017 with no reverse. Has title but I didn't turn it in on time and would have something like $300 in fees on it. $750 and has 4:11 gears in it.

I will make an actual sales post but this is the kind of people that might actually want it.

This is intriguing.

So for stuff already owned, but materially different from when purchased.. ?

Ex: two blowed up engines I have kept to strip the innards from, and would like to combine into one.  Crank from one perforated block (maybe..), and block/head, oil pump, etc.. from another that was overrevved. Use JY core price for a crank and engine? They are not rare/scarce units.