Quote:
Originally Posted by thstone
Great info Greg! Thanks for posting!
Looking through your data set, I'd love to drive a NASA NP-01...
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Yep, those look like great race cars!
https://nasaprototype.com
Built in the US by Elan, which builds professional-level formula and prototype cars.
Advantages:
- Top-notch design and construction.
- Toyo RR tires, which you're familiar with.
- Some downforce.
- A very safe, enclosed car.
- Operational costs are very low at $194 per hour: long-lasting reliable engine, uses pump gas, 20 HC tires.
- They have their own class with NASA.
Disadvantages:
- Purchase cost: $73,000 used.
- About the same speed as Formula F.
- Heavy for a purpose-built car (1725 lbs with driver).
- Not competitive in any other organization.
- Relatively few built, so the fields aren't very big.
I think the reason more haven't been bought is that the crowd that has the money for an $86,000 car (new), expect to go a lot faster. For that kind of money, you can buy an SCCA P1 car and go REALLY fast. Too fast for me personally (I've watched their videos, and it's scary!)--I'd be happy with FF or NP01 speed. I just don't have the $86,000!
I'd be curious what an NP01 costs to rent, given that the operational costs are so low.
Greg