Can you make money racing your car in Autocross?

If you’ve ever participated in an autocross event, you know that it’s a thrilling and competitive motorsport that emphasizes driver skill over raw horsepower. But can you actually make money at autocross? The short answer: yes, but not much, and most people won’t!.

Unlike professional motorsports, autocross is fundamentally an amateur sport. The majority of participants are weekend warriors who race for fun, not financial gain. However, there are a few ways that dedicated and entrepreneurial autocross enthusiasts can turn their passion into profit.

Why Autocross Isn’t a Money-Making Sport

1. No Big Prize Purses

Unlike road racing, drag racing, or NASCAR, autocross events rarely offer cash prizes. The SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Solo Nationals, the biggest autocross event in the U.S., doesn’t offer prize money—only trophies and bragging rights (and a nice jacket if you win).

2. No Sponsorship Deals Like Pro Racing

Professional racers make money through sponsorships, but in autocross, sponsorships are minimal. Most companies that support autocross drivers do so with discounts on gear, tires, or entry fees rather than direct payments.

3. High Costs with No Return

Autocross isn’t expensive compared to other motorsports, but it’s still a money pit rather than a money-maker. Costs include:

• Entry fees ($40–$200 per event)
• Tires (which wear out quickly)
• Car maintenance and upgrades
• Travel and lodging for national events

So, if making money is your goal, autocross alone won’t get you there. However, there are a few ways to generate income related to autocross.

How to Make Money in Autocross (Indirectly)

1. Coaching and Instruction

If you’re an experienced autocross driver, you can offer coaching to newer drivers. Some people are willing to pay for in-car instruction, ride-alongs, or personalized feedback.

• Local SCCA regions sometimes hire instructors for novice schools.
• Private coaching can be offered at events or through online platforms like YouTube and Patreon.

2. Content Creation (YouTube, Blogging, Social Media)

Autocross has a niche but dedicated audience online. If you can create high-quality content—whether it’s instructional videos, in-car footage, car setup tips, or race recaps—you might be able to monetize through:

• YouTube Ad Revenue (once you hit the monetization threshold)
• Sponsorships from racing gear brands, tire companies, or local shops
• Affiliate Marketing, such as sharing links to helmets, cameras, or car parts

3. Photography and Videography

Good action shots from autocross events are highly desirable. If you have photography or videography skills, you can:

• Sell photos to drivers after events
• Offer professional highlight videos for competitors
• Work with local clubs to be their official photographer/videographer

4. Car Setup and Tuning Services

Many autocrossers struggle with optimizing their car’s suspension, alignment, or tuning. If you’re skilled at setting up cars, you could offer services such as:

• Tire consultation and alignment tuning
• Shock/suspension setup
• Data analysis (if you’re familiar with tools like SoloStorm or AIM data systems)

5. Selling Used Race Parts

Buying and selling used autocross parts—like wheels, tires, shocks, or sway bars—can be a side hustle. Some autocrossers buy lightly used racing tires, use them for a few events, and then resell them before they’re completely worn out.

6. Event Organization and Club Involvement

While volunteering at autocross events doesn’t typically pay, some event organizers and club officials do receive compensation in certain organizations. If you help grow a local autocross program, you might be able to take a small cut from event fees or sponsorships.

7. Starting a Racing-Related Business

If you’re truly committed, you can create a small business around autocross, such as:

• Selling custom race gear (shirts, hats, stickers)
• Running an online store for niche racing products
• Developing autocross-focused software or mobile apps

Making Money in Autocross Through Contingency Programs

Many autocross drivers earn money (or at least cover some costs) through contingency programs offered by manufacturers and sponsors. These programs reward drivers for using specific brands and performing well in events.

How Contingency Works

• A company (tire manufacturer, parts company, car brand) offers a rewards program.
• You must register for the program before competing.
• You typically need to display decals on your car and use the company’s product.
• If you finish in a qualifying position, you can earn cash, product credits, or rebates.

Contingency Programs That Pay in Autocross

1. Tire Manufacturers

Tires are the biggest source of contingency money in autocross. Companies like:

• Bridgestone
• Falken
• Hoosier
• BFGoodrich
• Yokohama

offer payouts if you place well on their tires. Some programs only pay for national events, while others also cover regional competitions.

🔹 Example Payouts:

• $100–$300 per win at national-level events.
• Discounted or free tires for repeated podium finishes.

2. Car Manufacturers

Some automakers offer contingency money for competing in their cars. In SCCA Solo, brands like:

• Mazda (the biggest supporter, paying cash for wins)
• Toyota

pay drivers who place well in eligible cars.

🔹 Example:

• Mazda’s Motorsports Contingency Program can pay up to $800 for a national win.

3. Aftermarket Parts Companies

Some companies pay drivers for using their parts. Examples include:

• Hawk Performance (brake pads)
• Eibach (suspension)
• K&N Filters (intakes)

These payouts are usually product credits rather than cash.

4. SCCA Nationals and ProSolo Bonuses

The SCCA National Solo and ProSolo series offer contingency money from multiple brands. Winning at the Solo Nationals or ProSolo Finale can net $500–$1,000 or more in contingency payouts if you’re signed up for multiple programs.

Can You Actually Profit From Contingency?

In theory, yes—but realistically, it mostly helps cover expenses.

Let’s do some quick math for a top-level driver who wins multiple events:

Even with contingency winnings, you’re still spending more than you earn unless you’re consistently dominating major events. For most autocrossers, contingency offsets costs rather than generating a true profit.

Final Takeaway: Yes, You Can Make Money, But…

Contingency programs do provide real money in autocross, but unless you’re winning at a national level, they won’t make autocross profitable. The best-case scenario is breaking even—and even then, you’ll still need to cover travel and entry costs.

That said, if you’re fast, strategic about what brands you support, and consistently place well, contingency money can be a valuable way to fund your racing habit.

So, are you cashing in on contingency? Let us know on Facebook! 💰🏁