Vintage Car Sub-Culture At DAARA
Mar 19, 2008
DAARA Racing
It is a hobby that can get quite expensive, between buying the car—a cheaper one, in running condition, can cost about $5,000—and restoring it. John Clark said he has put about $30,000 into his XL-1. Eddie Grant’s car, originally $5,300, is now valued at $20,000.
Add to this the fact that many hobbyists involved in clubs such as the DAARA own multiple cars, and the cost increases exponentially.
Sponsorship is a common solution to pay for many of the recurring costs such as entry fees, tires and racing fuel (which typically costs about $7.50 per gallon, but can cost as much as $20 depending on the quality).
Don Leland, self-proclaimed “owner, president, dishwasher and landscaper” of Cafe Perks in Sanford, is one of Clark’s sponsors.
He has always had an interest in vintage cars, and once Clark began visiting his cafe, the two formed a bond. Recently Cafe Perks was host for a small showcase for vintage race cars for the DAARA.
“There was a pretty good response, ” Leland said. “We were a little busier than usual, and the response from people who were there was exciting. ”
Although there are no official plans, Leland said he would like to put on another show in the next few months.
