Considering the amount of time energy and money spent vs the actual number of "hot" laps you get in two days, being properly prepared can significantly increase your percentage of hot laps. Having the right tire for your car and driving style may deliver the largest increase of all.
Being a newb at T-Hill to auto events and only having motorcycle events to compare against, what I observed was:
- Cars require significantly more equipment, size of trailers, tools and accessories, spare parts, etc.
- Fuel and tire expenses are at least 5x's
- Higher maintenance due to wearing out parts such as brake pads, bearings, and oil change volume.
- Percentage of good laps is significantly less due to traffic and passing restrictions.
- The actual number of laps on track in a session is less due to staging time. Bikes pack up tight and get out fast. When you only have 20 minutes per session every one counts. For comparison bike events usually get 7 sessions per day at T-Hill.
Anything you can do to increase your hot laps adds to the enjoyment factor per dollar.
FWIW - I estimate the two meatball flags reduced my total laps by 15%.
A properly prepared car with happy tires equal a happy driver come Sunday afternoon!