Ashton Mineeff Racing

LS Sprintcar Racing - the numbers!

As we conclude our second season with our LS3/CT525 Sprintcar engine power plant, our experience has been nothing short of amazing with this package.

With the interest of seeing more of these fantastic engines out on track, especially in NSW against open 410 competition, we thought we would share some stats behind the single engine we have used in the 14.

- S/H engine purchased: 4 shows old
- Meetings on engine now: 35 shows
- Engine unopened since new
- No engine components replaced in our ownership, including alternator, drive belts, water pump, ignition & fuel system, even spark plugs!
- Engine serviced using oil and filter from Supercheap Auto at approximately $140 per service. Engine oil/filter change every 3 events.
- Purchase price of engine: $27,000.
- Brand new LS3/CT535 ready to race at current pricing: $35-40k, second hand pricing $25-35k.
- This can see a complete car assembled for $45-60k ready to race.

We will look to have our engine get to 50+ meetings before rebuild. When factoring $15,000 for a rebuild (which will be of higher spec than engine is now), our engine rebuild allowance will be $300 per night, compared to $2,500 for a 410.

During our time with the LS, we have raced approximately 10 LS/360 shows, and 20 Open 410ci shows. Utilising the LS engine, we have the opportunity to race significantly more due to much cheaper running cost (including reduced tyre wear), and more events as we can race in either competition.

The LS/360 class is a fantastic way of going Sprintcar racing. However, the LS in open competition shouldn’t be dismissed. In our time with the LS, we have had 3 outright podiums in 410 competition, including a win. The complete engine we are using, costs less than a rebuild on a 410. Of course with a 300 horsepower deficit to the 850-950hp 410’s, you need things to go your way, but there’s no denying the LS engines can hold their own on country tracks.

The Sprintcar Association of NSW have put on a huge calendar for season 26/27 including 12 country races, and with healthy prize money, and the LS/360 top finisher bonus, it’s a seriously attractive proposition to race competitively at the top class of dirt speedway racing, at pennies in the dollar. Every competitor’s circumstances are different, but once established, and when prize money is factored in, our nightly costs can be as low as $800-1000 per event, up to $2500 for longer distance events including accommodation etc. When factored against other Motorsport, there’s no better time to go Sprintcar racing!

We’re open to any positive questions or discussion in the comments, we’re keen to see Sprintcar racing reach its past highs in 2026/2027! 🏁💪🏽