Race teams know the drill: upgrade to stay competitive, and recoup costs by selling used equipment. But how do you maximize the value of your used engine, transmission rear-end or chassis?

To get top-dollar you need to build trust. Buyers want assurance that they’re getting a reliable component, not just taking a seller’s word.

That’s where proper record-keeping can become your advantage. When buyers can see detailed records of part usage – like the lap counts, dates, and track history – they have greater confidence in their purchase, leading to faster sales and more money for you.

Why tracking laps matters

Consider this: you're selling a used engine. Would you rather tell a potential buyer, "it's got a few races on it," or "this engine has 385 laps, meticulously recorded and maintained"? 

The latter instills trust and justifies a higher price. The former has the buyer thinking, “there’s probably a whole season’s use on this thing…”

Anecdotal evidence suggests that race parts with documented lap counts and maintenance histories can sell for up to 25% MORE than those without. 

For major components like engines and drivetrains, knowing the exact number of laps can make a big difference in valuation. Here's why it matters:

• Builds trust – When buyers know the exact history of a part, they're more confident in their purchase.
• Justifies higher prices – The value of these components is determined by their age, condition, and wear. Sellers with documented data can command higher prices because they provide verifiable proof of a part’s condition.
• Sells faster – Buyers are more likely to purchase a part with a clear history. ‍
• Reduces buyer risk – Buyers are more willing to pay a premium when they know exactly what they’re getting.

Rev up your resale value by counting laps with RacePrep

Look, I get it. Manually tracking lap counts and maintenance can be a pain. 

Luckily RacePrep’s lap counting capabilities makes it effortless for you to keep track of every lap, race, and maintenance action performed on each component of your race car so when you’re ready to sell, you’ve got all the data you need to get that extra 25% of value.

With RacePrep, you can:

• Log laps for your parts in seconds – After each race, quickly input your total laps on the car you ran, and the app automatically updates lap counts for your tracked components.
• Maintain a complete lap history – Each lap count is recorded along with the date, track, and car it was run in, giving you a complete usage history that builds buyer confidence when it’s time to sell. Need a printout? Easily email yourself the lap count data for quick access.
• Store unused parts in your digital “Garage” – When a part isn’t in use, you can keep the usage history on any part intact — even when they’re removed from a car or transferred to another car — ensuring accurate tracking over its entire lifespan.

In the fast-paced world of racing, every advantage counts. By leveraging technology to track component usage, you can build trust, boost resale value, and gain a competitive edge.

Other tips to increase sales price beyond lap tracking

We’ve learned a ton after selling our used race car parts. Here’s some other tips we’ve found work to maximize the resale value and get parts sold fast:

• Keep your parts clean and store them properly – Presentation goes a long way to increasing perceived value. Clean, well-maintained parts show buyers that you’ve taken care of them and give the impression of regular maintenance and reliability. Storing unused parts in a dry, clean environment will help prevent damage.
• Take Several Good Photos – Once your parts are clean, find a good place to snap a few pictures. Make sure there’s no junk or oil stains on your garage floor in the picture. This will help potential buyers get a better sense of the part's condition.
• Price your parts competitively – Research current market prices to set a fair price. Add in some wiggle room for negotiations, but overpricing your parts might not get a buyer to show interest.
• Market your parts effectively – Let people know that you have parts for sale. Post your parts on Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Groups, online forums, social media, and classifieds websites. You can also try selling your parts at local swap meets and racing events.
• Be honest about the part's condition – Disclose any known issues or defects. You don’t want to be known around the local track as the guy who sold a bad part. It’ll ruin your reputation and chances to sell other used parts in the future.

Get the most resale value for your used parts

In a competitive marketplace, accurate records and a well-presented part mean higher value, faster sales, and better deals. By combining the power of RacePrep with these tips, you can maximize the resale value of your used race parts and fund your next racing purchase.

Stop leaving money on the table. Start tracking your lap count the smart way with RacePrep and maximize the value of your used race equipment!