Car Advice for a Track Day Newbie

[jantonio16]

Hi all,

Stumbled upon this forum while trying to figure out what to do in 2017. I know my topic may be repetitive because I've read a couple of similar threads, but I figured I'd start my own in order to have someone talk me into or out of what I have planned for 2017 hehe.

I "recently" had my first taste of a track in August of this year and ever sicne became addicted. I attended a SoloRace event in October and another Track Day in November. My current car is this:

55k kms 2012 Automatic Mini Cooper S with all JCW mods except Recaros
Milltek Catless Downpipe
Eibach 26mm FSB
Eibach 20mm RSB
Eibach Pro-kit Lowering Springs
Rear Seat Delete
Custom Made GP-Style Rear Strut Brace
Toyo Proxes T1R 215/45/17
IE Fixed Front Camber Plates
H-Sport Rear Lower Control Arms

Yes I know an Auto "boo" but when I purchased this car the thought of attending a track never crossed my mind. Btu anyways, my dilmna is that this is also my daily driver. I put on 90kms daily to and from work. I don't mind my setup at all because I built it taking into consideration the daily purpose but its the kms piling up and track events that I feel like it will get very expensive very quick.

My driving has exponentially improved as I managed to slash 3 seconds from my previous lap record. I know I can get another second if I use proper track tires. But before continuing modding this car, I was wondering if I should stop, get a comfortable/economical/boring daily driver and look at a potential project car.

Disaclaimer: I have no mechanical experience but I do wish to learn and get into DIY.

I believe this forum is from the UK? (correct me if I'm wrong please) I mention this because I'm from Chile and I've seen some of the most recommended "beginner" cars available locally such as: Peugeot 205 GTI, Citroen Saxo VTS, etc.

Sorry to make this long but in conclusion, should I keep going at it with the mini or get a daily driver+project car?

P.S. I'd still like to drive the project car to and from the track. Ocassionally to work. Hopefully getting a Saxo for example is not a pain and forever parked in the garage.

Thanks in advance!!

[Loyly]

Get a motorbike for riding on track if you want to go fast cheaply, that'll keep the miles down on the car.

As an aside, I didn't even realise they did an automatic Cooper S that long ago. If I were going back to quick cars, I'd be after a manual Cooper S or JCW.

[jantonio16]

Thanks for the prompt reply!...but I'd like to stick with cars lol

[Yex 450]

Pop the same question in the Track Day forum , about 5 items below General Gassing on the front page and you should receive a lot of good advise

[V8RX7]

Good track cars (generally) make poor road cars.

If you're doing it regularly get a cheap track car - no idea what's available in Chile but RWD is far more fun IMO and the usual, cheap RWD choices in the UK are:

MX5
3 Series BMW
MR2

[jantonio16]

Yex 450 said:

Pop the same question in the Track Day forum , about 5 items below General Gassing on the front page and you should receive a lot of good advise

Thanks! Will do!

[jantonio16]

V8RX7 said:

Good track cars (generally) make poor road cars.

If you're doing it regularly get a cheap track car - no idea what's available in Chile but RWD is far more fun IMO and the usual, cheap RWD choices in the UK are:

MX5
3 Series BMW
MR2

With a second car available for hooning my participaction would be more frequent. Listed FWD due to the mini but open to everything really. Unfortunately here, MX-5s are expensive due to the popular demand of track builds as well as 3 Series BMWs.

I may look into an MR2, but in general I see more Japanese and French in order to do it in a budget. Stock civics are scarce, but a lot are sold already started (b12b engine swap, etc).

Thanks for the help!

[dunc_sx]

Make sure your brake fluid is up to scratch (high temp stuff). That's the most important thing imo.

Have fun.

Dunc.