Beginners Track Car

[usagtrman]

I need some advice. I'm looking for advice on a track car which would be good for beginners (myself and teenage sons) but still be fun as we become more experienced drivers. I was leaning twords a track only 944 Porsche because of the low power, harmless handling and low cost. I'd like something reliable and easy to work on (that's not possible is it?). This car would stay at the track fulltime (unlimited track time) so road legal isn't required. At least two seats for training......so that would leave out Formula anything, right? I sure like the Radicals......but that seems like too much car for a beginner. The GTR will be for the road mostly and the track once in awhile after I get myself some experience.......I want to live long enough to enjoy it! Thanks in advance for your advice.

Brad Z

[pstockley]

944's are nice handling cars. However, they aren't exactly cheap or easy to maintain. Some jobs on that car are a real pain. From my experience they can suffer from oil starvation problems. I know of a few that have had their engine's let go on the track.

e30 M3's make really nice track cars. I run with quite a few and in track car config they are pretty fast. If you strip everything out they weight around 2300 to 2400 lbs. Still not super cheap but better than the porsche. The other option is a seven type car (caterham, westfield etc).

Talking from experience, try to get as light a car as possible. This will help both handling and reduce wear and tear. I run a 400hp Audi S4 which is fun but heavy (3300 lbs). It just eats tires and brakes. Probably costs $2000 to $3000 a year just in maintenance.

[jschwartz]

Look in GrassRoots Motorsports, SCCA, Midwest Council Sports Car club, or NASA Classifieds. I'd get a IT Class mustang or F body (Camaro Firebird). Cheap, V8 and loads of fun. Should find a real decent one for $5000-7000. I thought the Motorsports Country Club won't be open til next year?
jeff

[boosted ls1]

I'd second that but have to suggest a TR7 v8 with a Chev engine. I have seen some ballistic examples in the US that bust up F40's on circuits real nice! They are so cheap as well and there must be loads of spares over there. The GP44 cars with rover engines didn't hang about either

[usagtrman]

Thanks for the replies. I am just starting my research as I won't be using the car till next fall. I hadn't considered any of the cars you guys are talking about.....but I will now. I hear what your saying about the 944 Paul as I have 3 to keep 1 going right now. I'm most interested in a good learning platform. Once we get some experience we can move up to something more capable. Thanks for your help.

Brad Z

[k wright]

Miata. End of story. Completely reliable, classic suspension that is completely adjustable and a really fun car to drive with the throttle. Dirt cheap, I bought one with a credit card (the entire car).

The Miata is accepted in multiple forms of racing and now has it's own series that has the closest road racing battles you will ever see.

Endless aftermarket parts that are reasonably priced. Lots of people around with a detailed knowledge of the car.

ken

[MrURL]

I have to agree with ken. Miata is a great choice stock, and there are tons of go-fast aftermarket bolt-ons available, up to 15 psi turbo and superchargers. If you really want to get carried away, it is possible to bolt in a 5.0l HO Mustang motor at 325 bhp. In a 2300 lb car that is a lot of fun, although the extra weight up front requires some modification to the suspension to maintain handling.

Peter

>> Edited by MrURL on Tuesday 26th August 16:29

[davejw]

My choice is an E30 M3 !

[usagtrman]

I'm enjoying the responses and varied opinions. I've been an avid car guy my whole life but still wouldn't have thought of the cars you guys are suggesting. My current train of thought is an entry level car to keep as something for my kids to drive at the track long term, then add a higher performance track only car. I do plan on taking the GTR on track occasionally but I plan on it staying a street and show car. Thanks again for the advice....Miatas, M3's, TR7's and Comaro's...anything else?

Brad Z

[jschwartz]

Since I always think in V8 terms, I forgot about the Miata. They are awesome track cars with just a few suspension mods. Could find some Miatas already set-up for track use in those magazines that i posted above.
jeff

[USCANAM]

Brad
Spec Miata is a big SCCA class in this area, and probably throughout the US. Lot's of cars becoming available. We have at least ten in our local club. One of the guys had a new engine delivered to his door for the same cost as one of the shocks on my Formula Continental,...$1500!!
Lost your phone number when my hard drive crashed last month. Give me a call, or email your number, and we can talk.
Regards
Jack

[usagtrman]

Thanks Jack......will do.

Brad Z