First track day car suggestions
Discussion
usn90 said:
I had a close call with a modded Lexus who insisted on showing off to his Mrs by trying to instigate a race, Happens a lot, I try and let them passed where possible.
You've kind of ingnored what I said. On the track people are a lot more behaved. It's nothing like being on the road, and no one is out there showing off to their "mrs". Most "mrs's" won't go out as it makes them sick, or scared, plus it's dead weight and slows you down....I get that you don't want to track your 355. I didn't track my C4s as I didn't want a £1200 tyre bill, plus brakes, after every session, hence I bought track focussed cars, but it really isn't that bad out there.
I didn’t ignore what you said, at least I’m sorry it’s come across that way!
I mentioned about the precautions I could take, I’m used to being on track in a racing mindset, and so that’s all I’ve known the other drivers mindsets to be also.
I didn’t know about the no overtaking round corners rule for instance.
If I do track the 355, i don’t think it would be a regular occurance, like you say a set of tyres and brakes compared to a cheaper car factors in.
I mentioned about the precautions I could take, I’m used to being on track in a racing mindset, and so that’s all I’ve known the other drivers mindsets to be also.
I didn’t know about the no overtaking round corners rule for instance.
If I do track the 355, i don’t think it would be a regular occurance, like you say a set of tyres and brakes compared to a cheaper car factors in.
They do however not all that often.
I think I’m pretty much decided on purchasing something with the sole purpose of tracking, I have a list of cars thanks to contributions to the thread.
I just need to decide on buying a car already set up for the track, or buying a standard car (or almost) and gradually doing it myself
I think I’m pretty much decided on purchasing something with the sole purpose of tracking, I have a list of cars thanks to contributions to the thread.
I just need to decide on buying a car already set up for the track, or buying a standard car (or almost) and gradually doing it myself
usn90 said:
I just need to decide on buying a car already set up for the track, or buying a standard car (or almost) and gradually doing it myself
IMHO the financial arguments for buying something already done are overwhelming.Having said that as a natural born tinkerer I have only ever done it myself & find the added satisfaction of feeling an improvement & saying to myself "I did that" I find rather satisfying.
Apart from the drive to the track being a bit "rough" - maybe look at "7" type cars - Caterham, Westfield, etc.
They are track ready out of the box - in as much as the handling and performance will already be perfect for tracks. You can decide how far to go - i.e. I never had a full cage, just a good roll bar, but plenty of them out there are fully caged (I reckon this is far more appropriate for racing - god only knows how you flip a 7 type car on a track day).
You can even get a sequential paddle shift car.
They are soooooooo much fun, cost very little (under £12k will get you pretty much a full on race car), cost very littel in tyres and brakes (no weight to the cars).
You are better off trailering to the track though. Saying that, I just used a single axle trailer.
So much fun, and suited so well to tracks like Cadwell Park. Loads of twisty bits.
They are track ready out of the box - in as much as the handling and performance will already be perfect for tracks. You can decide how far to go - i.e. I never had a full cage, just a good roll bar, but plenty of them out there are fully caged (I reckon this is far more appropriate for racing - god only knows how you flip a 7 type car on a track day).
You can even get a sequential paddle shift car.
They are soooooooo much fun, cost very little (under £12k will get you pretty much a full on race car), cost very littel in tyres and brakes (no weight to the cars).
You are better off trailering to the track though. Saying that, I just used a single axle trailer.
So much fun, and suited so well to tracks like Cadwell Park. Loads of twisty bits.
usn90 said:
Regarding the 355, would love to take that out on an empty track, It is quite loud with the tubi so not sure on noise restrictions, I suspect it should be fine. this would be a long way off though, if it ever happens.
Pretty restrictive where you can run with that noise unfortunately. I may be biased but I would put forward the fine case of the MG ZS 180 which often gets overlooked due to badge snobbery, but it doesn't take much research to find out that its a pretty capable and underestimated thing.
I've taken mine on track 3 times now and its fun, reliable & cheap, and I often get comments about how good it is on a circuit.
EP3s, Clios, Mx-5s etc are all good no doubt but a frequent sight at any track day, so if you fancy being a bit different and a little bit patriotic, look no further ;p
I've taken mine on track 3 times now and its fun, reliable & cheap, and I often get comments about how good it is on a circuit.
EP3s, Clios, Mx-5s etc are all good no doubt but a frequent sight at any track day, so if you fancy being a bit different and a little bit patriotic, look no further ;p
I would (and have twice) buy a e90 330i. I had one previously and own one currently
You can pick them up dirt cheap (circa. 3k if you look around a little) - RWD, 260hp, 3.0 N/A
Good handling, renowned for reliability (particularly the earlier pre-LCI N52 motor), good blend of practicality, performance, & economy
They are not the lightest of cars (circa 1,600kgs) but still good enough to be widely used in the Nürburgring VLN series (I live next to the 'ring so there frequently with mine)
Great way to start out with hassle free, affordable fun, Lots of aftermarket parts available at reasonable prices if you want to start tinkering
Agree the E36 also good (had a 328i sport in UK as track car) but suffered from so many more issues than my E90's - they are simply not as reliable (maybe not surprising for a much older car). Clearly not a representative statement but this was my experience anyway!
You can pick them up dirt cheap (circa. 3k if you look around a little) - RWD, 260hp, 3.0 N/A
Good handling, renowned for reliability (particularly the earlier pre-LCI N52 motor), good blend of practicality, performance, & economy
They are not the lightest of cars (circa 1,600kgs) but still good enough to be widely used in the Nürburgring VLN series (I live next to the 'ring so there frequently with mine)
Great way to start out with hassle free, affordable fun, Lots of aftermarket parts available at reasonable prices if you want to start tinkering
Agree the E36 also good (had a 328i sport in UK as track car) but suffered from so many more issues than my E90's - they are simply not as reliable (maybe not surprising for a much older car). Clearly not a representative statement but this was my experience anyway!
I was in exactly the same situation a few years ago (I still have my 355 ) and I bought a Clio 172 Cup.
I loved it so much I then bought a race prepped Clio 172 Cup.
As you can imagine, my wife is thrilled to have two old French hatchbacks on the driveway.
The reason they are so ubiquitous on trackdays is because they are cheap and such good fun.
The Civic Type R is probably faster but the numb steering put me off.
I always find I get most enjoyment out of cheap cars anyway.
Not worrying about originality, where I park it or potentially throwing it off the track is very liberating.
I love my 355 but just wouldn't enjoy thrashing it on track.
I would definitely give a Renault Sport Clio a second look.
) and I bought a Clio 172 Cup.I loved it so much I then bought a race prepped Clio 172 Cup.
As you can imagine, my wife is thrilled to have two old French hatchbacks on the driveway.
The reason they are so ubiquitous on trackdays is because they are cheap and such good fun.
The Civic Type R is probably faster but the numb steering put me off.
I always find I get most enjoyment out of cheap cars anyway.
Not worrying about originality, where I park it or potentially throwing it off the track is very liberating.
I love my 355 but just wouldn't enjoy thrashing it on track.
I would definitely give a Renault Sport Clio a second look.
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