First track day car suggestions
Discussion
I’m wanting to start taking part in track days, I just don’t fancy taking the 355, at least not until I get a feel for the general temperament of other people on these events.
So ideally I want something cheap so that I can go out and not worry about any damage.
I want something quite capable once the basics are done such as, stripped, cage, tyres and brakes are applied, also reliable.
Thinking through my previous cars, the only car that fits this bill is the ep3 type r.
I believe most of the fun comes at the corners, so straight line speed isn’t of huge concern, although would be nice
So ideally I want something cheap so that I can go out and not worry about any damage.
I want something quite capable once the basics are done such as, stripped, cage, tyres and brakes are applied, also reliable.
Thinking through my previous cars, the only car that fits this bill is the ep3 type r.
I believe most of the fun comes at the corners, so straight line speed isn’t of huge concern, although would be nice
Yes good shout!.
Ive never been fond of mx5’s. I will take a look at the renaults mentioned
Another factor I haven’t mentioned is I’m probably going to drive the car to and from the track, as much as I’d like a full on track car I don’t think I could do with the hassle of trailering it everywhere, but then again it’s the unnecessary expense of taxing and mots
Ive never been fond of mx5’s. I will take a look at the renaults mentioned
Another factor I haven’t mentioned is I’m probably going to drive the car to and from the track, as much as I’d like a full on track car I don’t think I could do with the hassle of trailering it everywhere, but then again it’s the unnecessary expense of taxing and mots
Yes point well made, I’m not set on fwd.
I’m also not set on making the 355 a regular on the track, I feel compentant behind the wheel of it, controlled many slides etc, my main concern is somebody else making contact though being overly aggressive which is why I want to get a feel of the general track temperament.
I used to race professionally, so my track experience is of a no inch given mentality.
Ive never driven the 220’s/Elise’s etc, I’m sure they make fantastic cars on the track. I will take a look
I’m also not set on making the 355 a regular on the track, I feel compentant behind the wheel of it, controlled many slides etc, my main concern is somebody else making contact though being overly aggressive which is why I want to get a feel of the general track temperament.
I used to race professionally, so my track experience is of a no inch given mentality.
Ive never driven the 220’s/Elise’s etc, I’m sure they make fantastic cars on the track. I will take a look
Thanks for the advice
I’m in two minds, either buy a car and build it into more of a track weapon, and during the process see and feel the progress the car makes, or buy one already done and have done with it.
I have always had a soft spot for type R’s, however I seem to recall the steering feel lacking in the ep3, the mugen FN2 I had afterwards was better in this respect but lacked elsewhere. Although I’ve never had a renault I appreciate they are popular track weapons so obviously they have something going for them. Then there’s rwd..
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.
Good suggestion attending some track days, will definitely follow that up
I’m in two minds, either buy a car and build it into more of a track weapon, and during the process see and feel the progress the car makes, or buy one already done and have done with it.
I have always had a soft spot for type R’s, however I seem to recall the steering feel lacking in the ep3, the mugen FN2 I had afterwards was better in this respect but lacked elsewhere. Although I’ve never had a renault I appreciate they are popular track weapons so obviously they have something going for them. Then there’s rwd..
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.
Good suggestion attending some track days, will definitely follow that up
No problem
I’m sure a little precautions would go a long way, it only takes that one idiot thought is what’s in the back of my mind
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.
I never had this in the 348, not sure if it’s becuase it’s a 355, the tubi or the fact I’m quite young, maybe a combination of all three!
I’m sure a little precautions would go a long way, it only takes that one idiot thought is what’s in the back of my mind
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.
I never had this in the 348, not sure if it’s becuase it’s a 355, the tubi or the fact I’m quite young, maybe a combination of all three!
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
HustleRussell said:
That surely means you know as much about track driving and track cars as anybody does on here?
I know about competitive race weekends, and even test days.The key differences are the fact that I will be sharing the track with a wide range of drivers skill sets and mentatilty, Ive never been on a public track day before, that coupled with me actually owning the car I would be driving persuaded me to ask those more experienced.
I did not know about the no corner overtaking rule for instance.
Although I’ve not had chance to test my own other 355’s with tubis go well over the 101/105 dB noise restrictions anyway so that idea may be dead in the water.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Ive decided I will be buying a non track prepped car, reason being I want to make this my own project, I was reading the thread the rx8 guys created which in turn inspired me to start from scratch.
Shortlist
FWD -ep3/172/182
Rwd - mr2/ mx5/ or bmw
now reason I backtracked on the mx5 is because the recommendations the car gets, and I see somebody just mentioned a k20’ d mx5, I forgot all about that being quite a common engine swap and in a way morphs my fondness of the type R’s into a well handling car
Ive decided I will be buying a non track prepped car, reason being I want to make this my own project, I was reading the thread the rx8 guys created which in turn inspired me to start from scratch.
Shortlist
FWD -ep3/172/182
Rwd - mr2/ mx5/ or bmw
now reason I backtracked on the mx5 is because the recommendations the car gets, and I see somebody just mentioned a k20’ d mx5, I forgot all about that being quite a common engine swap and in a way morphs my fondness of the type R’s into a well handling car
SparrowHawk said:
Hi usn90
I don't usually post, but I love trackdays and remember having these exact questions myself a few years ago, so I'd love to help if I can. First off - good decision on getting yourself a track car, you won't regret it. I've done dozens of trackdays over the years and have never had a bad experience yet - only hours of fun! Based on what you've said my personal opinions would be the following:
- Straight line speed isn't a huge factor for most people on trackdays -
Don't be afraid to go for a car "lacking in power". A great starting point would be one of the above mentioned cars MX5, Civic, Fiesta ST. I have owned and done trackdays in all of these and have loved each one of them. I've also done trackdays in more powerful turbocharged cars like Evos and Imprezas and I can honestly say that the fun does not go up with the power figures. Also bear in mind that in a lower powered car, mistakes usually have less severe consequences.
- The Ferrari probably isn't going to suit you for general trackday driving -
It is a precious car, and although other drivers are very unlikely to cause you any problems, a trip into the gravel trap or tyre wall might cause serious heartache. On top of that you have the upkeep costs; on a car like that you will be looking at considerably higher costs that you just won't get on the smaller cheaper cars mentioned in the posts above. It's not just the tyres and brakes, you can also run into a plethora of other issues brought on by over-exuberant track use such as overheating, or gearbox damage etc. which will be substantially more expensive in your Ferrari. If you're looking to get out on track in the Ferrari then perhaps some kind of 'members meeting' or owners club event would be better suited to you than a general trackday? You'd be around like minded folk in similar cars who will probably take it easier and also be on hand to help should anything go wrong. However, that is only my opinion - some people do general trackdays in their £200k Porsches!
- Buy a cheap hot hatch -
This is of course entirely subjective and down to personal preference, but my view is buy a Clio 182, Civic EP3, or Fiesta ST. My reasoning is that these cars very rarely let you down on a trackday. When they do go wrong you can usually fix them there at the track. Running costs are genuinely very minimal. Spare parts, new brakes, tyres etc are all at the inexpensive end of the market. In an absolute worse case scenario that you blow the engine or wreck the body shell then a replacement engine or shell will cost you the equivalent of a weekly shop at Sainsburys! And finally, you will always have others to play with at trackdays... I challenge anyone to find a trackday in the UK which does not have half a dozen Clios booked onto it. It's much more fun driving a car when there are five more of the same car out there buzzing around at the same time.
- Buying a track ready car is always cheaper than doing it yourself -
Sometimes considerably so. I bought a fully race prepped MX5 for sub £4k and it was an absolute hoot to drive, plus it came with the safety benefits of a full rollcage, race seat, 6 point harness and plumbed in extinguisher. Conversely I'm now £6k+ into building my own Fiesta ST track car and despite all the money spent it still doesn't have any of those features yet. So I'd strongly recommend buying a car that is already built for the track - just make sure its been well looked after, regularly serviced, and not left outside under a tarp for months on end.
- Get a car that is road legal -
Having just sold my EK9 Civic for this exact reason, I'd recommend getting a car that is road legal and keeping it that way. There is a lot to be said for being able to drive your road car out of your garage and straight to your local circuit, especially for a short evening session. The faff involved in driving a trailer or transporter and loading up and unloading and towing etc, all takes part of the fun away from a trackday. It can be hard work, and I get so much more enjoyment out of a day by just arriving in the car and then driving it home again. If something goes wrong, you can always pay to be collected on a low-loader.
- A trackday is nothing like racing -
I've been at the sharp end of other drivers 'frivolities' during races and I know what it feels like to get out of your car and see parts of it hanging off due to others lackluster driving standards - but that's racing! Trackdays really are nothing like this. People give each other space and respect, and you can always let someone past if they are making you feel nervous or getting too close. Driving standards on the whole are fairly high, and you don't generally see or hear anyone complaining about each other. Yes, you will get the odd driver nipping past in the corners in a lightweight Seven or something - but on the whole people are very safe and respectful.
Bit of a long post sorry, but hopefully not rambling. My main view is - do it! Get a track car and go out and have fun. The people you meet and the fun you have are a totally different experience to racing, and the lack of a structured race timetable etc makes the whole experience more chilled and in my view actually more enjoyable. Have fun!
Thanks for taking the time to comment, I’ve took onboard a lot from that I don't usually post, but I love trackdays and remember having these exact questions myself a few years ago, so I'd love to help if I can. First off - good decision on getting yourself a track car, you won't regret it. I've done dozens of trackdays over the years and have never had a bad experience yet - only hours of fun! Based on what you've said my personal opinions would be the following:
- Straight line speed isn't a huge factor for most people on trackdays -
Don't be afraid to go for a car "lacking in power". A great starting point would be one of the above mentioned cars MX5, Civic, Fiesta ST. I have owned and done trackdays in all of these and have loved each one of them. I've also done trackdays in more powerful turbocharged cars like Evos and Imprezas and I can honestly say that the fun does not go up with the power figures. Also bear in mind that in a lower powered car, mistakes usually have less severe consequences.
- The Ferrari probably isn't going to suit you for general trackday driving -
It is a precious car, and although other drivers are very unlikely to cause you any problems, a trip into the gravel trap or tyre wall might cause serious heartache. On top of that you have the upkeep costs; on a car like that you will be looking at considerably higher costs that you just won't get on the smaller cheaper cars mentioned in the posts above. It's not just the tyres and brakes, you can also run into a plethora of other issues brought on by over-exuberant track use such as overheating, or gearbox damage etc. which will be substantially more expensive in your Ferrari. If you're looking to get out on track in the Ferrari then perhaps some kind of 'members meeting' or owners club event would be better suited to you than a general trackday? You'd be around like minded folk in similar cars who will probably take it easier and also be on hand to help should anything go wrong. However, that is only my opinion - some people do general trackdays in their £200k Porsches!
- Buy a cheap hot hatch -
This is of course entirely subjective and down to personal preference, but my view is buy a Clio 182, Civic EP3, or Fiesta ST. My reasoning is that these cars very rarely let you down on a trackday. When they do go wrong you can usually fix them there at the track. Running costs are genuinely very minimal. Spare parts, new brakes, tyres etc are all at the inexpensive end of the market. In an absolute worse case scenario that you blow the engine or wreck the body shell then a replacement engine or shell will cost you the equivalent of a weekly shop at Sainsburys! And finally, you will always have others to play with at trackdays... I challenge anyone to find a trackday in the UK which does not have half a dozen Clios booked onto it. It's much more fun driving a car when there are five more of the same car out there buzzing around at the same time.
- Buying a track ready car is always cheaper than doing it yourself -
Sometimes considerably so. I bought a fully race prepped MX5 for sub £4k and it was an absolute hoot to drive, plus it came with the safety benefits of a full rollcage, race seat, 6 point harness and plumbed in extinguisher. Conversely I'm now £6k+ into building my own Fiesta ST track car and despite all the money spent it still doesn't have any of those features yet. So I'd strongly recommend buying a car that is already built for the track - just make sure its been well looked after, regularly serviced, and not left outside under a tarp for months on end.
- Get a car that is road legal -
Having just sold my EK9 Civic for this exact reason, I'd recommend getting a car that is road legal and keeping it that way. There is a lot to be said for being able to drive your road car out of your garage and straight to your local circuit, especially for a short evening session. The faff involved in driving a trailer or transporter and loading up and unloading and towing etc, all takes part of the fun away from a trackday. It can be hard work, and I get so much more enjoyment out of a day by just arriving in the car and then driving it home again. If something goes wrong, you can always pay to be collected on a low-loader.
- A trackday is nothing like racing -
I've been at the sharp end of other drivers 'frivolities' during races and I know what it feels like to get out of your car and see parts of it hanging off due to others lackluster driving standards - but that's racing! Trackdays really are nothing like this. People give each other space and respect, and you can always let someone past if they are making you feel nervous or getting too close. Driving standards on the whole are fairly high, and you don't generally see or hear anyone complaining about each other. Yes, you will get the odd driver nipping past in the corners in a lightweight Seven or something - but on the whole people are very safe and respectful.
Bit of a long post sorry, but hopefully not rambling. My main view is - do it! Get a track car and go out and have fun. The people you meet and the fun you have are a totally different experience to racing, and the lack of a structured race timetable etc makes the whole experience more chilled and in my view actually more enjoyable. Have fun!
HustleRussell said:
So you’ve made it as a professional racing driver, and somebody has been paying you to race their cars, but you have never done a trackday and moreover aren’t even aware of the basic format?
Did you just go straight to test days?
You must’ve spent scores upon scores of weekends in kart and long circuit racing paddocks, you must have some idea of what makes an effective track car?
No I’ve never been to a public track day, I don’t quite know why it’s so unbelievable, I never felt the need as I was away either testing or on a race weekend every other week.Did you just go straight to test days?
You must’ve spent scores upon scores of weekends in kart and long circuit racing paddocks, you must have some idea of what makes an effective track car?
I raced karts from 8, then jumped into single seaters, started on test days, of which wasn’t a public track day.
So no, I know everything on how a championship race weekend unfolds but haven’t the faintest on a Public track day.
And yes, I know what makes a good car and how to set them up to be, but that doesn’t mean I can’t ask people who have experience on what cheap cars work best
Edited by usn90 on Tuesday 30th April 20:10
Bit of an update,
The last few months I had the headache of selling & buying and of course moving house so plans were put on hold.
decided on an ep3 type R, reason being I used to own one and really enjoyed it for what it was, I always wanted to add a supercharger but never did so I think this will be a feature on the car.
First steps will be stripping the car, Addin some braces and better tyres.
Then will come the SC, brakes, exhaust and springs in no particular order.
The last few months I had the headache of selling & buying and of course moving house so plans were put on hold.
decided on an ep3 type R, reason being I used to own one and really enjoyed it for what it was, I always wanted to add a supercharger but never did so I think this will be a feature on the car.
First steps will be stripping the car, Addin some braces and better tyres.
Then will come the SC, brakes, exhaust and springs in no particular order.
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