Use your race car on the road?

[SimonWard]

Random (and probably naive) question but does anyone use their race car on the road at all?

I used to race and considering coming back. But I'd like to use a race car for driving to/from track, the occasional track day and, critically, the odd 'normal' journey. Imagine half way between track day car and race car ... i.e. all the basic safety and performance (roll bars, race seat, better brakes, extinguisher etc.) to compete sufficiently to have fun (mid field say) but with no stickers and a removable number and keeping one lightweight passenger seat.

Years ago a series like 'Road Sports' was named because it was the closest thing to taking a road car onto the track. Everything 750 MC (including Road Sports) looks great to me today. I have an Elise 111R (great toy) but may well sell and get a cheaper race ready vehicle that I would not mind getting damaged. I know it will obviously not be the most comfortable of cars for longer journeys but surely no less convenient than a motorbike (also have) or maybe something like a road going Caterham/Atom?

Is this possible or am I dreaming?

Thanks for any response/advice!

[SimonWard]

Ah OK good to get a view from experience, sounds like it's possible but not worth it, thanks for responses, appreciated

[SimonWard]

HustleRussell said:

There are series where you will be at no technical disadvantage if your car is in road legal spec, the 'Classic' series in the Caterham Graduates club for example- Everyone has to run on normal road car tyres (not semi slicks), full compliment of functioning lights, horn etc. If you are about 95kg or less you will be on the minimum weight. I used to use mine on the road and it was really fine, the only slight compromise was the front brake pads which were pretty wooden when cold.

I was reading the HSCC Historic Roadsports regs recently and there you actually get bonus championship points if you drive your race car to and from the event, in fact I have arrived at a circuit in my road car and spotted the front running #98 Morgan arriving likewise.

Getting home in the event of a technical or crash is a stumbling block but there are dozens of trucks in the paddock of a weekend, one of which will surely have space for a car and be going somewhere not a million miles from yours.

Edited by HustleRussell on Wednesday 15th August 18:05

[SimonWard]

Thanks HussleRussel! That's got me thinking again :-) ...think I;ll take. closer look at series

[SimonWard]

McSam - that is a brilliant answer, thank you, I think you've tipped me back into thinking I can do this! That Cadwell footage is great too and like your web site. If I come along to a race this year I'll get in touch, cheers.

Matt W - thanks for the contact - I'll look into it, cheers.

[SimonWard]

Good one, thanks and yes, hoping to go to the Snetterton race on 7th Oct, so will come and find you, cheers.