Looks similar-ish to auto-x, but faster & less technical.
I don't think I ever exceeded around 50mph on the courses we ran. But I was driving a 96 Saturn SL2 & a 97 Civic EX when I was racing [non-SCCA events hosted by the Texas A&M sports car club]

Got a passenger ride in a 996 911 GT3 on slicks & he crossed line well over 70mph.

quote:

Originally posted by bigpond73:

quote:

Originally posted by 83v45magna:
SCCA?

Yep. Maybe look at some older cars too, the Zs, Miatas, Supras, etc.

I have an old Datsun 510 that will one day, be up and running and doing SCCA, perhaps Pikes Peak, maybe some Rally stuff, who knows?

Good luck on your search!

Did this in the early 90s with a 510.

So, I have begun saving and monitoring the market.

One thing that I've begun also figuring-on is annual budget. Using some rough estimates, I came up with ~$6000/year for sports car ownership and track use. This takes into account insurance/registration, tires/brakes, fuel, regular maintenance items, and track event fees.

My friend has a track-only car. So, he saves on the insurance. He estimates an annual expense of ~$3700 excluding fuel. He implied fuel consumption is about a tank-and-a-half on a Road Atlanta day, of which he does three a year. He also does Autocross with the car, but the fuel use is much less in those events.

You can get into a used race car at a pretty good price point, it seems. But, is the higher track performance and insurance savings enough to offset the impossibility of casual road use? It seems unlikely.

Those who are into this stuff: What are your annual expenses like, and is your car legal for use on the street?

How many times a year are you planning to do this?
Maybe consider a rental of something like a spec Miata or similar?
Have you checked the cost of doing events at AMP in one of the Karts they have (I have no idea what they cost)?
They have a much higher performance level than any budget street or race car so you can get a better idea where to go from there.

quote:

How many times a year are you planning to do this?
Maybe consider a rental of something like a spec Miata or similar?

The autocross events are $80 and are at least once a month. My travel time is 45 minutes one way, so six times a year seems like a possibility (maybe more). Those are afternoon/evening. A proper Road Atlanta thing is all day, as best I can tell. So, that'd be less frequent (maybe twice/year, for starters).

I have considered a track day event in which I could drive a provided car with an instructor. But all the race track "experience" things I have seen are hundreds of dollars, which seems like a lot to spend on one novelty day at the track.

If I were in your shoes I would be buying a 2001 Mustang Cobra over a SN197.
I find them easier to work on and parts are less expensive.

The Twins (GR86/BRZ) will be easiest on consumables (tires, pads, rotors) and fuel.

Expense all depends on how many track days per year. How many track days will determine how much fuel you use, how often you’ll have to change oil, tires, pads, etc.

I'm with Pre, twins, if you want a fixed roof.
I still say Miata if you want a roadster.

Cayman/Boxster if you've got P-car budget

quote:

If I were in your shoes I would be buying a 2001 Mustang Cobra over a SN197

My friend said the chassis of the S197 (2005) and later cars is much improved. I know the Cobra has IRS, which is a boon. The '01 Cobra would presumably be spendier than a S197 GT.

quote:

The Twins (GR86/BRZ) will be easiest on consumables (tires, pads, rotors) and fuel.

I am certainly not opposed to those cars. My wife likes the styling on them too, which is a plus. I had read about an oiling issue in those cars, but they sell aftermarket baffled pans for them. Many reports of overfilling by half a quart helping to mitigate it too.

I appreciate the feedback and knowledge.

quote:

Originally posted by KSGM:

quote:

If I were in your shoes I would be buying a 2001 Mustang Cobra over a SN197

My friend said the chassis of the S197 (2005) and later cars is much improved. I know the Cobra has IRS, which is a boon. The '01 Cobra would presumably be spendier than a S197 GT.

Either would fit the bill but I would still take the Cobra it still has slightly larger front brakes, the 4.6L 4v motor is superior to the 3v, and the IRS with the 31 spline axles is a nice upgrade.
The New Edge Mustangs are easier to work on than the SN197s and the parts are generally cheaper. They are also way better looking.

One thing to be aware of is that a car that seems great on the street will quickly show its shortcomings on an actual race track.
You may want to go to an event to observe first and you’ll see how limited brakes and tires are when subjected to flat out stresses. If you know someone who is doing this now, they could give you better advice as to costs and life of various components.
Years ago I did a little instructing to help a friend who was running one of the car clubs. I was able to sample a number of very cool high performance street cars and experienced how easily brakes overheat and tires get trashed. Many participants plan on replacing them after the weekend.
I’ll be curious to see what you experience.