Dedicated Track Car?

[Easy E]

If things go as planned by the end of this summer I hope to buy/build a dedicated track car. Not racing, just track days. I want something I can hammer on and not worry about destroying my semi daily M2.

Looking for suggestions. My current short list is a 2018 or better Mustang, a current model Supra, maybe even an FRS/GT86. I realize all very different. My home track would be Road Atlanta. Hopeful budget all in at $50k. Open to suggestions.

[Zartan]

I was thinking the same thing “IF” we had a nearby track and super octane gas. I’d get my M2 Comp down pipes and a tune. Maybe wrap the front end. If all went well and needed more Ponies you could always dig deeper and replace the turbos and fuel injectors (a few other mods also).
We just returned from a really cool car auction in Scottsdale, tons of beautiful cars. The track outback had a few beasts running around. They had pro drivers in Lots of mopar, some vets and Supras. It was really cool.
Maybe you should buy a daily and make your M2 do it’s thing properly.
Good luck and great project!

[superdog]

If I ever get a dedicated track car, it’ll be a Miata. Maybe a mini.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by superdog

If I ever get a dedicated track car, it’ll be a Miata. Maybe a mini.

I’d do a Miata in an instant, but I’m 6’4”. Not a great fit.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Zartan

Maybe you should buy a daily and make your M2 do it’s thing properly.

I have considered this, I just really enjoy driving that car around. Maybe my favorite ever. Such a fun car. Again, just fishing for ideas.

[yoast]

Z4M coupe

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Easy E

I’d do a Miata in an instant, but I’m 6’4”. Not a great fit.

Ha. No. Definitely not.

[MrGoat]

Ariel Atom.


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[Schmed]

Cayman.

I like the idea of something "cheap" ish like an FRS or Miata, but they won't be keeping up with the faster run groups. I have an older M3 (E30), and it's super fun at the track, but even base 320i coupes with AWD are faster than my car at the track these days.

Caymans are fun to drive, fast, mid engine, and reliable. I've found them to hold up better to track use than BMWs that I've driven. That, or whatever 911 that would fit your budget.

[Tricolore66]

I've pondered this and a car I really like for a relatively inexpensive track car that's fun to drive and cheap to maintain is a Corvette C5 Z06. The price spread on these is pretty compressed, with low-mileage collector grade cars in the mid to upper $30's, plenty of nice cars in the $25-30k range. Lightweight, manual gearbox, big American V8 with lots of aftermarket performance part support, and lots of guys who track them. Much more interesting than an M3 IMO.

An older Golf R is also a good choice, with lots of aftermarket performance parts and tunes available.

I had a 1M coupe for quite a few years that did daily driver/track duty, and you can definitely do that with your M2. M2's aren't ever going to get to the cult/collector status of the 1M coupe, but they are pretty expensive to track and you may not want to risk putting your daily at risk over a track incident.

Cayman was also a good suggestion, but I think a good car is going to go over your $50k budget. Even the early cars are high and a lot more expensive than they were four years ago. I had a GT4 for a few years, and if I had the garage space I'd probably buy a Cayman R. That's a slam-dunk future collectible Porsche that will probably double in value over the next decade, and more importantly it's just a great sports car.

[Ftech1]

Use the M2. I have an M2 Comp that I use as a daily and about 5 track days a year without issue. IMO one of the best all around cars.

[Schmed]

I like the Golf R recommendation! We had a GTI for a while, super fun to drive.

[SMD]

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/th...post-148983443

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Ariel Atom.


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Wicked car. I had half day track deal at AMP in one of those once. Crazy fun.


Edit: just did a quick search on these. Not many around here, very pricey.

[Carguy87]

Don’t have any suggestions since I’ve only tracked some high $ cars at SpeedVegas (with a professional instructor obviously), but from that experience I can 100% support this plan and look forward to hearing what you pick! Driving on a track is one of the most fun things I’ve ever done!

[cdmorenot]

Miata, S2K, gutted Golf R, Built Teg …

But the right answer is … M2 for dedicated track and get a civic for your daily. Priorities need to be straight :)

[Chewbacca]

2002 Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor in nyc taxi livery.

[DeskPop]

You can get a 981 Cayman for under $40k and have enough to upgrade the LSD and suspension.

A friend is on his 2nd Golf R. I'd look at the RS3 and compare the two against each other.

CT4 Blackwing can be had with a manual at around the $50k mark, maybe a bit more, but you wouldn't have to change much, and you'd have one of the last manual transmission driver's cars we have left.

You could also get an older M2 for under $40k, strip it out, install a cage, and have fun fun with it.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Wicked car. I had half day track deal at AMP in one of those once. Crazy fun.


Edit: just did a quick search on these. Not many around here, very pricey.

Yeah - I’d pass on that even if it was free. Remember this: track cars sometimes leave the track…

Those Atoms are pretty, and fun, but not built for an off-course shunt at Turn 12 approaching the concrete on driver’s left.

Something with a tub methinks.


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[Speedbird-1]

Could you stretch to $1.7M?
Track only...800 horses...

Un-insurable, surely?

[George58]

Love my bone stock 2004 ap1 honda s2000. Damn car made for the track. I leave in second gear with 9000 rpm red line and go. Then drive it home for everyday use i nhe summer.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by George58

Love my bone stock 2004 ap1 honda s2000. Damn car made for the track. I leave in second gear with 9000 rpm red line and go. Then drive it home for everyday use i nhe summer.

I love those cars.

[rmlovett1]

As some others stated…I’d look for a cayman under your budget then modify as you see fit. A great platform to start IMO

[m j b]

I've owned the M2, a little disappointing on the track. I also had a 2019 Mustang GT and it's a great little street car (OK not little) but way too many compromises for the track. You'll spend a fortune getting it properly set up. Upside is that parts are very plentiful and cheap compared to BMW.

I would get an F80 M3. That fits in your budget and is the perfect track weapon. The cayman is another excellent idea, but a bit more expensive to buy and run.

FWIW, my weekend toy and track car is the new G82 M4. See it here.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by 77T

Yeah - I’d pass on that even if it was free. Remember this: track cars sometimes leave the track…

Those Atoms are pretty, and fun, but not built for an off-course shunt at Turn 12 approaching the concrete on driver’s left.

Something with a tub methinks.


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Quite legit point….Turn 12 makes you consider all of your life decisions

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by m j b

I've owned the M2, a little disappointing on the track. I also had a 2019 Mustang GT and it's a great little street car (OK not little) but way too many compromises for the track. You'll spend a fortune getting it properly set up. Upside is that parts are very plentiful and cheap compared to BMW.

I would get an F80 M3. That fits in your budget and is the perfect track weapon. The cayman is another excellent idea, but a bit more expensive to buy and run.

FWIW, my weekend toy and track car is the new G82 M4. See it here.

Great car you have there.

The parts and mechanic availability weighs in for the Mustang, that and a brutal V8. Can you give a little more info on the compromises you mentioned?

[enjoythemusic]

50k.... Miata built for track use (so not street legal and has cage). $50k doesn't really go that far. I assume you already have a tow vehicle, trailer, and tools/jack/etc. Be sure to have backup drys and a set of wet tires on hand, plus the usual fluids, brake pads, etc.

A Formula 2000 open-wheel car will be far more rewarding imho, but is a bit more initial cost and not sure the rules of ATL track running groups with closed and open wheel during the same season. It's fun braking far later than tintops... ... or waving goodbye mid-corner as you pass them.

[SearChart]

I live 50min from the Nürburgring, if I had some more disposable dough I'd get a Toyota Yaris GR for trackdays.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I live 50min from the Nürburgring, if I had some more disposable dough I'd get a Toyota Yaris GR for trackdays.

No way!!! Nurburgring is freaking amazing!! I have had the opportunity to do that with the BMW group twice. Such a great time. Do you ever get to drive it at all? Have you ever done the Ring Taxi deal? My understanding it that opens to the public every day at 5. Is that accurate?

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I live 50min from the Nürburgring, if I had some more disposable dough I'd get a Toyota Yaris GR for trackdays.

Isn’t there a Hertz or Budget car rental there? Rentals post good times too.