Motorator Experts - Can anyone recommend a good beginner track car?

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Can anyone recommend a good beginner track car?

Ideally, I'd like to pay no more than $4000. I've never raced before so I'm not ready to break the bank on some hot rod. Just want something simple that handles corners and will help me learn the ropes. Any ideas?

Asked by: chevelle69

User type: Enthusiast

Asked on: June 30, 2008 18:38

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Answers

TheRipper
User type: Enthusiast
Posted: about 1 year ago

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A great car for that might be the Mazda Miata. I think you may be able to find them in that price range if on the old and tired side. The will need a roll bar for the track. Other cars that are good are most any older BMW's some of the unwanted 325 from the 80's are not bad. Just really depends on what you can find. Hit eBay and the Autotrader, even craigs list for cars from that era and newer and you should be able to find something fun and low cost. I have been to the track and seen most anything out, one of my favorites was a seriously hard driving Ford Taurus wagon. Another set of cars that might be still reasonable are the some of the older British sports cars, but again just hit eBay and the online shops and you will find something.

Motor8rMatt
User type: Enthusiast
Posted: about 1 year ago

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TheRipper is right. The Miata is a great entry level race car and there are many track events for that class of car. However, that's for road racing. I see you question is posted in Drag Racing. Truth is, any car can be used for Drag Racing. Most local tracks have a free-for-all, test and tune night. Usually on a Friday, you can pay some nominal fee ($20 or $30) and "run what you brung." Just show up with a helmet, pass a basic safety inspection and you're ready to roll.

chevelle69
User type: Enthusiast
Posted: about 1 year ago

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Thanks Ripper and Motor8rMatt! I'll be on the lookout for an old Miata. Seems like a good fit. not sure about the BMW route. I've driven a few 80s models and didn't care much for them from a handling perspective. Maybe it's just me. Appreciate your input. See ya on the track maybe.

DigitalDesignsAudio
User type: Manufacturer
Posted: 9 months ago

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One of the cheapest track rippers is the Suzuki Swift GT (or GTi if you can find it). You can get a couple hundred to a few thousand dollar car (depending on how nice a looker you want to start with) and sink a few grand in track targeted parts and have something that is absolutely among the top 5 most fun cars to drive on a track. We got our GTi down to 1550 pounds with driver and full tank of gas and on the track turbo we put down roughly 220wHP. You have to do very little to get it there and all the parts to fix it are relatively cheap. The tranny can be yanked, serviced and reinstalled in less than an hour and the parts that could break are about 15 bucks!! After all of my fun cars....that one was at least even for 1st place favorite. Plus, you can put around and still get 35+mpg! To check out the car, go to SSGTI.com or Teamswift.net.