Imperfect Corvettes Make GREAT Track Day Toys
Garage queens get all the attention, but well-used Corvettes might be the best (& most affordable) way to build a safe, fast, track car! Here’s why.
Lyle Aulwurm knows Corvettes. As the general manager of C&S Corvettes in Florida, He’s seen his fair share of America’s sports car. From the C1’s to the C8, they all have their place. But the C4, C5, and C6 are in an unusual spot in today’s market. The special ones are high dollar, but more run-of-the-mill examples are staying very affordable. Problem is, they are often imperfect.
Aulwurm makes the case for still giving these cars a loving home. He says, “[if] you find yourself a mechanically sound car that isn’t real pretty, but it’s been well maintained and you can buy it for short money… You turn that into a track day car.”
He’s right. Often these need high mileage cars cosmetic help, but it becomes a futile task. Even a perfect condition base model C6 isn’t exactly loaded with pedigree or historical significance. But you can give it your own racing pedigree, and do so without cutting through NCRS level fiberglass.
The three aforementioned Corvette generations also have another good thing going for them. Aftermarket options for track-specific items are almost endless. When it comes to suspensions, you can get simple upgrades, or you can go wild with full race setups. The same goes for brakes, too. Best part? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get on track. Often, just replacing old shocks with new ones is sufficient. You don’t always have to get the most expensive part. Especially if you’re a beginner. No need to turn a Corvette into a twin-turbo monster right away. But if you wanted to like the one above, you could.
Beginners are also in a unique position. They have made sure their car is ready, and now is time for the driver themself to be ready, too. A number of run groups offer an instructor. Take advantage of it! Even if you’re an intermediate or advanced driver, utilize an instructor! You’d be amazed at how often ‘quick’ drivers still have bad habits on track, and can be even quicker with just one session of feedback.
But the most important thing is to buy that Corvette. You can start by searching our marketplace. And if you need tips on what to do for track prep, our forum will be able to answer any question you have.
Photos: CorvetteForum member 911tt (NOTE: we chose these photos not because there’s anything wrong with 911tt’s ride, but simply because he posted some great track day photos in our forums.)
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