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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 12:29 PM
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Ok guys and gals. I have a great dilemma...I need a track car. Here's some background. I have a '02 convt that I love and drive often. I used to spend time at the track and autocross as well but was sponsored in my other job. I have since changed jobs and need my own track car. I don't want to mess with the convertable, i.e roll cage and the like since I want to keep it forever. I am looking for a dedicated track car. So I have knocked down the list to another vette, say a C5 Z06 or mabe a Lotus exige S. Now I know you can pick up a vette cheaper. The reason I was even considering a lotus was I have 2 young children (under 2) and I don't have time to be swapping parts all the time and thought a lotus would be less mantenance for a track car (lighter, easier on tires, brakes, etc). This is where I would like your input. Sorry for the long note...and thanks for your input.

Last edited by cruzin2; Dec 31, 2008 at 12:59 PM.
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 01:12 PM
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 02:09 PM
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Probably get better response over in the autorcross/roadracing section.

Anyway, here are a couple of ideas for you. Miatas, make nice road race/HPDE cars. You can probably get a nice one already to go for under $10K.

But if you really want to go fast try looking at SCCA C or D class sports racers (CSR or DSR). They are built from the get go for racing and are easy to service and not hard on parts at all. Can probably get a very good one for between $20K and $30K. They cost a lot less to operate than other cars, including vettes and are way faster.

Here are a couple of links:

http://dsrforum.yuku.com/directory

http://www.jakelatham.com/cars.shtml

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiJL_Cz7cTI
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 02:09 PM
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Maybe get in contact with forum member joecool - he had a Lotus and could perhaps give you some insight on those cars.
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 02:50 PM
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Miatas, make nice road race/HPDE cars.
I agree...those little cars were always among the fastest at local autocrossing events. They don't have huge hp, but easily make up for that with superb handling. Put some slicks on one of those, and you're all set...for well under 10 grand
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 05:49 PM
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You need a track car ? Or you want a track car ? At least with this economy there should be lots of them for sale. Just messing with you, good luck, keep us posted on what you get. If I was in the market I would not be able to resist a good deal on a Z06.
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by rob-cyn
You need a track car ? Or you want a track car ? At least with this economy there should be lots of them for sale. Just messing with you, good luck, keep us posted on what you get. If I was in the market I would not be able to resist a good deal on a Z06.
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 09:44 PM
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Clarification rob-cyn... I would like one. Need was a stong word.

Thanks for the assitance Indepent1, I will check out those links. I guess one thing I would add is that I am still considering driving the vehicle to the track day / HPDE event since I do not have a tow vehicle / trailer. That would take a few more bonus' in the future to get the whole setup provided that I know what a bonus iis... in say.... 2010 - 2011.
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 10:06 PM
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I took your advice and reposted this thread in the autocross section. Thanks for all of your comments.
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Old Jan 3, 2009 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by cruzin2
Ok guys and gals. I have a great dilemma...I need a track car. Here's some background. I have a '02 convt that I love and drive often. I used to spend time at the track and autocross as well but was sponsored in my other job. I have since changed jobs and need my own track car. I don't want to mess with the convertable, i.e roll cage and the like since I want to keep it forever. I am looking for a dedicated track car. So I have knocked down the list to another vette, say a C5 Z06 or mabe a Lotus exige S. Now I know you can pick up a vette cheaper. The reason I was even considering a lotus was I have 2 young children (under 2) and I don't have time to be swapping parts all the time and thought a lotus would be less mantenance for a track car (lighter, easier on tires, brakes, etc). This is where I would like your input. Sorry for the long note...and thanks for your input.
I'm lucky to get 4000 miles out of the tires on my Elise. I run the Yokohama's that came with the car and run three or four auto crosses a year.

From a maintenance perspective, I don't think the Lotus will be any cheaper as the parts that wear out on the Corvette will wear out on the Lotus at the same rate.

I'd recommend you drive one before you buy it.
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Old Jan 3, 2009 | 07:21 PM
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My nephew has an Elise, brake rotors were $1000,,,,just sayin''''
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Old Jan 3, 2009 | 07:33 PM
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good luck
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