A Multi-Question Learn Me Thread (Race Car Buying Content)

So, generally, learn me buying a race car.

If my prospective move to Georgia happens, I've decided its time for me to get a dedicated track car. For reasons I can elaborate on if requested, the plan is to get a used race car, but mostly use it for track days, eventually time trials and hillclimbs, and then a driving school, and finally some road races or two.

I'd pretty much narrowed it down to Spec Miata or some kind of IT Miata or Honda. Then my friend mentioned he's looking to sell his FP (limited prep) CRX. I hadn't considered Production Class, but at least in limited prep it doesn't seem much different than IT, except I could take it to the Runoffs eventually. Both IT and FP would have smaller fields than Spec Miata, but I think I can deal. From my cursory investigation, it seems IT would be cheapest to buy into and operate, but then Spec Miata and Production are probably a toss up (but not ridiculously more expensive... correct me if I'm wrong).

Specifically, how does one assess value? Seems like making a list of what would need changed before I could race it competitively. Other than that, I'm kinda at a loss. How to I determine how much the cage is worth? Or already having replaced the glass with lexan?

I dunno, any guidance from the GRM wisemen (and wisewomen). Thoughts on Improved Touring vs Production vs Spec Miata? How do you decide what it's worth?

The value of a race car is more determined by the popularity of the class and competitiveness of the car itself more than anything. SM cars, as well as Spec E30 and a few others, are more expensive because they are popular race groups. I've seen IT cars for as little as $2500 for a fully prepared car that is of some model that is not competitive no matter what you do to it. A properly prepared Miata or E30 will go for about $10,000.

Cage will cost $1200 for materials alone (pre-bent); to have one installed figure $2500 total.

I don't know anything about Prepared class cars, so can't say how competitive or in demand that Honda would be. Just make sure you're buying something that others have made a regular winner. There's no sense buying a Honda if the class is dominated by, say, Yugos.

I've been having trouble finding much information about production class. Looking at SARRC results this year, it seems like there are usually only 3-5 total Production Category cars (spread out amongst all of EP/FP/HP).

Choose the class or classes you want to race in, then shop for the car. You are looking for a car with a current log book showing it has passed annual tech and finished a race.

You want any recent dyno sheets, compression, leakdown, and a good going thru like you would on any car. Get dates on the fuel cell bladder, seat, nets, anything that has to be replaced on a schedule and costs money.

A good spares and extra wheel package to go with is nice.

Late fall into winter there are deals to be had from people looking to move or get out so you are starting to shop at the right time. Be patient.

I keep waffling back and forth on what I'd like to drive.

I like the idea of Spec Miata... donor cars are pretty inexpensive, if you're happy being mid-pack or so I think you can keep costs down, big fields, RWD, lightweight, easy on consumables... but front runners seem to be getting more expensive every year.

But I keep thinking about Production... more variety, I can run a Honda (which I'd like), but they're FWD, maybe a little more expensive prep-wise than Spec Miata (except that front runner Spec Miata cost thing), but maybe actually cheaper because Spec Miata seems extra cheaty, smaller fields, what's the future of this category, etc.

I dunno. I just wanna go fast!