So let's say I wanted to convert my $35K Elantra N from a dual-purpose daily driver and track car into two cars: a daily driver and a track car. Ideally, the daily would be an SUV or truck and the track car - with trailer - would be towable by the daily. The daily has to be pretty new, and the track car has to be budget friendly, so maybe an 80/20 or 90/10 budget split.
I love the idea of a Formula car in an enclosed trailer, but I am only interested in track night-style events, so no open-wheel cars. Real cars mean I don't have to tow them, but I want the safety of a full cage, not to mention the cool race car vibe, so it probably won't be street legal. And while this is 100% a thought exercise, this car is an example of my ideal track toy. Maybe not that nice, and a few grand less.
An xj jeep Cherokee towing a miata was the base grm answer about 10 years ago.
Now? Pick a somewhat capable suv and tow a miata?
Appleseed said:
Maverick.
If all goes well, I will use our new Maverick to bring the Challenge C3 to Florida. And anywhere else I get to drive it.
Appleseed said:
Maverick.
Hm. Perhaps if you built a custom, very lightweight trailer you could get a Miata on it and come in under the 4000 pound tow rating on the Maverick, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. A used Suburban sounds like a better choice to me.
dps214
SuperDork
12/30/24 9:18 p.m.
I don't know exactly where they draw the line but track night events are intended for street cars and specifically don't allow full race cars. I understand the desire for safety but something a little less "serious" (even if the full race car is actually slower) would make things much easier. Personally I'd keep the Elantra (or trade it for something comparable but a bit more durable if that's an issue), with some basic driver gear, and be confident that a modern production car safety cell is probably about comparable in overall safety from an old E36 M3box with a basic cage in a single car incident. Imo that $35k range is the place to be - generally the right speed to be fun but not super sketchy, reasonably robust, still a decent street car, and track insurance is only mildly annoyingly expensive.
dps214 said:
I don't know exactly where they draw the line but track night events are intended for street cars and specifically don't allow full race cars.
They'll grant waivers for retired racecars* that aren't being used for competition.
*Like a Showroom Stock or Improved Touring type of car
ZX2 seems like a great choice for a track rat. But, if looking at retired racers, I highly recommend that the car you buy is weather tight. What I mean is many retired racers might not have side glass. That changes things. You now need indoor storage as well as you might very well prefer enclosed trailering. A car that can't be closed up and secured becomes a different kind of car.
Here is the detailed GRM listing of that exact ZX2
