Car for track days

[Sayyaaf]

Since Yas circuit is only 5km away from home, and I am sooo not into golfing I really would like to buy a cheap car and convert it into track tool. what do you guys recommend ?

I am a newbie to tracking, so I can't handle too much power or imbalanced cars. I have no experience whatsoever.

I looked into old generation M3s, E30 or E34. Not much available.

 

[Monster]

Toyota 86 GT, Subaru BRZ, they seems to fulfil all your requirements.

 

[MoSs]

Any of these choices is good, just be carefull yas marina has some tight corners that are close to walls.

 

[Sayyaaf]

Toyota 86 GT, Subaru BRZ, they seems to fulfil all your requirements.

They are like 35K$, way over budget. I am looking for something that I can trash and rebuild, no regrets.

 

[Mr Robert]

Your answer lies in what your market looks like. Maybe an E36 328i could work? Mazda RX8?

 

[Zafiro]

Mini Cooper must be the ultimate mini car for the track.

 

[Mr Robert]

The MINI Cooper is the natural choice for the secure motoring man.

 

[Human]

Your answer lies in what your market looks like. Maybe an E36 328i could work? Mazda RX8?

You jumped the gun, my choice also OR maybe a E36/E46 M3. There are cheap examples available in SA, RHD ones.

Shopping Malls Galore, BMW Largest Showroom, Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit....Ones gotta use the infrastructure, hey Sayyaaf!?

 

[Sayyaaf]

Mini cooper, never thought that way. Is it reliable ? Parts are cheap ?

Human can't see how thats related to a track car

 

[Tarek]

E46 M3.

 

[Cashmere]

E30 M3 would be sweet. Here is a fine example of one being rebuilt for track use and coincidentally, it's being built in Dubai by MSW motorsport.

 

[Cashmere]

 

[Mr Robert]

The Coopers are very sound in the mechanics (just don't lower them to much) and that is what counts. The interiors are, well, special... and they might rattle a bit. But that's not your main concern - all you really need is a set of OZ:s with Toyo R888:s and get to learn how to drive

This is great for getting to know the basics... drifting and all that showy stuff can come later.

Regarding an E30 M3 - I don't think I'd have the heart to take one of those and make a track trasher out of it. There are better cars for that. A lot.

 

[martinbo]

Get an old EVO or STI. Upgrade the brakes and cooling system, strip out the interior, fit a roll cage, semi slicks and you're A for away.

 

[Human]

You jumped the gun, my choice also OR maybe a E36/E46 M3. There are cheap examples available in SA, RHD ones.

Shopping Malls Galore, BMW Largest Showroom, Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit....Ones gotta use the infrastructure, hey Sayyaaf!?

Mini cooper, never thought that way. Is it reliable ? Parts are cheap ?

Human can't see how thats related to a track car

My advice + me just being jealous for not having a Yas Marina Circuit on my doorstep

Edit: Martin just had to throw in the other car/s that also passed my mind, well I just knew he would
Cashmere just upped the ante

 

[Sayyaaf]

Cashmere: I saw that build on teamspeed and never ever occured to my mind that it was done here in Dubai, 1st thing came to my mind, yeah that looks the bit but who would do such stuff in our country. Ironic.

Martin: I think AWD is the rational choice here for a newbie, FWD mini cooper could do it also, RWD can kill me

Human: You should visit UAE more often, seems you have unforgettable memories man, I will be glad to have you over

 

[Mr Robert]

AWD is rational but can also prove a tad expensive should someting decide to happen.

FWD is great for taking your first steps an gaining confidence. RWD doesn't have to be scary, just steer clear of the usual suspects in the 300 hp segment.

 

[Centurion]

I'm adding my voice to the E36/E46 camp. The E46 M3 is a cracking car and you only need to look at clips of cars driving at the Nurburgring to realise that along with the 911 GT3 the E46 M3 is one of the biggest favourites. If money is limited the E36 fits the bill too because it's cheaper and there are millions of nutters driving them so you won't have a problem finding a community of people to exchange parts with and discuss improvements.

 

[Makini]

White Megane RS Trophy. Roll cage + delete rear seats if any are present. Do nothing else!

 

[Sunny]

I am surprised no one mentioned Mazda Miata (gen 1) - it is cheap, light, handles well, RWD and easy to fix/modify with lot of cheap aftermarket parts. And it is also very competitive in many classes here. I don't about the grass root racing scene in SA, but in States, Miata is definitely one of the the (if not the) most popular starter/hobbyist track car.