The next great racing Spec car/series?
04-16-2013, 11:47 PM
#31
04-17-2013, 12:20 AM
#32
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The transmissions would never last. Irish Mike ran one in World Challenge touring and went through a transmission just about every weekend. Phoenix racing ran an STI and the box is a little stronger, but an STi spec series would be a bit more expensive.
04-17-2013, 02:19 AM
#34
04-17-2013, 04:55 PM
#37
My opinion is that to have a largely suscribed spec class that has staying power, it has to have a manufacturer behind it. Without Mazda's support, SM would not be nearly as possible. The fact that everyone can buy the components to make a competitive car directly from MazdaSpeed makes it an easy, cheap class for people.
Same goes for Spec Racer Ford. Between enterprises setting things up so that there is always a CSR at every race and durability, tons of people can race them and get lots of track time. The support from Ford on engines has really helped things. No way it would be where it is today if it was still Spec Racer Renault.
That means that Supercup is the place to be if you want a Spec Porsche.
Same goes for Spec Racer Ford. Between enterprises setting things up so that there is always a CSR at every race and durability, tons of people can race them and get lots of track time. The support from Ford on engines has really helped things. No way it would be where it is today if it was still Spec Racer Renault.
That means that Supercup is the place to be if you want a Spec Porsche.
No reason to expect SM to go away. I expect the new MX5 to take over eventually. Spec Racing on a budget is much easier with manufacturer support. Porsche builds and supports a great spec race car. It's just not a boxster or a 996.
04-17-2013, 07:07 PM
#40
I agree that the Suburu BRZ or Toyota equivalent should make for a great spec series in 5 years or so when there are a bunch of inexpensive ones that can be made into race cars. I am sure there will be some models with more power coming out in the interim as well. It might turn into the next RX7.
While I love my 991S for track days and just driving around, a friend and I are building up an American Iron Mustang. Should be lots of fun at a fraction of the cost. Plus I won't shed a tear should it ever end up stuffed into the wall. That would not be the case with any 911.
While I love my 991S for track days and just driving around, a friend and I are building up an American Iron Mustang. Should be lots of fun at a fraction of the cost. Plus I won't shed a tear should it ever end up stuffed into the wall. That would not be the case with any 911.
04-17-2013, 10:13 PM
#41
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I would put my money on the next big one either being MX-5 or something from Honda. HPD is making a big play in amatuer racing.
04-17-2013, 10:32 PM
#42
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I think these 818R's will be popular. I may be a bit biased since mine is pre-ordered and showing up in December.
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https://www.factoryfive.com/galleries/project-818/
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04-18-2013, 12:33 AM
#43
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04-18-2013, 12:31 PM
#44
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My post on 944 numbers got me thinking. The current production-based Spec classes - Spec Miata, 944 Spec, Spec E30, etc. are all getting pretty old. Though they have some legs left, at some point we are going to run out of these great cars, and they will be left in the vintage ranks. 1st Gen Rx-7's, and GTI's are pretty rare these days, MG's are almost all in vintage, for example.
There are some new attempts at Spec classes, but none are "viral" yet:
Spec 3 (E36) - seems like a great idea, but hasn't taken off
Spec Boxster - maybe the closest?
Spec Z - good contingencies, but expensive to race due weight = big tires, brakes, etc.
Spec Iron (recent Mustang) - Also well supported, but heavy
MX-5 Cup - more semi-pro than club
Maybe the BRZ/FR-S some day? Seems to have potential - plentiful, light, cheap, good handling.
What says RL?
There are some new attempts at Spec classes, but none are "viral" yet:
Spec 3 (E36) - seems like a great idea, but hasn't taken off
Spec Boxster - maybe the closest?
Spec Z - good contingencies, but expensive to race due weight = big tires, brakes, etc.
Spec Iron (recent Mustang) - Also well supported, but heavy
MX-5 Cup - more semi-pro than club
Maybe the BRZ/FR-S some day? Seems to have potential - plentiful, light, cheap, good handling.
What says RL?
996 would be cool, but I am just partial..
04-18-2013, 12:39 PM
#45
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