Ok, so my brother has gotten the racing/ track bug. Unlike myself with a family, he has disposable income and wants to buy a car he can track. He's been tracking his Porsche 997, but wants to keep that as his fun DD (he lives in Florida), i.e. reduce the wear and tear. His thoughts are the following 996 Porsche, Evo, Sti, or M3. Is there something else he should be considering? He wants this car to start basically un-modded as he'll mod it as his skills improve. He's trying to keep it under $30k. He plans on tracking it roughly every other weekend. Ohh, he's 6'5" so no miatas. Lastly, no convertibles.

 

I think one of the questions your brother has to answer is what racing class he wants to end up in since that will help determine what car he gets.

 

tell him to save another 20 grand and get a used GTR lol. keep practicing his skills with his 997 until then.

 

http://www.vehinet.com/_search/vehiclesear...lId=1&StId=3032

Very rare and perfect track car. HAs safty bar and intergrated Fire system as well . LMK if he is interested

 

Thanks, he's driven a Lotus and felt it was just too small for him. He's lean, but tall. As for class he doesn't care at this time. He just wants something to drive on a track and become a better driver in a few years he'll probably buy something else anyways. As for the GTR, he wants to use a clutch. Money really isn't an issue for him, but he wants to stay under $30k. This is just a hobby.

 

What class and with who will he be running? Time trials? Shits and giggles? SCCA? NASA?

If you floor mount a race seat he could probably fit in a miata, but if that is truely out then a E36 BMW.

The EVO and Sti are too heavy.

 

Maybe he should just buy another 997 to drive around in? and dedicate one to the track

 

996 will have feel he is used to from the 997. Porsches seem to be pretty reliable track cars and there are lots of people who have made all the mistakes modding them before so if he just does a lot of asking he can save a lot of time and money. M3 is probably in the same boat. The few I have driven were very forgiving and easy to catch when they let go. Has he considered a C5/C6 Corvette? I wish I was in his shoes. I am still making due with my S. I have a long way to go before I get all the car has to offer but sometimes it would be nice to go faster!

 

Used Cayman S seems to be a sound choice.

 

Is this just for track days or is he going to get into sanctioned racing? For track days, I'd say get a BMW, Porsche or a Corvette as all three marques have strong local clubs that organize track days all the time. You can get instruction from people who know your car and help with modifications as you go.

If he really wants to race, I recommend going the rent a racer route for the first few events after he gets his license. Drive a few cars and then decide which one suits your personality.