I'd also go for a Miata. Cheap, reliable, easy to work on, tons of spares available @ the track, handles great, fun but not so overpowered that you're likely to smash it to pieces.

I'd avoid anything fwd & turbo. The C5 would be great if you had a big budget.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chris S
[B]

 

PFB said it, go with the Miata. When you master that, then you can move up, but believe me those things can move.

 

Let me ask you a question, because we may be getting ahead of ourselves. Have you raced before? I'm wondering if before you get $20k into this, you shouldn't try it first, or at least start out slower. The idea on the picking up Sportscar magazine is a good one, lots of racecars already built for sale. Also, another thought. Spec RX7. They're first gens, and you can't race a car cheaper. You can get a used, built race car for $5k or so. Another option: rent a spec 7 and drive it at a open track event. You'll see if you like it, see what you like/don't like about how that car's setup, and it'll save you from buying raceseats you end up hating, for instance. You can rent spec 7's cheaply from a lot of organizations, and they're actually really fun to drive: great handling, decent power, very light, and disposable


Edit - If you're in this for the fun/challenge, I would rethink the itr. Even the best fwd car isn't as much fun as a rwd car...

 

My take is to get a E36M3. It is so modify-able. In my opinion, the parts are fairly cheap. Consiidering the cost of modding our S2K. Also, there is a large community surrounds BMW. There are so many reputable shops and parts suppliers that supports BMWs. You just can't go wrong.

If you can't find any E36M3 in your price range, you can always buy my 95 325is. It is pretty much setuped and come with many goodies.

 

Other spec Miata web sites

www.specmiata.com
www.prospecmiata.com

you can buy a complete ready to go spec Miata for $10k or you can build it yourself
If you get one I would recomend getting the NASCAR style bars in the drivers door.
They allow you to gut the door to put them in and it makes the car a whole lot safer.

Roceye, is right on about the spares. When your car breaks it will be something you didn't bring

Also make a budget and then double it and you will be close on $$$.

 

When you mention SCCA events are you talking about roadrace, soloI, solo II or all types? Are you going to trailer the car or do you want to drive it to the track?

I'm with the guys that mentioned the spec Miata. They're pretty cheap and fun to drive. I've driven the spec RX7's and they also offer bang for the buck but my vote is for the Miata in this pair. Another good, fun to drive track car would be a Formula V. Once you get over the fact that it has bug power they're a great deal of fun and really cheap to buy and maintain. Formula 500's are real quick and a blast to drive. They're also inexpensive to own but they to beat the crap out of the driver. A step up from these would be a Formula Ford 1600. These are pretty fast and a real kick to drive. If you spend a little time looking you can find a nice one with some spares for $10,000 or less.

 

92-95 Hybrid Hatchback.

We just built one for an NSX buddy and he loves it.

Ryanh

 

A buddy of mine just got into the scca racing scene. He bought a Miata and built it up himself. Found all the parts on-line and did it on a very smal budget. That's probably the way to go.

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I've had a chance to do some more research and I can say I was a bit off on my initial assumptions. The cars I am now considering are:
Miata
ITR
e36 BMW
3rd gen rx7

I'll be using the car for soloI and soloII stuff. Once I get more track time at soloI events I'd like to try some wheel to wheel racing, but that's a good season away. I think the Miata is probably the best choice. It'll fit the budget and leave some room for driving schools, repairs, spare parts, etc. I like the rx7 because I think it has a ton of potential and it's one of my all time favorite sports cars, but I'm worried about the reliability and cost of repairs. I like the ITR and I think it's a competent track car 'out-of-the-box.' But, I really want RWD.

Thanks for all of the input so far!!