I am probably going to sell the Alfa after completing its interior restoration this winter, as it is just too impractical to make it HPDE legal. It makes 1.6 Miatas look fast by comparison, and at 6'3", would need the world's ugliest roll bar to be legal. I expect to get north of $5k upon sale, and will be looking at a new vehicle specifically for HPDE and summer driving - the catch being that I must have some sort of removable top, as I'm that guy that is still driving the Alfa around with the top down in 45* weather...I just love the feeling.
My baseline is that it can be no slower than a Miata - thought about another X1/9, but as awesome as they are, I don't want to be "that guy" holding up Vettes and 993s on Road America. I would like to find something that I can grow into as I start moving into faster groups, too. Budget is around $7k, could probably swing $10k for the right car, but that's a lot to invest in something I could wad up in a heartbeat.
Thoughts so far: Miata - "the answer," although I find NAs very uncomfortable, resale values are ridiculous IMO, and they are not that quick
MR2 (1st or 2nd gen) - cheap buy in, good aftermarket, build potential, lots seem to be hoopties now though
Supra turbo (3rd gen) - fast, good aftermarket, but heavy, high theft risk, lots are just beat, kind of douchey community
300ZX (2nd gen) - quick, but heavy and complicated
Z3 - fit me very well, and I love BMW, but expensive buy-in and subframe issues are scary
C4 Vette - probably on par with MR2 turbo for bang/buck ratio, weird problems though, maybe too much car for me, kind of pretentious for a 23-year-old to roll in...
Del Sol Si - cheap buy in, virtually all have been messed with though, extraordinary theft risk, FWD
So far I am mainly thinking about a 20v swapped or S/C 1st gen MR2, or a 2nd gen turbo. There are some sweet deals on C4s too, though they are a bit intimidating. Am I forgetting anything? 911 targas are coming down in price (but the pre-993 style is hideous IMO) as are Boxsters (which have scary engine issues) but I could probably shell out a bit extra for the right car.
I feel like I'm forgetting something, though...