So I think about this from time to time:
Club racers often think "man I'd love to drive an F1 car" but the reality is even for the really talented among us we aren't even remotely going to get an F1 car up to speed.
Over the years I've revised my list of things I want to drive. I've been lucky enough to drive some cool cars; so I know that Formula 3 level of performance is really going to be the upper limit for me.
I'd thought maybe an LMP3 car but I know those are solidly 15 seconds a lap faster then anything I've driven before and those aren't something I could currently hop in and enjoy right away.
My cars are now things like a Porsche 904/906 or an early 80s Formula Super Vee. I've actually driven a FSV but didn't get very many laps in it.
So what are some cool race cars that aren't the fastest but you'd like to try?
I've already driven it - H-Production Fiat 850 - back when it was only allowed the "factory" carb. Now that dual 40s have been allowed I would love to give the Spridgets a run.
A 904 would be cool. Lancia Fulvia HF rally car. Austin Mini Cooper rally car. Capri RS2600 (are those too fast for this?)
I'd be happy to drive a spec Miata, or even more, whatever the spec series is for the NC Miata.
I autocross slow street class cars, I've got no business in a fast car.
kb58
SuperDork
8/27/22 6:19 p.m.
I vote for either an authentic Lotus Seven, and/or a Super Miata.
j_tso
HalfDork
8/27/22 7:05 p.m.
Not one in particular, but there are so many in the touring/GT field I'd love to drive from a Lotus Cortina to a GR86 Cup.
I like early Formula cars, before they grew wings and decals. I could be perfectly happy turning laps in a vintage Formula Ford.
Or a Bugatti Type 35.
A 356. The slower the better. All about line, momentum, and nuance.
kb58
SuperDork
8/27/22 7:53 p.m.
j_tso said:
Not one in particular, but there are so many in the touring/GT field I'd love to drive from a Lotus Cortina to a GR86 Cup.
Oh dang, you're right. Okay, I change my selections to Lotus Seven or the Cortina.
904 or abarth 356. Maybe the #40 914/6 just to say I drove it.
904 being my favorite car ever.
Group 4 rally car, any of them, really.
They were fast for their time but today they would be considered slow. Escort, 131, Ascona, Horizon... any of them would do.
I'd like to hop in a Spec Racer Ford. They seem like a hoot. Will probably be looking at getting into it as I get older.
pres589 (djronnebaum) said:
A Capri RS2600 (are those too fast for this?)
No.
A Formula 3 car is going to be turning Trans-Am lap times.
Super Vees were the support series for the likes of Indy car and F1. So my picks are faster than most club racing cars but a good bit slower than something top flight like an LMP car, F1 or Indy Car.
I also want to try a front engine Formula Junior or F2 car from the 50s.
Puddy46
New Reader
8/27/22 8:31 p.m.
Still plenty fast, but I'd love to take a Nascar truck out for a full lapping session.
I can't imagine driving a downforce car, go faster than your brain tells you and trust physics?
I suppose it's a matter of perspective but several of the cars listed above seem pretty quick to me.
Every single one of them.
A 90s SCCA showroom stock pony car.... Chevy or Ford.
The old btcc Chrysler sebring from the late 90s.
The race prepped iroc camaros from the late 80s
1969-1972 trans am mustang/Camaro/mopar
Any of the late 60s nascar stuff
One of the rear engine bbc stack injection can am cars
I would suck in any of them, or all. But man, what incredibly awesome race cars.
I'd love to drive a couple of pre war racers. Like an Austin 7 or the Beast of Turin, etc. Those skinny tires just scrabbling for traction have to be an absolute ball to drive.
would love to do Goodwood saloon racing in a prepped A35 against the big Jags.
Always had a soft spot for Vee's. Would love to try one some day. Modern or vintage, either would do.
-Rob
Still kinda fast but my first thought was NATCC Stratus.
Probably a better answer is Mirage Cup.
or anything from the Race Truck Challenge
Rodan
SuperDork
8/28/22 1:07 a.m.
'Not particularly fast' is kind of ambiguous, 'cause they were all 'fast' in their time, or they wouldn't be iconic.
Here's a few top contenders for me:
My Jaguar XJS. Probably a good bit slower than my Blackjack Spl but it's still going to be fun