10-11-2017, 09:46 AM
First of all, thank you to all the alum who have responded to this, it was exactly the discussion and conversation I was trying to start. I'm glad to see so many differing opinions yet also seeing everyone leaning in the same general direction.
This car is a blessing for me to have, and by no means a decent track car due to as Jake said, weighing 4200 with stock suspension/brakes and some decent summer rubber on there. I added power to it thinking that would overcome the weight, and while its fun with the 100+ added torque, it was the biggest misconception I had about the impact of weight. Money is tight, I got in over my head with the car and really forget all the consumables that go into even HPDE1 whether I have credits built up or not. I know its a process, and won't be able to get everything at once (trailer, SUV, tools, performance, and most importantly experience/skill), but just want somewhere to start.
I will continue going to every autocross available in my current car, and karting to get a feel for something with a little less weight attached and more notchy than an electric steering rack on a bloated bavarian car boasting more HP than I really need. But I still have that itch that a parking lot full of cones can't scratch...I still am going to want to be out on the track every time I work a weekend or even see pictures on Facebook.
I am thinking of saving up this year from driving the busses and over the summer at either Costco or a possible internship at a different German dealer. IF, keyword here, I am able to find the money, space, parking, time, etc, then I want to get a start of a car for the future. Maybe an E46, E36, E30 (not really sure, don't want to get a car based on looks so I need to drive them all first), and therefore have something much more prepared for the track, and also be able to go into the wall and still allow me to drive to work the next day.
After all, that seems to be the consensus, don't track a car you're not ready to lose. So if money allows, the answer seems to be, get a car that I am "okay" with losing, and slowing building up my arsenal and skills throughout each NASA season and also autocrossing this car instead of my DD. Also, keep in mind, I am in NO WAY able to afford that right now, so this is all a pipe dream for me right now granted I can stay away from 3am pizza and actually save my money. But hey, that's what being young, dumb, and broke is all about, right?
This car is a blessing for me to have, and by no means a decent track car due to as Jake said, weighing 4200 with stock suspension/brakes and some decent summer rubber on there. I added power to it thinking that would overcome the weight, and while its fun with the 100+ added torque, it was the biggest misconception I had about the impact of weight. Money is tight, I got in over my head with the car and really forget all the consumables that go into even HPDE1 whether I have credits built up or not. I know its a process, and won't be able to get everything at once (trailer, SUV, tools, performance, and most importantly experience/skill), but just want somewhere to start.
I will continue going to every autocross available in my current car, and karting to get a feel for something with a little less weight attached and more notchy than an electric steering rack on a bloated bavarian car boasting more HP than I really need. But I still have that itch that a parking lot full of cones can't scratch...I still am going to want to be out on the track every time I work a weekend or even see pictures on Facebook.
I am thinking of saving up this year from driving the busses and over the summer at either Costco or a possible internship at a different German dealer. IF, keyword here, I am able to find the money, space, parking, time, etc, then I want to get a start of a car for the future. Maybe an E46, E36, E30 (not really sure, don't want to get a car based on looks so I need to drive them all first), and therefore have something much more prepared for the track, and also be able to go into the wall and still allow me to drive to work the next day.
After all, that seems to be the consensus, don't track a car you're not ready to lose. So if money allows, the answer seems to be, get a car that I am "okay" with losing, and slowing building up my arsenal and skills throughout each NASA season and also autocrossing this car instead of my DD. Also, keep in mind, I am in NO WAY able to afford that right now, so this is all a pipe dream for me right now granted I can stay away from 3am pizza and actually save my money. But hey, that's what being young, dumb, and broke is all about, right?
Current:
13' E92 M3 Comp | 05' Yahama R6 | 95' E36 M3
Past:
14' BMW 335xi GT | 06' Porsche Boxster S | 15' Jeep Grand Cherokee | 84' BMW 733i | 85' Honda Shadow VT700 | 06' Acura TL