jlanka

Thats the key, and I'm sure I wouldn't be ready yet. We were talking about it this morning. (I'm pretty sure I'm overweight if anything). I was at Summit this weekend and I really wanted to go under 1:30 but the best I could squeak out was a 1:31. 4 other guys were there who club race, and I got to follow one (Jon B number 161) I couldn't keep up with him. They're running 1:27's on average. I know the top guys are a few seconds under that (I watched Todds video there, WOW!) But seeing as how I've only done 2 years of DE with Metro only I was happy. I also got promoted from Blue to White. Jon said I should do Club racing but I told him I need at _least_ another year of DE. I don't want to embarrass myself.

Jeff

linzman

I don't know what your driver level is, but you will find that once you start racing, you pick up a few seconds really quickly. Between the environment, the adrenaline and just trying to keep up with the other in class cars, you will stop focusing on going faster, and just drive, naturally pushing yourself to keep up and the times will drop faster than you thought possible. I'm not saying you'll necessarily be a front runner, but you won't embarrass yourself either. But you won't understand what i mean until you actually do it 😃

toddlamb

We have developed a SPB exhaust system that runs open pipes for tracks/races that allow, but then allows mufflers to be added for tracks/races (Laguna, SCCA) that have strict sound limits.

Side note: ALWAYS use hearing protection. Unmuffled SPB is really loud but even a muffled SM is louder than you want to expose your ears to. Also, noise is mentally fatiguing so hearing protection is a nice advantage over those who don't use it.

Dr911

OP, here is a link that you may find useful.
http://www.windingroad.com/articles/...-spec-boxster/

A follow up question for those who are racing/DEing their SPB: how much money did you spend on your SPB this past season? (not for any upgrades etc, just for the usual track maintenance and tires). Or, maybe a better way to phrase that is: what's the cost per race/DE to run SPB?

hf1

Great article. As per your question, here's one of the comments from the article:

Anyone here from the North East also race their SPB with NASA (Spec 986) and what's their experience?

Gary R.

I would figure $2500 per race weekend including tires/entry fee/hotel/fuel/consumables/required service and transportation. If you stretch and buy a new set of tires every other race you are under $2000 per.

I know Frank Celenza did a NASA race this year, ask him..

Dr911

Thanks.
That's not as bad as I had expected...Basically alternating tires adds $500 per wknd to the Miata.

TBH, I'm sick of my Miata getting toasted by PDK Caymans in the straights...only to get held up (by said Cayman who is parked ahead of me for the next 5 turns).

And the corner workers *never* flash the blue flag when I've tailed a 944Turbo or Boxster for 3 (THREE) entire laps.

Heh...tracking a Miata does "build character" I guess

Gary R.

To address one thing, you really won't have to worry about being held up, we usually own the track for a while and our new SP running partners are great to race with.. just keep an eye out for shiny track and Paolo.

alexaqui

My buddy got a call-out from the marshals on the second day of an event. The quote was, "For you GT3 drivers in the black run group, you guys are getting creamed by the spec miata. You NEED to lift and let him by. He IS faster than you." Solved a lot of problems for that day! LOL.

Going to the cost perspective, it seems like no matter how you cut it, this sport is expensive. Tires seem pretty similar in cost between the Miata, SPB, and even other cars like the E36. While you make it up on the $10 rotors on Spec Miata, it seems like the engines are not robust and require frequent rebuilds, adding to cost. Add in silly stuff like wheel bearing failures in the front when running in the wet, and it isn't exactly cheap to run a SM either.

To close the loop on my journey, I just bought a 94 E36 325i which I am in process of converting to a race car. The countless hours learning how to wrench on the previous car are worth a lot of $$$. I think I can get the car race ready for about $12-14k in additional investment (including the purchase of the car). I have an engine, suspension, etc. from my wreck that will go right in. Will definitely consider SPB down the road though given the popularity of the class!

PLNewman

That was a Spec Boxster in the black group. And I was eating those guys alive in the turns, only to have them speed away. One of the most frustrating track weekends I've ever experienced.

hf1

It is possible to pass slow highHP cars out of turns with a little momentum planning/timing -- capitalizing on your much higher exit speed/momentum. If you lose your momentum by sticking behind them mid-turn, you'll never pass them. Unless the straights are really long and if your lap-time is faster you'll also leave them behind never to bother you again.

PLNewman

YES...IF they give a point by. Which they don't (and this was an instructor group).

hf1

Of course. I was only saying that since passing in turns is usually not allowed and passing on the straight is impossible, then a lower HP (but faster) car must use the higher exit speed out of turns to create the rare passing opportunities when the highHP doesn't even have to lift to let it pass.

Dr911

..

turbochad

All you really have to do to a stock Boxster are the safety requirements. All the spec parts are optional except the PSS9s. If you do it on the cheap you won't be competitive anyway so you could do the minimum and see how far up in the field you can get.