So, a random idea popped into my head last night as I was crying myself to sleep after getting screwed yet again in the quest for a GT3 or GT4RS. Why don't I just buy a 992 GT3 Cup Car, and leave it at the track (only costs $2500/year for a garage/shop at my local track)?

Yes, I obviously won't be able to drive it on the street, but that's fine. I don't have "canyons" near me where I can drive at 2-4x the legal speed limit putting lives of cyclists and other motorists at risk. I don't go to "cars and coffee" or feel the need to impress my neighbors with my big wing. I want something crazy raw to dance at the limit, and would rather pay someone an honest wage to haul my Cup Car around than pad my dealer's pockets with a $100K+ ADM.

I know I'm nuts. But does this idea make sense?

 

I'm getting the stiff arm on the GT3 and GT4RS as well so this thought has come across my mind more than once. My .02 based on driving my friend's 991 cup for a few sessions at COTA:
1. Driving a race car in a DE pretty much sucks unless the run group is full of other cars at least as quick. Differentials of 20 seconds or more per lap make for a ton of moving chicanes and very few cleanish laps.
2. Race slicks are damn expensive and he blows through a set every weekend.
3. Rebuild intervals I think are like 40 hours for engine and trans (don't quote me) for the 991 and 100 for the 992 cup motors. The rebuilds are quite expensive and labor intensive.
4. Did I mention a 991 cup is badass? Feel so much safer in a real race car, and the damn thing has so much grip and feels like a real race car. Only thing I have driven that is "better" are open wheel formula cars that weigh half as much.
5. It takes big hairy cahones and massive skill to drive one at the limit. I'm sure it's very setup and tire specific, but the car breaks away VERY quickly at the limit on slicks and being "ahead" of the car is a must.
6. Trailer/support team/storage/warm up/tire warmers/air jacks/etc all used and add to the bill significantly.

Anybody who has one and tracks it is a lucky SOB, great fun!

 

Me and a friend had talked about getting a cup GT3 awhile back. And just split the bills among us two. I assume it cost a lot for maintenance/repairs etc etc.

Can someone break down the cost of owning a cup car?

 

There is a cup forum (not to say this does not belong here) where there are very knowledgable people hanging out - I've seen this exact question come up a few times.

 

This cyclist thanks you.

That said, TPC Racing does some customer Cup car support. They could probably give you an estimate on running costs. Tom, from TPC, is active on rennlist, and posts fairly regularly in the 991 GT3 forum, and in his "Lava Orange" thread.

 

OP: There are street cars and there are race cars. There are no "street legal race cars" - regardless of what anyone on RL says. If you want a car for the track, buy a race car. Cup Car, Club Sport, Radical, Spec Miata, etc. Pick your price level and go from there.

 

I'm not going to argue your premise, but buying a race car is not the best choice for everyone who tracks. A race car requires a truck, a trailer, places to park them all, you get no warranty, insurance can be challenging, maintenance and running costs can be very high, depreciation can be steep, no Euro Delivery, you can't drive it to the mechanic's place to have a little work done, etc...

 

 

Also not the much fun (for you and the other drivers), unless it's a slow race car. This is why I didn't go the direction of a Wolf or Radical. They are so fast in places where most cars are slow that it's just a red mist instigator. If you have the money for a cup car and maint, I guess renting the track is the way to go.

You will also catch a lot of s**t having the fastest car instead of being the fastest driver.

 

Truer words have never been spoken.

 

Cup car is going to be a very raw / rewarding experience on the track. As long as you don't mind having a race crew, engine rebuilds, new slicks every weekend then go for it $$$$$.
The operating costs are going to be very high compared to a street car.

 

You’re absolutely right. A purpose built track car isn’t the best option for all track drivers. But it may well be for folks who start a thread titled “Getting a Cup Car”.

 

Feels like a "their" problem.

 

Could also consider a used 981 or 718 GT4 Clubsport. Can be fun in advanced group HPDE. GT4 Clubsport - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums

 

This is sweet spot to me. Much lower operating costs and still very fast. If you already own truck/trailer then makes sense. If not, it's a big step up/investment.