RSRRacer

To clarify, there is not much that is inherently more expensive between a street GT3 and cup car. If you were to run a street GT3 as hard as a cup car (i.e. in B stock) your consumables will cost about as much and damage repair would be as much in most cases.

If you are going to run DEs for a few years, the cost comes way down. You can use the same set of tires for a longer timeperiod, etc.

Steve N.

There is a lot to be said for a dedicated track car. In addition, as discussed above, track support (as well as pre-event preparation, etc.) also has a lot to be said for it.

For those who have not owned a fully prepared track car, jumping directly into a Cup car is quite a leap! I believe it would be highly advisable to begin with something down the performance scale a bit.

blake

Good question. Originally, my 996 GT3 was to be a 50% street/50% track car. After 12+ DE days since Sept '06, I am now ready to commit to making it a "track-only" car. Why? Driving it on the street is just not a thrill. I have another 911 in my garage for that purpose, so the "Porsche around town" checkbox is still met. My first DE in the stock GT3 was a blast, but then I realized I could have MORE fun if I added: the recaro/GT3 seats, track alignment, wing shims, the LWFR, the monoballs, the RS suspension, the Motons, the roll cage, rear toe links, etc. Now, I end up with a car that really shouldn't be driven on the street, mostly because driving in a car with a roll cage without a helmet is a disaster waiting to happen....

My recommendation: Buy the 997 GT3 as planned, run a few DEs, then ask the following two questions: 1) Is the 997 GT3 a "good enough" platform, to be driven 'as is' or modded to be more like an RS or a Cup? or 2) Do you feel the need for speed, and want to find a 996 or 997 GT3 Cup to get that experience out of the box?

Regarding costs:
I have everything I need at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. I can rent a two car garage in the paddock (equipped with compressor, heating, electricity, cable, internet, etc.) for $500/mo plus utilities (annual lease). I also have Synergy Racing on location, and they ONLY service GT3/GT3 Cups at a labor rate of $85/hour. I imagine that this set-up exists at many other tracks around the country...

This year, I will spend about $10K on my obsession (track time/tires/pads/a few mods) and will need to add $6K for the garage next year when I go that route. From what I understand, a Cup will run you roughly the same costs... Once I have "maxed out" my 996 GT3 platform, I will move up to a Cup. I suspect it will be a few years until then...

I've got a spreadsheet on every dime that I have spent on the car.. if you want to see it, send me a PM.

Good luck!
-Blake