NJ-GT

Spec Miata is too slow and the speed differential makes it dangerous.

I agree with CJ on the MX-5 Cup. This is the latest generation Miata built by the factory as a race car. The MX-5 Cup can keep up with most intermediate powerful machines. It has all the safety built already (full cage with multiple reinforcements). It is light and it is fast.

There is nothing dependable in 911 or BMWs, they break quite often.

tlarocque

Curious about the MX-5 Cup cars.... can these be purchased by anyone? If so, where? Can they be registered/operated on the street?

philooo

yes where can you find those mx5 cup cars for sale ?

I'd love to buy one of these
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mazda/2...r-ar99424.html

C.J. Ichiban

If you guys want any info on MX5 cup stuff hit me up. not sure if you guys are aware but I do run my own team as well: cjwilsonracing.com

you don't have to buy or rent from me but I can give you an unbiased rundown on what to expect- they're awesome cars and when set up right are extremely rewarding to drive (like I said faster than 911's and about same speed as a gt3RS on hoosiers per lap)

when you go over the limit you generally have enough time to bring it back and stay grassy vs hitting stuff

Nugget

Look no further than this.

lowside67

Based on the fact that you are good with a 100% track car and he has seat time in a kart, I don't know why nobody has suggested an open wheel car yet? A non aero car like a Formula Ford is a phenomenal step up from a kart that teaches all the basics that a first car should - preserving momentum, dealing with a race gearbox, etc. at an affordable price. The car is cheap, running them is even cheaper, and they are quick yet not crazy.

Mark

Nugget

Presumably as a beginner his son is going to get started by doing HPDEs and a Formula Ford won't be allowed at most of those. At least around here, open wheel cars aren't welcome out on the track with the normal DE cars. Even if they were allowed I doubt I'd want to be out on track in something like that alongside full size street cars.

NJ-GT

To get a clear idea on how fast the MX-5 Cup cars are (not to be compared with the wreck-me-weekly Spec Piñata).

MX-5 Cup
Race Weight: 2,600 lbs (includes fuel and driver, so the car is likely in the 2,350 lbs with not fuel and no driver)
Engine: 4cyl 2.0L, 7,200rpm and around 170Hp
Tires: Spec BFG-R1

Laguna Seca: 1:41
Mid Ohio: 1:39
Road Atlanta: 1:40
Homestead GrandAm: 1:36
Sebring: 2:29

Affordable maintenance. Reliable given the proven platform, Mazda support, and built quality. As old as 2006 as new as 2012.

When 170Hp are producing these lap times, it means these cars are faster on turns than most cars out there. These are faster lap times than a Cayman R, and a Cayman R is not that far behind a 996 GT3 for lap times.

tcsracing1

+1

bgiere

Spec Miata or a 944. Make it as safe as you can ...teach him to drive amomentum car first and he'll be a better driver. There is no way i'd start anyone in a GT3

echere88

Ichiban;

Are you or your racing team in any way to do with the Angles pitcher CJ Wilson?

TRAKCAR

C.J.
Great to see a fellow rennlister battle it out in a MX5. Very cool and great driving!

LVDell

One in the same

997gt3north

It is the same CJ. CJ has been on here for years as a former 997gt3rs owner.

echere88

Cool...He is starting tonight, and is still able to post here...LOL