How do you buy a Race Car?
#1
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How do you buy a Race Car?
I'm looking to take the plunge over the next month to upgrade from a DE car to a PCA "F" class race car. Primarily for DE initially, but ultimately for club racing (if I ever get good enough).
Question: Since I'd be buying a car for non-public road use, what is the paperwork like? Do you get a standard title transfer (pay sales tax) and no registration? How does ownership usually get transferred with race cars (other than a bill of sale)? Any input would be appreciated!
Question: Since I'd be buying a car for non-public road use, what is the paperwork like? Do you get a standard title transfer (pay sales tax) and no registration? How does ownership usually get transferred with race cars (other than a bill of sale)? Any input would be appreciated!
#3
Drifting
If the car has a VIN, as in it was originally a street car, then it will have a title. As such, you will have to get the title signed over to you and record it at your state DMV. You can also still get comprehensive insurance a lot of times. You just wouldn't register the car and get plates for it.
If the car has no VIN, then you just would hand over cash and take the car. You could do up a bill of sale, but it would just be for your own protection, nothing that is required.
If the car has no VIN, then you just would hand over cash and take the car. You could do up a bill of sale, but it would just be for your own protection, nothing that is required.
#4
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Definitely call Dan!!! No need to go to DMV to register the car if it will not see the street. Why pay more taxes? Just sign the back of the title when you sell. Done this a ton of times with zero issues.
#6
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I figured it was an economical way to get into racing and a slight step up from a Spec Boxster.
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#8
Factory race cars came with different vin numbers so no title . A lot of Club Race cars are built from cars that have been totaled due to theft, flood, etc so the title was taken away untill the state inspection proves its road worthy.
#9
A good step up from Spec Box is an E class Box. I know where there's a nice turn key one for sale and at a great price!!
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#11
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Thanks for all the input guys. Will let you know wheren I come out.
#12
Drifting
Not al cars have a title. My Old Koni car did not have a title so we simply referenced Numbers and generated a bill of sale w/ details of the car including pictures.
#13
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#14
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1) Look at your region first. What are the biggest classes? You want to have plenty of other cars to race. Running in big groups (here in TX that's E Class & Spec Box) is fun because there's lots of racing going on, even in the middle or back of the pack. In some cases "F" class runs with the Cup cars. Be conscious of the run group you'll be entering most often and where you are comfortable.
2) Mentioned above but look for a car that has an active log book in the series you'll be running (PCA? NASA?). You don't want the hassle of back dating a car, in many cases spending money to make it slower.. Best case scenario is you find one of the best-in-class racers in your region selling his car (which is often word of mouth only) because he's taking a break or moving do a different class. That's pretty common and you've got a local, experienced racer who is motivated to help you at events and can possibly give you some lessons in the car itself.
Good luck...and btw, no racing class is "economical".
#15
Drifting
My race car doesn't even have a VIN. No title, no registration, just a bill of sale.
I had to photo the MOTEC ECU serial number to get it insured :-)
Mike
I had to photo the MOTEC ECU serial number to get it insured :-)
Mike