Trackday : Which Road-Legal Car to Choose ? (2024 Guide)

Want to drive on a track with your own car? Driving courses and trackday free runs, more and more of you are heading to the circuits to enjoy driving and fully live your passion for motorsport safely 👌

What is the ideal street-legal sports car for trackdays?

The offer is very diversified and there is something for every taste and every budget. In this guide, we will explore the best options according to your budget, ranging from relatively affordable vehicles to those representing the pinnacle of performance and exclusivity.

Want to know more? Let's dive right into the subject with used sports cars for tracking with a budget under 10,000€.

Also, find cars for sale ads on GoToTheGrid.

Sports cars for the track under 10,000€

In this price category, the emphasis is on accessibility. The vehicles are often older, but they offer a perfect introduction to the world of track and trackdays. These are often small cars with an interesting power-to-weight ratio ⚖️

In this segment, the Mazda MX-5 stands out in particular. Known for its agility and balance, it’s a really fun car to drive and one of the few rear-wheel drives available at this price, so how can we not mention it? 🥰

See also : "Roadster Pro Cup: The One-Make Competition in a Mazda MX-5"

Let's continue with youngtimers and small sports cars still accessible on the used market like the Suzuki Swift Sport, the French ones from Peugeot: 106 S16, 206 S16 and RC as well as the older 306 S16. Still under 10K€ and staying in France, you can find beautiful examples of Clio 2 RS (172/182) and Twingo 2 RS from Renault. Let's not forget the timeless Citroën Saxo VTS 16V as well as the C2 VTS from the same manufacturer, which are perfectly suited for track driving.

Finally, you can also consider BMWs like the 328 or 318, or the Honda Civic VTI EG6 and if you like originality: the Alfa Romeo 145 Quadrifoglio or the ultimate sleeper, the Mazda 3 MPS as shown in the picture below!

Be aware of the rising value of some of these models in recent years! 😱

Of course, it's impossible to be exhaustive and list all the models available on the market here, but you already have an interesting first selection.

These vehicles may require specific preparation, such as improvements to the braking system or suspensions, to make your track car reliable and to chain sessions without problems.

Buying a trackday car for under 30,000€

In this price range, you can find vehicles that offer an optimal balance between performance and cost. Renowned models like the Honda Civic Type R and the Renault Megane RS stand out and are very common on trackday sessions.

These cars feature a sharp chassis and a powerful engine, while remaining comfortable enough for daily use. They are also equipped with modern technologies that enhance the driving experience on the track.

Still under 30K€, we can list models like the Renault Clio 3 and Clio 4 RS, the Peugeot 208 and 308 GTI, the Seat Cupra, the Ford Focus RS and Fiesta ST, the Golf GTI, the Hyundai i20N and i30N, the Mini Cooper S or the little rocket that is the Fiat 500 Abarth.

Adding to this list some playful rear-wheel drives like the BMW M3, the Nissan 350Z and 370Z, the radical Lotus Elise S1 (future collector, beware of the rising value!), the Opel Speedster or the very friendly Toyota GT86.

If you are a Porsche fan, beautiful examples of 924, 944 and Boxster S can be accessible at these prices on the used market.

Used trackday cars for under 50,000€

We are stepping up a gear! Here, the cars are more sophisticated, with advanced technologies and increased performance. We are stepping up in terms of performance: lap times will go down! ⏱️

In this price range, you can start affording a Porsche Carrera 4S or even a 911 type 996 and 997 or a beautiful example of Porsche Cayman. These GTs offer an almost uncompromised driving experience, with their mid-engine and ideal weight distribution.

Still under 50K€, we can mention models that are pure track cars like the Lotus Elise 111R or Caterham. Light and agile cars that prove that performance does not solely depend on brute power. Let's not forget the Lotus Exige of which some models can be found at this price.

Finally, it is possible to find Audi RS3 and TTRS, Mercedes A35 AMG, high-performance Subaru WRX STI or future collectors like the Honda S2000 and the more recent Toyota Yaris GR, which is a real modern “Track Tool”.

Sports cars under 100,000€ for track use

In this category, luxury meets performance. Cars that make enthusiasts dream like the Porsche 718 Cayman or Boxster, the Alpine A110S and A110R, the BMW M2 Competition or M4, the Alfa Romeo 4C, the Nissan GT-R and the Audi R8 (V8 and V10) or RS6 combine high-end comfort with exceptional track capabilities.

These models offer more powerful engines and more sophisticated chassis, making them formidable weapons on the track 💪

Powerful cars that will perform perfectly on the large circuits that host or have hosted Formula 1, such as Castellet, Magny-Cours, Le Mans, Dijon-Prenois, or Spa-Francorchamps.

Looking for originality? How about letting yourself be seduced by a KTM X-BOW?

Trackday cars over 100,000€: the dream GTs!

This segment is reserved for vehicles that represent the pinnacle of performance and exclusivity. Models like the Mercedes-AMG GT, the Lamborghini Huracán STO, the Donkervoort D8 GTO, the superb Lotus Exige Cup, the seductive Aston Martin V8 Vantage, the McLaren 570S, 720S and 765LT and the Ferrari F8 Tributo or the 488 (GTB, Pista) dominate this category.

These supercars offer breathtaking performance. They are designed for those seeking the ultimate trackday experience, without compromise. Be aware of the maintenance cost, though.

Of course, how can we not mention the Porsche Cayman GT4, GT2 RS and GT3 RS (991 and 992), which are almost street-legal race cars and are found in large numbers on the circuits because they are terribly effective and reliable.

See also : "Porsche: A tradition of motorsport performance"

Street-legal car or buying a dedicated race car for the track?

For people who regularly drive on the track with their own car, the question of buying a race car dedicated 100% to this use arises.

Indeed, vehicles specifically designed for the circuit, whether sedans, GTs, single-seaters, or prototypes, are not street-legal but offer an unmatched driving experience on the track.

Advantages of buying a race car for the track

Buying a real race car for track use has several interesting advantages, particularly in terms of cost, performance, and driving experience.

Long-term cost reduction

While the initial investment for a race car may seem high (not to mention the solution for transporting the car), it could prove economical in the long term, especially for regular drivers. These vehicles are designed to withstand the rigors of track driving, which means that components such as brakes, suspensions, and engines are more suitable than those of even a prepared street car. Additionally, repair costs in the event of an accident or off-track incident and replacement of parts are often cheaper because these cars are designed to be easily disassembled and repaired.

Optimized performance

Unlike street-legal cars, even sports cars, race cars are designed and optimized for one thing: performance on the track. They offer features such as better weight distribution, a rigid chassis suitable for slick tires, specific trains, etc. These optimizations not only allow for better performance on the track but also offer a more engaging and precise driving experience than what one could get with a street car, even heavily prepared and modified.

Pure driving experience and strong sensations

Driving a real race car offers an unmatched experience in terms of sensations and immersion. The absence of comfort equipment and the focus on pure performance mean that the driver can experience a more direct and intense driving experience. Additionally, driving a car specifically designed for the circuit allows drivers to push their limits and those of the vehicle more safely and effectively. Note that a complete driver equipment (helmet, balaclava, hans, suit, gloves...) is mandatory on all track days from the moment your car is equipped with a roll cage, bucket seats with harnesses, etc.

In short, buying a race car for the track offers significant advantages in terms of long-term cost, performance, and experience. For those who take their time on the track seriously and seek to maximize their pleasure and performance, investing in a competition car is certainly a wise decision. Find all the race cars for sale for track practice here, whether for leisure or competition.

See also : "How do you prepare for and take part in your first trackday?"

Conclusion

Choosing a car for trackdays largely depends on your budget and performance expectations. There is a wide range of vehicles capable of providing strong sensations on the track. Are you looking for a car? Check out the series vehicles ads on GoToTheGrid. To progress, do not hesitate to call on a BPJEPS or DEJEPS certified driving instructor. And for the most passionate and dedicated, moving to a race car specially designed for the circuit is certainly the best choice to satisfy your passion.