Does it make sense to track your F car.

...I think that was the point of the picture.

 

It makes as much sense as buying a Ferrari in the first place. It will always be different tracking a car you have a passion for than just a regular sportscar. Id suggest you buy a used 355 Challenge or a 360 Challenge.

 

I think what the op really was asking was... "Why have it if not to track", and that question has only been answered in a couple of posts. One said he wanted the car for the car itself. Here's the only other post I've read that answered that question....

I'm with eric...

I'm sure there's there may be lots of valid reasons for buying a 200 mph, 600 hp car that does not involve tracking it, but I'm not rich enough to justify those reasons. Therefore, at least in the case of my less expensive, though still (for me) "expensive" 997, I decided I could NOT afford NOT to track it. "Affording it", for me, meant getting the most out of what that particular toy had to offer, and that meant track. Driving a very, very fast and extremely capable car on the street *safely* is not something I can afford to do (and this is not the defintion of my 328).

For me, it's analogous to buying a 7000 sq ft home, and only living in 2000 sq ft of it. I cannot afford to do that. If you can...I say "Go for it!!" (I might would too! Who knows!!?? )

I need a 360 Challenge LOL

 

good point.

 

Speed Racer,

Does it make sense? Well, that depends on one's perspective and wallet plus risk/reward desires.

Does it make sense from a financial standpoint?
Generally the answer is no as Fcars are very expensive for the limited performance you get as compared to a propely prepared track car.

Does it make sense from a safety standoint?
No... unless your Fcar has a roll cage, anti-fire system, proper harness setup, etc.

Does it make sense to learn how the car handles?
YES! You can learn in a relatively safe environment how your Fcar handles. Of course Auto-X can do the same thing and is safer still than a road course track day.

Does it make sense to improve your driving skillset.
Yes. Same can be said for Auto-X.

=====================
As always, never track a car that you would not be able to have pushed off a tall cliff and walk away from without much worry/care or could easily afford to repair/replace. In other words, be prepared for a total loss of the car and be able to just move on without worry.

Proper track-prepped Miatas and such are VERY inexpensive ($6k), offer good performance, cheap upkeep... and you can always take your skillset to the next level such as Formula Ford ($10k) or F2000 ($20k to 4$3k)... then FA ($60k or so) on up depending on your budget. FYI: An F2000 ($20,000), as an example, will trounce a Ferrari Enzo ($1,000,000) on a twisty track and perhaps a capshoot on tracks like WGI. Anyone got lap times of an Enzo on WGI. An F2000 is just below 2 minutes for a good (not great) driver.

 

You are correct - that was taken at Sebring last year on a track weekend - I was just kidding with my wife - she likes to follow the rules
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Does it make sense to track your F car?

The answer is NO! Too expensive, too heavy, too much liability, risk, etc.

We all agree! Right?

It also doesn't make any sense to own a Ferrari.Too Loud, too expensive,too flashy, only two seats etc.

But..we all own a Ferrai, even though it doesn't make sense.

Why? Because it's a lot of fun.

So, driving your Ferrari at the track is lot of fun too and then some.

You have to educate yourself on how to drive at speed on a track. This education will decrease your risk and increase your fun factor. You will learn to drop the attitude of being passed and concentrate on yourself not the car you are driving.

Repetition and education is the key.

Here is me tracking at Cavallino.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyUzFpUVIhA

Talk about risk! Watch it until the end.

 

Woah! Why on earth did the FXX stop in the middle of the track right before turn 1 at the end?!

 

I never quite understood the argument, "It's going to depreciate my car", "What about an accident", etc, etc. These are just ego driven excuses. I doubt that track days depreciate SWB's and GTO's. You are probably more likely to have an accident on the way to the valet stand, than on a race track.

As an FCA driving instructor, I have seen that most Fcar owners NEED track time to actually learn how to drive. All it takes to be let loose on a public road with 300, 400, 500 and 600 hp, is a good credit score... not the ability to handle it. Most guys that I have instructed could barely feel safe in an 80hp Fiat X 1/9, let alone a 500hp 430, in the beginning. If you take the time and effort to learn the skills, you will be safer on the road and have fun on the track as well as the road.

Track driving with a street Ferrari doesn't mean going for the last 1/10th. It means improving your skills, and enjoying the experience without photo radar, cops, or other drivers texting, eating or doing whatever. Try it and enjoy it, and set the goal to improve your skills and return home with your car in the same state (albeit a little dirtier, with some tire and brake wear), and you will have fun.

gatorgreg.... great footage! You look very smooth. You might have a bit better exit speed if you late apex those corners! Nice control, given the FXX's brilliant move!

 

Just another drive in the park on a sunday afternoon, VERY relaxed...("I think you've done this before?" )

Very smooth. Very consistent (and proper) line. Never letting others take you off your line.

Really helps me to see vids like this. Thanks for posting it.

 

I'm not sure! A better question is why did the 360 stop behind him and not pass the FXX?

Here is a video from trackside.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeFbtjBxBSw

 

Thanks for the tip!

Risk/Liability Oh please!
I had a smile on my face the whole time!
Priceless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEx5jIRaWY8

Warm up, random clips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Z_fyq0dPI