track car advice

ive been tracking/instructing for 25 years and am at an impasse. i cannot stand the traffic getting to and from the track anymore. i typically drive 3 to 4 hours each way including an hour of bumper to bumper traffic in lotus elise. i also have an audi rs5 that would obviously be much more comfortable but it cant survive a track day in the dry without melting down. its ok in the rain but have only had nice weather this season.

so i need a new car if im going to keep driving on track. i love the lotus because of its pure driving experience and its open top. a gt3 would be good but its pricey and no open top. not even sunroof (which i had on my 997 gt3). same with cayman. boxster spyder is good choice but local tracks dont permit it due to roll over rules.

a z06 would offer the auto trans for bumper to bumper and has open top too so it would be perfect. i would have to add 100k to both of my cars for it and thats a lot. and would take few years to get anyway. stingray is more available and lower cost but i would always feel jealous of the z06. and dont love looks of c8 but can overlook that to get z06 motor.

any other ideas of an open top automatic trans sports car that can survive several moderate level track days/yr? new or used. thanks!

 

4c is the answer! Like lotus but w auto. I would have to test one out and see. Thanks

 

How did I not think of that esp owning and loving a giulia 3 yrs ago?

 

Yup trade lotus for Alfa and put deposit on z06 which wont come for at least 3 yrs when will be time to sell Alfa anyway

 

Thanks but Gts would be disappointment after I had gt3 in past. Plus not open top.

Alfa is the solution. Just have to go test it out and see if close enough experience to lotus.

If I don't like it, I will probably just keep lotus and stop tracking for a while. Maybe wait years for z06.

 

Good advice but I'm not a fan of non gt 911s. And I've instructed in rental miatas and no thanks.

4c is the move but forums say the Chrysler dct is big issue. Same problems like ferrari f1 from 90s. Can't stop and go, creep, etc. I'm still trying find a car nearby to test out

 

Race car doesn't work for me as no room for trailer, tow vehicle, etc. And all that hassle is more than just driving elise would be.

 

Yes c8 ticks all the boxes but I don't love the looks, size, or style. Would overlook all that for z06 but that's unobtainable right now.

Alfa would be good compromise but just not sure if its transmission would be more convenient than lotus stick.

Btw only been instructing last 10 yrs. Regardless, older I get the less interested I am in passing other cars or lap times.

 

I do appreciate the advice. And back in day, I shouldve used full safety gear.
But these days I drive well below my limits and those of car. Havent pushed hard for a long time. Don't even drive in traffic anymore. Just pit in until marshall sees open track and sends me into that.
Truly believe I have greater risk accident commuting to track than on track.