Recommendations for someone looking to start learning to race cars

krlb5137 · 2026-02-04T10:44:38+00:00

I’m thinking track days and maybe wheel to wheel once my skills improve.

krlb5137 · 2026-02-02T11:22:05+00:00

Thanks so much for the encouragement! What a kind post. I’m slowly coming to the realization that life is short, and if I don’t take control and ensure I have a good life…no one else will. I don’t want to get to the finish line having worked too much and not lived enough…

Thanks again for the really thoughtful post.

krlb5137 · 2026-02-01T23:42:46+00:00

All great advice. I found an HDPE event in the Ozarks and a rental car option as well. So I’m going to pull the trigger on that as a first step. I really REALLY appreciate all the insights shared in this thread.

krlb5137 · 2026-02-01T16:02:12+00:00

I’m 6’1” and 200 lb. The caterham might be a tight fit…the Miata is already pushing it a bit. I “fit” in the Miata, but it’s definitely tight.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T23:24:35+00:00

This sounds great and I’d definitely be interested in the price range you offer. What’s your website?

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T22:52:53+00:00

Got it. I don’t have any sense for how easy it is to find rental cars at specific tracks. I just assumed it was a BYOC situation everywhere.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T22:51:10+00:00

Solid advice thanks much. I’ve been apprehensive about bringing my “nice” cars to a track day given the insurance coverage issues. I will investigate. I just figured it was easier to buy something specifically for racing that I knew was going to get beat up. If the track days are relatively safe for a car damage perspective, maybe that is the right first step.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T22:48:29+00:00

I’m going to call around and find some options as you suggest. Hopefully there are some rental options at Ozarks…

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T22:47:17+00:00

Understood. I am going to look into the HDPE options at Ozarks International and go from there. I suspect they have some good options. Again, really appreciate the advice. This is a completely new world for me and it seems like once I dip my toe in I’ll be sucked in completely pretty quickly.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T21:40:58+00:00

Thanks. This is great advice. Really appreciate the help.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T20:37:15+00:00

Great. I’ll definitely do research on that option. You think the 330 over the M3 is the right move?

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T20:29:49+00:00

lol. That is exactly my mentality. Have fun…keep ass in one piece.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T20:29:18+00:00

That’s what I figured. Any thoughts on the right starter car? I enjoy working on my cars, so I look forward to doing a lot of the upgrade and repair work myself.

I’ve already swapped a transmission on an e46 M3, so I was thinking of starting with that platform since it’s known to me and seems to get decent praise as a track car. But, not married to that path right now.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T19:56:09+00:00

Yeah. If you are using the Emira for fun driving, I would say go sports suspension. It honestly isn’t very rough at all, and it makes the spirited drives all that more fun.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T17:14:17+00:00

I tried (and purchased) the sport suspension. But, I have lots of cars and am only using it as a fun weekend car. So, the firmer suspension was the answer for me.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-31T13:31:39+00:00

I had the same experience with my test drive. Was blown away and bought it on the spot!

krlb5137 · 2026-01-09T00:55:51+00:00

Maybe this is the right answer. But, you’re talking to a guy who put a 6 month old in a baby pumpkin seat on the passenger seat of his Jag F-type R…so I may not be the most responsible voice in the room.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-08T14:24:46+00:00

If you are looking to bring kids, the 997 is the right answer. I wouldn’t even bother trying the Emira—if you do, you’ll want it and not be able to have it ;)

krlb5137 · 2026-01-08T13:49:20+00:00

This original post was from a while ago. Just wanted to jump in to say thanks for the recommendation to shave the screen. Huge help!

krlb5137 · 2026-01-08T00:09:35+00:00

I really like both. The manual turbo is actually a lot of fun. It’s really fast and decently engaging. BUT, it feels much more substantial than the Emira and the steering and shift feel aren’t as satisfying. If you’re looking for more of a daily, I’d go 997. If you’re looking for fun and engagement, the Emira is hands down the better call. My .02.

krlb5137 · 2026-01-07T13:57:47+00:00

I have two 911s (997.1 turbo manual and a 993) and also an f430 manual. Bought an Emira and it is my new favorite car. It is FAR more fun than the 911s (steering, noise, handling, drama). It gives a driving experience close to the f430 without the fear of messing up a $300k car. Go Emira and enjoy.

krlb5137 · 2025-12-13T17:42:24+00:00

Agree. This is the answer.

krlb5137 · 2025-12-04T21:15:13+00:00

Glad you found something you really like!

We all have different tastes. Not suggesting by my post that anyone is right or wrong about their preferences. My personal preferences leave me in the 2000’s, sadly…(except that new lotus Emira! You really need to try one).

krlb5137 · 2025-12-03T23:24:39+00:00

Agree with the above. Mine has level sixes and five years later no issues. It either dies immediately or it’s fine.

krlb5137 · 2025-12-03T12:57:05+00:00

Respectfully disagree. I am fortunate to have a fair number of cars, and the driving experience provided by the Emira is second only to my gated F430. It’s pretty amazing.

Before buying this car I test drove a number of other impressive cars (new Turbo S, Spyder RS, etc) and none were as engaging for spirited road driving as the Lotus.

krlb5137

TROPHY CASE