2000cc track/sprint car

[RRN93]

So I'm looking into potentially entering a sprint series next year. The class I'd like to compete in would be for road going cars up to 2000cc.

If I'm going to enter this, ideally I'd like to be in something somewhat competitive, budget is around £7k.

Ideally I'd go down the Honda S2000 route, but they look to be on the steeper side of my budget and if it all goes wrong, well..

The obvious choices would be the EP3 Civic Type R or the Renaultsport 172/182?

I currently own a third gen MX5, I'm lead to believe 180bhp is readily available with little money spent, but would this even be competitive in comparison to the 230bhp or so Civics?

I've only done 3 track events before, so I'm hoping some of you more regulars could maybe chime in with experience from what you've seen before?

Any other ideas/suggestions welcome! Thanks

[MagicalTrevor]

I also sprint a mk3 MX5, as does a friend of mine. They're generally competitive but how about the HSA championship where there is a specific MX5 class?

180bhp is ~£1000 and 200bhp is >£2000

I'd recommend that you check out the HSA website (http://www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/hsaspeed.asp) and look at the times for various cars on tracks that you might visit. It should give you an idea of what's possible, you'll see a few of the records in A2 (the upto 2000cc class) are held by a mk3 MX5.

[RR01]

Just gone through the class records, seems some of the MX5's are pretty much on pace for class.

Looks a good series! Will have to take a much longer look into that.

Thanks

[MagicalTrevor]

I don't know where you're based but at least HSA have events all over the country, that is if you want a championship. Otherwise you can just enter events on an adhoc basis.

Personally, I think you'd do alright with some 1b tyres, decent suspension and whatever power upgrades you can afford. I run Ohlins coilovers on mine and plan to upgrade the power next.

[RR01]

I'm midlands based so most are not too far.

My car currently has MeisterR coilovers, but they're road biased, but would be fine I'd have thought for someone of my skill point I'd presume.

I like the idea of an MX5 class, keeps competition healthy.

I did notice the Mazda Sprint Series run by Javelin and their subsequent Javelin Sprint Series, but the calendar looks pretty average.

[Craikeybaby]

My suggestion would have been a mk3 MX-5.

[MagicalTrevor]

RR01 said:

I'm midlands based so most are not too far.

My car currently has MeisterR coilovers, but they're road biased, but would be fine I'd have thought for someone of my skill point I'd presume.

I like the idea of an MX5 class, keeps competition healthy.

I did notice the Mazda Sprint Series run by Javelin and their subsequent Javelin Sprint Series, but the calendar looks pretty average.

Many use the MeisterR, it's certainly a good choice.

Only real limitation of the MX5 class is the mandatory use of 1a tyres, but that just means your tyre bill is cheaper I think 180bhp in that class would see you doing alright, there are plenty of events near you and you only need 9 for the championship. Of course, you can do fewer and ultimately you get to compete against similar cars.

[agent006]

RR01 said:

MX5's are pretty much on pace for class.

That's the key thing. Speaking as someone with a 190bhp BMW that would be firmly in ModProd over 2000cc against Evos, Cosworths, Imprezzas etc.

[RR01]

Thanks for all the input guys, seems I've already got a competent enough car to have some fun in then.

Before I go through all the regs, would a mk3 MX5 require a roll hoop to compete? Would probably be the smart thing to do regardless, the standard doesn't look to reassuring

[df76]

RR01 said:

Thanks for all the input guys, seems I've already got a competent enough car to have some fun in then.

Before I go through all the regs, would a mk3 MX5 require a roll hoop to compete? Would probably be the smart thing to do regardless, the standard doesn't look to reassuring

Agree that using your car to begin with is the right approach... seems very sensible. You wouldn't need an additional roll hoop to compete (would be legal), but I'm not sure I'd track an open car without one.

If starting from scratch, I'd be looking at a nicely prepped EP3 (LSD, nice suspension and chipped upto about 220bhp (not hard)). That would take some beating.

[MagicalTrevor]

RR01 said:

Thanks for all the input guys, seems I've already got a competent enough car to have some fun in then.

Before I go through all the regs, would a mk3 MX5 require a roll hoop to compete? Would probably be the smart thing to do regardless, the standard doesn't look to reassuring

In the road going class you don't need a cage or roll hoop but, as you'll be aware, the hoops aren't exactly high.

You don't have the same options as the mk1/mk2 guys because of the roof getting in the way so your choices are to get a TR Lane or GCF roll bar which will be higher and allow you to fit a harness. Alternatively fit a cage, which may involve removing the roof and fitting s hard top.

If you're happy with the TRL/GCF at seems like a good option

[RR01]

Manifold, exhaust, remap, roll bar and grippy tyres. A fun few months ahead it will seem.

Thanks for everything

[MagicalTrevor]

RR01 said:

Manifold, exhaust, remap, roll bar and grippy tyres. A fun few months ahead it will seem.

Thanks for everything

Just be mindful that you buy tyres that are on the MSA tyre list
https://www.msauk.org/assets/196-208commonregulati...

And remember that the HSA MX5 class requires 1a tyres, if that's what you choose to do. It also might be worth waiting for the 2018 list to come out so you make the best choice, for example, I'd like to see the MIchelin PS4 come on the list as I suspect they'll be better than my current PS3.

[MG CHRIS]

Don't forget javelin track day organisers run both javelin trackday sprint series and Toyota/Mazda sprint series but are extremely popular and with the case of the javelin series loads of usual msa runners regular competes in the various classes. Less strict compared to msa run events and more runs too.

[Salesy]

I used to sprint a Mk1 Eunos and moved up into a RX8 PZ, i was able to hold off some well driven Type R's (Integra and Civic). I only lost once to the Integra due to a mistake of my own.

If in the standard road class you will either be in A2 (list 1A tyres only and up to 2300cc) or A4 (list 1A and 1B up to 2300cc) You will not be allowed to chip the car

[quote] Df76 "If starting from scratch, I'd be looking at a nicely prepped EP3 (LSD, nice suspension and chipped upto about 220bhp (not hard)). That would take some beating." [quote]

In the eyes of the MSA hat is also cheating, you cannot chip the car. I believe that suspension modifications are against rules in standard road going too.

[df76]

Salesy said:

o sprint a Mk1 Eunos and moved up into a RX8 PZ, i was able to hold off some well driven Type R's (Integra and Civic). I only lost once to the Integra due to a mistake of my own.

If in the standard road class you will either be in A2 (list 1A tyres only and up to 2300cc) or A4 (list 1A and 1B up to 2300cc) You will not be allowed to chip the car

[quote] Df76 "If starting from scratch, I'd be looking at a nicely prepped EP3 (LSD, nice suspension and chipped upto about 220bhp (not hard)). That would take some beating." [quote]

In the eyes of the MSA hat is also cheating, you cannot chip the car. I believe that suspension modifications are against rules in standard road going too.

The OP has asked about roadgoing class regs, not standard..

[Salesy]

df76 said:

The OP has asked about roadgoing class regs, not standard..

Standard road going is classes A1 and A2
Road going A3 to A6

[df76]

Salesy said:

df76 said:

The OP has asked about roadgoing class regs, not standard..

Standard road going is classes A1 and A2
Road going A3 to A6

Yes, I can see how that could confuse some people...

[MagicalTrevor]

It depends on the organising club. But traditionally A1-A4 are roadgoing with standard classes handled elsewhere.

They could have Z1-Z6 if they wanted to.

It doesn't help though, it just confuses people.

[Furyblade_Lee]

If your 2.0 class means NO modifications, then a Mazda RX8 PZ is your weapon of choice, end of. Scarily quick against all the "lightweight special" 2.0 cars out there....
If you are allowed to modify / tune / tweak in your class, then I would be looking at something Type R or forced induction around 1.4 and tune the life out of it.
Either way, in those 2.0 classes an MX5 will be totally outclassed but you will still have immense fun