[bowtieboy]

Posting this to see if anyone would like to offer any information, opinions or insite on what might be the better car to run in stock class, to include Nationals ~ car would not be a daily driver (trying to weigh my options)......feel free to "shoot from the hip"

2002 Z06
- Cost around $25,000. Still holding up well at National level events, but the Lotus and GT3 seem to have a definite advantage. Shocks (Penski) are pretty expensive (around $3000 ?). No wheel hop. Tires are around $1300 a full set. Would need smoething to transport tires (or car)

2007 Mustang GT (Shelby conversion)- Cost around $25,000 (converted). Top car in class thus far. Warrantee. Shocks $750 Minimal to no wheel hop. Tires are around $1300. I believe race tires will all fit in car.

98-02 SS- Cost $15,000 (for one with lower miles). Seems to still be competetive (should have a better idea later in the year). Shocks $750. Front bar $150. Wheel hop. VictorRacers (for local events) $880 / Divisionals or Nationals $1000 Tires can fit in car (in a pinch).

The costs are not an overriding factor but due play into my thought process (thus my reasons for showing prices). I just would like to see what else I could be over looking or what someone might be willing to share. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Thanks

[GaryK]

I'm bringing this thread up because I'm in almost an identical situation right now. It's been two years since I've raced and the competitive bug is biting again. Due to the state of the economy, I don't want to make the commitment to road racing right now, and I'm looking to do some autocrossing next year to get my fix. Looking at the same choices as the original poster. Stock class. I considered an ESP Camaro also, but I want to keep the car very street driving friendly. Just the seats I'd need to run in SP make the car too much of a pain on the street...plus the last time I started an ESP Camaro I ended up at track days with it which quickly led to my last stint road racing. I really want to stick to stock class.

So, any new developments at this time regarding a choice between 2002 Z06, 2007 Mustang, or 1998-2002 Camaro SS?
-I'm really looking hard at getting a Z06. Prices are dropping fast, and I've actually passed up several 02's with less than 50k miles for around $20k...they typically have too many mods and I'd rather just buy one close to stock. I'm confident that one will come along with the right combo of no mods and a realistic price.
-I've been doing a lot of reading and I'm confused about the competitiveness of the Camaro. It seems that there are a lot of mixed opinions out there. That said, I'm a better road racer than an autocrosser so I don't plan on doing much at the national level. I just want a car that I can't use as an excuse (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
-The Mustang seems to me like a great car, but I think I can have a Z06 for not much more...granted, the Z06 would likely have more miles on it. I'm considering the Mustang because it does seem like the car to have in FS, and I really enjoyed that class several years ago. There's something cool about getting a muscle car around an autocross course in fast manner (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[mitchntx]

Due to the state of the economy, I don't want to make the commitment to road racing right now

An alternative viewpoint ... now is a fantastic time to get the road racing infrastructure and it's all due to the economy.

I might be preaching to the choir, but after you have collected the tools and toys you need to sustain a weekend's racing, for CMC, the operating costs are surprisingly low.

I make 6 weekends a year, meaning 20+ races, 10 qualifiers and 10 practice sessions, traveling to tracks that average 250 miles away and have an annual operating budget of $5000. I suspect an average AXer's budget approaches that. I am fortunate that I have a couple really great sponsors that help defray a lot of costs, but those kinds of "deals" are out there.

And due to the economy, tow rigs, trailers and even car and car candidates are at rock bottom prices for the same reasons those Z06s are becoming affordable.

NASA's mid-Atlantic region has a strong car count and seem to be great group of racers with good attitudes. Kent Lydic is very personable and energetic.

It's something to consider before writing off W2W racing, especially "due to the economy".