Finding a place to start

[R Thomas]

For the past several weeks I have been pouring over the documents, websites, and other references from FFR. So here's the issue I am 99% sure I want to build one, the issue is which one do I build. I always thought I would like to race, but have no track experience. I came to Factory Five when I was considering building a hot rod, looking at the 33. After I started looking the Mk IV grabbed my attention. I bought a few of the assembly manuals online and reviewed them. Since I only have the time and resources to build one car I'd like to do it right. If I were to get into racing clearly the Challenge car would be the choice. I have seen the 33 run on track and its quite a performer as well. It could be the choice if I don't pursue racing. The street version of the Cobra might also be a good choice so after letting my head spin I came up with this idea.

I can buy a useable 87-04 Mustang,get it up to snuff, and attend some sessions of the NASA HPDE classes to see how I adapt to the track. Then if I really am hooked on racing I can go to the Challenge kit, if the track looks to be an occasional thing then I can go for one of the Street Roadsters. Please let me know what you think of this plan.

[Gordon Levy]

I would be happy to go over your options with you. Please feel free to call me at 520-494-2745

[skullandbones]

I like the plan of getting some track experience. However, I'm not sure about the Mustang route. I don't know if you can get on track with the Mustang as is and do the experience justice. You may get into a situation where you spend quite a bit to get that car track worthy that could be invested on your dream project. I have a friend who got a Miata for what you are planning. He doesn't have much into it at all but he has a blast on the track. He took me for a ride. I experienced borderline fear. I don't feel comfortable on the passenger side anyway but in that little tin can, it was pretty wild!!! Bottom line is the similar experience with a cheaper track car (less to maintain), will be a better investment for your long term goal. JMO.

Good luck,

WEK.

[Santiago]

I like the Miata route, since I have the same concerns that Skullandbones mentioned about how much it will drain your resources just to get an old Mustang up to snuff. Miatas also seem easy to sell off when you're done.

Still, seems that you could get away with less overall expense just renting a car if you're just looking to try out being on track. And let's not forget just going to a track event to check it out first. That alone may be enough to tell you if you are up for heavy tracking (or full-on wheel-to-wheel racing). As an added bonus you may make contacts with folks who could help you (a) find a suitable Mustang or Miata if they know of a great fit for you (b) find a renter who has something more interesting than what Enterprise has to offer.

Last, sounds like you're in for either the Roadster or the 33. The thing about the Challenge car is that if you're looking to do wheel-to-wheel racing with it, you may be thinking of joining their spec series - but that requires a spec build. So this is a great option for someone confident in their long-distance vision of where they want to be. If you build it as you please and then decide you want to do wheel-to-wheel, you'll have to find a suitable class to run or go through the expense of converting it into a legal car for the spec class. It's all perfectly feasible, but there are added expenses to different options. Better to have a quick heads-up early on.

Best,
-j

p.s. -FWIW, the new 818R is built specifically for wheel-to-wheel racing and like a freestyle Challenge car can be legally fitted into a few different classes depending on your build.

[R Thomas]

Thanks for your generous offer after a bit more research I will call you. Don't want to waste your time asking stuff I can look up.

[R Thomas]

The idea of using a Mustang to do the HPDE with Nasa is that anything I had to repair upgrade would be usable in the final build. Bearings tie rods engine and trans work all benefit the build that follows using the Mustang as a donor.

[R Thomas]

Thanks this helps my thought process a lot and first attending a race then renting before buying anything to make track ready may just be the right path. And thanks for all the input to all that responded this is indeed a great resource.

[Gordon Levy]

The other questions I can answer is I am a former regional director for NASA and currently compete in several classes. I am also a national instructor and driver coach with NASA.