28 replies to this topic

[bryan_s]

So far the thing that costs (way way) more than I expected is a trailer. What is the minimum size needed to fit a miata on?

 

edit: sorry, i can just google the car size, what I'm asking is a recommendation that would include room for whatever additional items are typically needed for a track weekend like extra wheels/tires and whatnot. Assume a typical pickup truck with some cargo capacity in the bed as well.

[Bench Racer]

To help answer this ^ question, go to the track and view what people haul and what type of trailer. 

[Steve Scheifler]

To help answer this ^ question, go to the track and view what people haul and what type of trailer.

Very efficient, particularly in January in the Midwest!

[Bench Racer]

Very efficient, particularly in January in the Midwest!

Thanks Steve, I'd have never thought of that.

 

When I started looking towards entering Spec Miata I was not new to racing or road racing and I looked at a lot of $hit cars from which to build and looked at several built cars which were not worth the asking cost. I knew what to look for in either of said cars. 

[Tom Sager]

So far the thing that costs (way way) more than I expected is a trailer. What is the minimum size needed to fit a miata on?

 

edit: sorry, i can just google the car size, what I'm asking is a recommendation that would include room for whatever additional items are typically needed for a track weekend like extra wheels/tires and whatnot. Assume a typical pickup truck with some cargo capacity in the bed as well.

You can do just fine with a pickup truck and 16' - 18' deck open trailer.  That and a crew cab pickup will have enough room and you can probably mount additional storage near the tongue of the trailer.  Enclosed trailers are very nice to have, but not necessary.  Aluminum trailers are like money in the bank, their resale value holds up quite well.  Hard to find used but not impossible.  Steel trailers are pretty cheap and widely available new and used.  If you buy used be prepared to refurbish brakes, bearings, etc...  

[Steve Scheifler]

FWIW, I didn’t walk to school up hill BOTH ways, but I did start racing while in an apartment without a garage so rented one from a neighbor in a larger unit. I borrowed a friend’s old Suburban that she rarely drove, and rented a U-haul open trailer because I would have had to rent a place to park one if I’d owned it. That combination got me through nearly two seasons, during which I bought the ‘Burb and then a 16’ open trailer. Then my brother joined me and we had to start rethinking, but I could have stayed with that rig a long time running alone.

[bryan_s]

Thanks guys for all your feedback in this thread. At this point I think it's fair to say that I have fallen prey to the common newbie error of putting multiple carts before the horse. So now I'm going to find a tow vehicle so I can then find a trailer so I can then find a race car.

[Alberto]

LOL I drove my car to the track for the first few events.  Didn't enjoy it much...  Bought a truck and rented a trailer from UHaul for 3-4 years.  I was renting a townhouse and couldn't park a trailer on the property so it made more financial sense to just rent from UHaul.  once I got a house and no HOA, I bought a trailer.  Bought it new for $2k which was about what they were going for used.  Instead of an 'off the floor' standard 16', I had them shorten the deck a bit to better fit my driveway.  Didn't cost any more to customize it.  Got a light steel Carson California with the open center and steel deck.  Wood needs replacing over time....

 

Racingjunk is annoying to search but glad you figured it out.  

[Stephen Johnson]

There is a car in KC that has been sitting for a long time. It was Mac Spikes old car. Would need to be converted back to a SM, but its a decent start. Nice cage and good bodywork. Would need SM suspension and paint. I think it has a stock 1.8 in it now. I have been thinking about buying it to turn into a track day car for the kids but probably won't happen.  I miss Mac and the girls but thats an entirely different story.