Cheap Race Car - Spec Racer Fords - An odd day | Everyday Driver

When a friend of the show invited us to a testing session of Spec Racer Fords, we took the opportunity to do something totally different. Having never driven on Thunderhill or in a Spec Racer, there was a lot to learn. But, getting the chance to go flat out, and even too far, is a rare opportunity we always enjoy.

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[dawolfsburg]

0:43 - Hello Sunglasses! 1:27 Bye Sunglasses!

[OliverHoffmannDesign]

This is a recurring theme among automotive and motorcycle journalists: they always have more fun in/on lighter vehicles with less power, running closer to the limits. And yet production cars keep raising the numbers to stupid levels. My first gen Mazda RX-7 weighed about 2300 lbs and had 101 hp... and that felt like a lot of fun back in the day.

[JakobusVdL]

A light weight, low cost track specific car like this makes a lot more sense than modifying a heavier road car for track work.

[chrisluecke]

Hey Todd. Thanks for showing the times you went off track. It’s good to know that even experienced track drivers can have an off.

[stankygeorge]

For 10K, I'm in, this is one of the best driving test that I have seen on any vehicle. This looks fun!

[Hondeer]

Spec Fords are fantastic to learn in once you get bored with Karts! We have track days here at PiR and run with them on the same day, not same flights. Great cheers all around. Loads of laughs. The Spec guys are a little more chill than us kart nuts :)

[jondion]

This class is awesome! I worked with a team that rented these and did arrive and drive packages for car owners. SRF2/3 cars are incredibly reliable and quick. Usually minor setup changes at the track.

[Cogito]

One of my favorite pieces I have seen you guys do because it was so authentic and felt like we were right there with you. Todd I have coached myself thru corners like that many of times!

[KRW]

I haven't followed SCCA racing in YEARS. I had no idea anyone was still running Spec Fords. TERRIFIC!! Thab-nk you.

[eduardogranja]

Hey you left your sun glasses on the fender of the car!!! The report is awesome.

[gregtoth]

Great job guys! You seemed to capture the fun of driving a properly set up car on track and how it just blows away struggling to get a road car to behave, no matter how good the road car. And all for less than $30k! AccelRaceTek is a great outfit as well for either dipping your toe in the water for a day or two rental or supporting you in getting fully immersed in racing.

[LeeePowers]

I forget the chassis constructor, but there was also a Spec Racer Toyota.
It was powered by the old 4v 4AG, but I don't think they were tuned to Formula Atlantic level.(245bhp)

[michaelroberts]

YOU SPUN!!!! Welcome to the club, that's the only way you lean the limits of grip. Did you feel the rear tires unload all the sudden and your brain scream "oh shit"! Exhilarating isn't it 😀

[fcsboy]

This class is known as wreck Ford racers as they are very much entertaining to watch as usually 70 plus start only half finish and normally most get wrecked on lap one

[RaceMattC]

Any chance for a follow up video with the other car on track?
Also love these videos of really new experiences. You really nailed how driving a racecar doesn’t compare to anything on the road

[tornivore]

Fun video, makes me want to go to the track. Keep up the great work!

[tommack]

I started racing in 1990 at Skip Barber in Formula Fords. Same basic car with 110hp at 1100 lbs. Would crush Porsches and Vettes. Perfect first time racecar to learn racing technique. I found the most important part is the schooling and coaching. Take the 3 day class and you will have 100x more fun when you fly solo. 'Theres a lot more there. Just trust it...'

[calvinalemon]

Looks like a cool experience! Thanks for sharing!

[garycates]

I've done the racing school at PIR (Portland, OR) in this car and a bunch of lapping days. I Can't say enough good about the school (great people!) and the car is an absolute blast! These days I get my thrills online with iRacing's super accurate replication of the car along with a really fun group of racers.

[zachcrouch]

Man I wish there was a track even somewhat close to me