Autocross racing is one of the best ways for anyone to get into motorsports. And luckily, many cheap cars on the market make great autocross racers without a ton of modifications.
This article will share some insight on how to get into autocross racing, how races work, and show you some budget-beating automobile options to get you racing in no time.
What is Autocross Racing?
Autocross racing is different than most types of racing. Indeed, autocross races are frequently held in parking lots with tracks marked in cones. And even better, almost any vehicle can enter a race, from lowly minivans to track-only racers. Drivers compete against the clock rather than against other drivers. The nature of autocross tracks places emphasis on driver skill and vehicle handling rather than outright power and speed.
It’s worth mentioning that the term “autocross” refers mostly to the fact that the cars are racing solo and that all car types are accepted. The kind of terrain can differ significantly depending on the event. For example, some autocross races are held on circuits, others in closed parking lots. Some are on a paved surface, while others might race in the mud. And that’s the beauty of the sport.
Autocross events are often staffed by the same people who are racing, and there is a spirit of participation and cooperation at these events.
Also, the fact that each car is always alone on the track significantly reduces the risk of getting into an accident with another driver. If you have ever tried another type of motorsport, such as rally and drifting, you might already be aware that crashes and related repairs add up rather quickly.
What are the Rules of Autocross Racing
Every year, autocross racing attracts thousands of novice drivers to events all over the country. The rules prepared by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) are relatively simple and readily available online. While there are numerous rules pertaining to various aspects of the vehicles and drivers, there are several factors drivers should consider when selecting a car.
Car Requirements
Autocross racing allows nearly any vehicle to enter competitions. As such, the rules are quite open. Nonetheless, vehicles must be in a safe condition and pass a safety inspection. But of course, that’s also required in any other organized races, even demolition derbies. Even better, cars don’t even need to be licensed or registered for street use, but you’ll see many daily drivers at events.
Safety inspectors ensure that the inside of the vehicle is free of loose objects and that cameras and other items are securely attached. Tires must have measurable tread and be free of cracks, showing cords, or further damage. Furthermore, wheels must be mounted appropriately and in good condition. Exhaust must exit behind the driver, and seat belts are required in all cars. The battery must also be tied down, and some races might require drivers to wear a helmet.
Tech inspectors will also look for leaking fluids and damage to vehicles. Vehicles with coolant, brake fluid, oil, or transmission fluid leaks won’t get the seal of approval. Moreover, brake systems require a dual master cylinder and a functional manual emergency brake.
Driver Requirements
Worth mentioning that drivers must be SCCA members. However, a five-day weekend membership only costs $15. Furthermore, except for go-kart drivers, all drivers must have valid driver’s licenses. Drivers are also required to wear closed-toe shoes and buckle their seat belts when racing.
Other than these basic requirements, drivers should know the rules and act in a safe and appropriate manner at events —but that is also the case with every other type of racing. Until now, I’ve never seen one where it was okay to drive like an asshole.
Best Cheap Cars for Autocross Racing
Lots of lists out there claim to tell you about good cheap cars for autocross racing, then give you a bunch of $30,000 or incredibly rare models.
The truth is that for very little money, you can be racing in no time — assuming that you choose your car wisely. To help you with that, here are a few vehicles we love that are actually affordable, easy to maintain, and not that hard to find.
Volkswagen Golf Mk4 GTI VR6
Almost any year of the Volkswagen Golf VR6 will make an excellent autocross racer. However, we particularly like the fourth-gen because of the wide availability of the parts. The GTI was available with several engines, but the ones you really want are the 12v or 24v VR6 models. Both offer better reliability and torque than the 1.8T and 2.0.
And the best is that you can find good condition fourth-gen GTI VR6s for less than $5,000 nowadays. Look hard enough, and you may find a street-legal, running and driving GTI VR6 for less than $3,000. We found one in Los Angeles with 86,000 miles for $2,700 just the other day.
What makes the GTI VR6 an excellent entry-level autocross racer is its low stance and dynamic handling. After all, VW’s reputation regarding handling is not to be made anymore. Also, big power is often detrimental in autocross since it’s more about entry-and-exit speeds, holding your racing line, and not straight-flat blasts.
A bone-stock GTI VR6 is entirely fun on a racecourse, but this cheap car’s best benefit is its upgradability. You’ll easily find tons of aftermarket parts online since the Mk4 is still very popular in the compact car tuning scene.
Mazda Miata MX-5
There’s no reason to beat around the bush on this pick — the Miata is such a perfect autocross car that it’s used by racing schools to teach drivers proper driving techniques. The two-seater is well-built, light, agile, and peppy enough in stock trim to be thoroughly enjoyable on a track day.
Our favorite is the first-generation models built between 1989 and 1997. These cars are super cheap, and over 400,000 of them were sold in the US. Parts are plentiful, and upgrades are simple and easy to do. You can find track-appropriate ones for less than $5,000. If you are handy and want a bit of a project, mechanic’s specials are out there for $800. We even found a 1st-gen Miata already used as a track car for only $1,700.
If you want a more comfortable and better-looking option, both the second and third-generation Miata MX-5 are affordable and perform well on the track. However, keep in mind that they come with factory performance improvements over the first-gen cars, but each successive generation also got heavier — and weight is what kills cornering.
Porsche Boxster S 1st Gen
If you are serious about winning, it’s going to be a challenge to find a better car than the Porsche Boxster S. It’s nimble, powerful, and easily controllable when pushed hard. Parts are readily available, and an enthusiastic aftermarket provides tons of performance modification opportunities.
The Porsche Boxster S hit the streets in 2000, featuring a 3.2L water-cooled flat-six engine good for around 250 HP. At about 2,800 lbs, it’s roughly 600 lbs heavier than a Miata but provides a 135 hp gain. The mid-engine layout creates a low center of gravity and neutral handling, making the Boxster S a fearsome foe on the track.
You are probably going to pay a little more for a Boxster S, though. We found several dealerships offering excellent condition first-gen Boxster S models for around $13,000. You might have to search a bit, but we did find private sellers selling theirs for approximately $7,000.
The downside to the Boxster S is the cost of repairs and replacement parts. While these cars are more affordable than some wilder Porsches, parts still carry a premium price tag. Luckily, you can easily cut down on repair expenses by doing most of the work on your own with a good repair manual for Porsche Boxster S.
And, of course, we gotta admit, racing a Porsche is always a little more glamorous than a Golf or a Miata. So if you can afford it, why not?
Triumph Spitfire 1500
Here is a car you probably won’t see on any other lists for autocross cars, and it’s a shame. The Triumph Spitfire was a mass-produced British sports car, and as such, there is simply a ton of them in the US. While mint, museum-condition ones are typically in the sub-$12,000, you can pick up a late 1970 Spitfire 1500 for less than $4,000. Project cars are all over the internet, and some can be yours for $1,000 or less.
What many people don’t realize about these little gems is they have a racing pedigree. The Spitfire was built to compete in SCCA racing and dominated many tracks in its day. And even better, these cars are among the easiest to service you’ll ever find. Parts are plentiful and inexpensive, and unlike many British sports cars, everything is SAE and negative-ground.
The 1500 models are among the most accessible for autocross racing. The Spitfire uses a transverse rear leaf -think Porsche 911- which can cause a phenomenon known as jacking. SCCA rules require a camber compensator to eliminate jacking, which the 1500 model has as standard. These models also benefit from a stronger rear axle that is less likely to shear when cornering.
These cars have been all over race tracks since their debut in 1963. Production ended in 1980, and the vast majority of vehicles were exported to the United States. There are numerous ways to upgrade them to create a thrilling autocross racer that’s easy on the wallet. Before you turn your nose up at a car with factory-rated power of around 70 hp, keep in mind these cars weigh 1,700 lbs in factory trim and can easily be trimmed down to 1,400 lbs — they are also fairly easy to work on when you can rely on a good Triumph Spitfire repair manual, which is not to neglect when planning to put significant track time on any car.
BMW E36 M3
If you are considering buying a BMW E36, act quickly. This is one of the hot cars right now for autocross racing, performance street driving, and collectible BMW fun. The E36 M3 provides tons of power and performance in a really attractive suit. The US version of the M3 built between 1996 and 1999 is what you should be on the lookout for.
The M3 is legendary nomenclature on the street, and those same principles make the E36 a delightful autocross racer. The car has a wonderful torque band and superb handling characteristics you might not expect from a coupe. The M3 will make you a better driver right away, thanks to its impressive handling and maneuverability.
The inline-6 S52 engine of the USDM M3 produces 240 hp and 238 ft/lbs of torque in a 3,125 lb car. Unfortunately, these cars are a little harder to find than most others on this list, but you’ll still find nice, streetable examples for around $7,500. However, just like the Porsche Boxster S, expect to pay premium prices for replacement parts, but the aftermarket options are astounding.
Bonus fact: If you’ve got your heart set on a convertible, take a look for a BMW Z3M from the same year as the M3. Same engine, excellent racer, and is somewhat affordable these days.
What Are Some of the Best SCCA Cars?
Some of the best cheap SCCA cars are the BMW E36, Porsche Boxter, and Mazda Miata. Autocross competition is about light and nimble cars flying through tight courses and short sprints. So, if money is no object and you want something a little better than an E36, a BMW M2 or an M235i is a great alternative. The M2 is slightly heavier than an E36, but the more modern turbocharged engines have a lot more potential.
As a Boxter alternative, look for the 718 Cayman. Again, the modern chassis and engines will easily outperform the Boxter. Plus, the Cayman with a fixed roof has a much more rigid chassis, crucial on tighter courses.
A Subaru BRZ or a Lotus Elise are good alternatives to the Miata. There is hardly a car that feels more at home on short and fast tracks than an Elise, a car built from the ground up to be as light and rigid as possible. On the other hand, the BRZ is an excellent beginner car that’s easy to work on, and the low center of gravity that the flat-four boxer engine provides will be most beneficial in Autocross.
Last Words
Autocross racing is the most approachable way for beginners and novices alike to get into motorsports. The rules are designed to encourage cooperation and competition, while the racecourses place a premium on driver skill over horsepower. Unlike most racing leagues, you can drive street cars on autocross tracks, and there is definitely something cool about showing up to the office Monday morning with paint pen numbers on the windshield and time slips on the dash.
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself a nimble little racer and give autocross a try.
You won’t regret it! ✌
