Track Car Advice

[Camble]

Hi guys,
I've recently properly returned to CS after a while out, having bought a Fabia VRS SE last year.
I've been regularly checking the forums and following several fantastic build threads, but haven't really extended my browsing to posting, so here goes!

Basically I've wanted to have a track car since I can remember, I'm putting money aside every month to put towards getting one and I would really like one sooner than later as I would love to use it in the summer.

I'm thinking of getting one of the following cars for around the £1200 mark, stripping it to it's bare minimum and selling any spare parts to plunge back into the car:
172 PH1/2
Mk2 Golf GTI
Toyota MR2

I would be like to pay around £1200 (or slightly more) for a car in good working order, developing the car in small steps starting with brakes, stripping and suspension - All bits that I can do myself as an enthusiast.

The only real problem I have is how I would get the car to the track, as my Fabia VRS is not legally allowed to tow.
From what I can see my options are to buy a trailer and tow car, or to insure the car throughout the year (only being used to drive to and from track 1/2 times a month).

What do you guys think? Are there any other options that you can think of? Is there a special insurance that would suit this?

Any help on the above would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks in advance
Liam

 

[16v_paddy]

In your situation - which isn't too dis-similar to mine - I'd keep the track car road legal & have it insured on a limited mileage policy unless getting the trailer & tow car is something you can get while getting the track car sorted. I'd also double check to see if you need to get another category added to your licence depending when you passed your test

 

[Camble]

Are there any recommended limited mileage companies out there?

I would literally be only using the car for less than 2/3k miles a year at tops so I don't want to have to spend thousands a year on insurance due to my age (19) and my NCB being on my main car :|

 

[f0xy]

Depending on how far you go with a track car spec some probably wont even insure it. I gave up insuring the Mk1 as the amount I used it wouldnt justify the cost of Tax/Insurance/MOT. I just trailered it instead after getting B+E licence.

 

[16v_paddy]

No specialist insurers as such, they always ask you how many miles you'll do when asking for a quote. You just have to do it the old fashioned way & actually talk to them on the phone.
I take back my previous comment because of your age, might work out cheaper & easier to go with the tow car & trailer option instead, get some quotes 1st & go from there

 

[LewisTaylor]

You can hire a trailer for about £25 per day... I'm considering this for the future once my MOT runs out.

 

[Camble]

It looks more and more likely that I'll have to get a shitty tow car (with low insurance).

I've thought about the trailer hire but you can get a decent one for < £400 so after a few trackdays it'll pay for itself really.

Any recommendations of a very cheap tow car with low insurance?

 

[Fraser.J.]

Why can you tow with you fabia?

 

[Camble]

According to the Skoda site etc it has no capacity to tow.
I'm a bit unsure why to be honest.

Mine is remapped to around 175 bhp too :|

 

[f0xy]

You are correct - VRS cant 'legally' tow, just like Clios cant. More than likely down to the design of the rear end not being strong enough to pull weight. You need a tow car that has a braked towing weight limit of at least 1400kg+ to be 'legal' once you have your B+E licence.

If you're buying a 'cheap' trailer (anything under 800-900 is cheap really) make sure it isnt a bodged caravan chassis, as with a decent sized track car (Clio etc) on them they flex like f*ck and don't tow properly at all. For a decent low bed, braked, major brand, good condition trailer realistically you're talking £1k. It does pay for itself pretty quickly regardless of cost really anyway, as if your car breaks down at the trackday you just put it on, or you can do other jobs with it outside of track days too.

 

[welshname]

Car wise have you never thought about a Saxo VTS or a Pug 106 GTi?

 

[djjonnibgood]

You are correct - VRS cant 'legally' tow, just like Clios cant.

My Seat Ibiza was fitted with a tow bar (when i bought it) same chassis, didn't realise this oooopsss!

Have you looked into day insurance?

 

[f0xy]

Would more than likely be fine for a small trailer to run to the tip, but a car is a different matter.

Saw a 172 turn up to a trackday once pulling a concerted caravan chassis with a car on the back... Couldnt get more illegal lol.

 

[16v_paddy]

Any recommendations of a very cheap tow car with low insurance?

This site might be useful http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/kerbweights.htm

 

[f0xy]

I had a 2000 plate Passat TDI estate, it was only 110bhp and bought it on 180k. Lasted me a year and 40k miles, sold if for more than I paid, £950. Towed trailer + Clio no issue at all. As you probably know, you can't really go wrong with a VAG diesel.

 

[Camble]

How much was the insurance on that Jord? Was that your main car? (I can't remember)

 

[f0xy]

Yeah I used it for a year as a daily, took it all over Europe and towed the Clio round with it. £650ish with 4yr NCB. I would have kept it longer, would have probably done another 40k with ease, but I just wanted to buy something a bit newer as a daily so got the BMW.

 

[Camble]

I've been looking and due to my age, using my NCB on the VRS etc my insurance is still £1000 + on a tow car

Is single day / temporary insurance a viable option? Have you ever looked into it Jord?

 

[f0xy]

Yeah but it gets expensive, as the track car still needs tax/MOT etc...

 

[mark smith87]

No track cars dont need mot or tax or insurance if they aren't driven on the road to get them there.

 

[mark smith87]

Citroen C5 or Xantia hdi ideal tow cars. Self levelling suspension and strong brakes and great diesel engines. I towed a Fiat Punto race car on a four wheel braked trailer to Brands Hatch a few years ago behind a BX TZD turbo with no problem. The Citroens have won tow car of the year for many years.

 

[f0xy]

No track cars dont need mot or tax or insurance if they aren't driven on the road to get them there.

Obviously not... But he was on about temporary/single day insurance, which would mean he wanted to drive it to/from trackdays on the road

 

[Hixle]

Plus most, if not all short term insurers won't cover anything modified.