SpeedSF Blog
Every Build Has a Story – Meet the Cars of SpeedSF
Hao’s Supra: One Fell Swoop
After a year wrestling with a heavyweight M4, Hao Wang decided a Supra would be the smaller, more nimble track car he was after. With an ex-GT500 mechanic guiding him, he overhauled the entire suspension and added top-shelf aero to help this stock power car turn remarkable times with relatively little effort.
Hrag’s R8: Unspoiled by Soft Edges
Though hesitant to begin tracking a supercar, Hrax had already gotten used to the V8 which powered his Audi S5, and the R8 he had planned shared the same motor. With a few minor tweaks, he learned this soft-edged supercar can be sharpened to suit the track without scaring a relatively new driver.
Nikhil’s E30: Nikhil and Diming
Convinced that track driving could be done on a strict budget, Nikhil Kovelamudi started crunching numbers. By making upgrades only when totally necessary and putting the majority of his allocated money to entry fees, he’s been able to set truly respectable times in a very ordinary E30 — and he’s acquired his skill in short time.
Steve’s Impreza: Simplicity Trumps Traction
With an emphasis on weight reduction and simplicity, Steve bought this bare-bones 1993 Impreza and swapped in the EJ20 from an 2000 USDM WRX, but only the motor — no four wheel-drive here. Thanks to a thoughtful selection of parts, it can put turbo power through the front wheels alone without issue.
Sean’s Exige: Keeping Him Honest
After getting tired of his Exige’s supercharged 2ZZ engine and its heatsoaking issues, Sean swapped in a K24 and developed this nimble platform. Now, while it might not have much power compared to most cars capable of running comparable lap times, it has the sort of manners, transparency, and grip that make it supremely fast and always engaging.
Markus’ EP3 Civic: Rapid Ascent
Sim racing laid the foundation, and then a milder EP3 before this one. When a track acquaintance put this K20A-swapped Civic up for sale, Markus didn’t hesitate to buy. With only 200 horsepower, it can lap Laguna in 1:40.
Justin’s Trans Am: Party Animal
With a hope for a powerful head-turner with classic styling, Justin Hertel picked up this 1988 Trans Am and swapped an LSA motor into it. As he learned, big power comes with its setbacks.
Lex’s RX-8: Underdog Pride
Mazda’s unloved little brother got a chance to shine when Lex moved on from his turbocharged FC3S RX-7 and bought this lightly tuned RX-8 from Gordon Peng. The necessary mods were already in place, which served as a foundation for Lex to acquire easy seat time in this reliable rotary.
Sergey’s E46 M3: Stay Frugal and Avoid Rabbit Holes
After finding a Miata with the basic HPDE mods, Sergey Smirnov committed to improving his skills and avoided fussing around with upgrades. When it came time to get a new car, he followed the same approach with great results.
Spencer’s GT3: Scoping New Territory
Eager to track a Porsche but worried about the expense, Spencer Kimball had to consider if it was worth leaving his E92 M3 behind for a lightly used 991.1 GT3. As he learned, the process wasn’t nearly as painful as he worried it’d be.
Justin’s FC3S RX-7: Displaced Wankel
Justin Merritt’s desire to keep up with the Mustangs pushed him to ditch his FR-S for an LS1-swapped RX-7 in need of some TLC. With a little bit of work, he’s made the Mazda into a surprisingly approachable machine with plenty of untapped potential.
Miles’ BRZ: Holistic Approach
Fueled by a desire to rise above middling, Miles Kodama bought his BRZ, enrolled in the 86 Challenge, and did everything in his power — including a serious diet and exercise regimen — to become series champion.
Connor’s E36: Standing on Solid Ground
After transitioning into HPDE from autocross, Connor Lydon recognized how taking the next step into time trials would be made easier by starting with a sorted car.
This IP-winning E36 M3 came to Connor already proven, and with a little massaging as well as a few chassis mods, it’s been able to set remarkable times with a modest amount of power.
Rafael’s FD3S RX-7: Pipe Dream
After dreaming about one of his Gran Turismo hero cars for many years, Rafael Guerrero was able to trade up through over a dozen RX-7s and eventually snag this gorgeous 1992 RX-7 Type R.
Chris’ DCT-Swapped Miata: Grasping the Big Picture
By sourcing the right parts from retired race cars, using all his industry know-how, and taking the leap to install a BMW DCT in his NB, Chris Watson’s found an inspiring recipe for a reliable track-tuned Miata that can lap Laguna in 1:33.
George’s Praga R1: Faith Over Fear
George’s collection of track cars runs the gamut, but none of his dozen or so production cars can match the intensity of his recently acquired Praga R1. This 1,500-pound sports racer has challenged him in ways nothing else has.
Brandon’s Alfa 4C: Inconspicuous Exotic
Tired of Spec Miata and needing to build an unusual track car, Brandon picked up this Alfa 4C and gave it all the chassis mods needed to help it shine on the road course.
Piers’ 240Z: From First Principles
After rebuilding a carbureted bike in his apartment’s underground parking lot, Piers bought a pretty 240Z and began learning how to make an old Datsun work on track.
Bennet’s C8: Driver Mod Comes First
After making the jump from a Tesla Model 3 into a gen-two BRZ, Bennet realized that he had to continually tailor his driving approach to suit the new platform. He took that understanding into his next purchase, a C8 Corvette, and soon grew to love the MR platform which, initially, had been a little too challenging.