SpeedSF Blog
Every Build Has a Story – Meet the Cars of SpeedSF
Mike’s C6: No Hanging the Helmet
After forty years on bikes, Mike and his wife made a compromise. As long as he transitioned into something safer, he'd keep going to the track. With this mildly tuned C6, he’s been able to enjoy a late-life racing renaissance.
Matt’s E36 M3: No More Tears
When the costs of his supercharged E46 M3 started getting to him, Matt decided to try something less likely to heatsoak.
Now pushing 250,000 miles without an issue, Matt’s budget replacement has fulfilled its intention.
Weize’s ND3 Miata: Sim Prep Fortification
After recognizing the financial realities of regular track driving, Weize decided to begin prepping for events with his simulator to ensure he made the most of his weekends.
Thanks to the accessible sim experience, he graduated from GR86 to ND3 - a shift highlighting his growing comfort with rotation - and started clicking off respectable times in no time.
Hernan’s Corolla: The Right Side of the Strain-Satisfaction Spectrum
Fearing an FA24 failure and looking for a more family-friendly car, Hernan Ferraris picked up a GR Corolla and augmented his driving style to suit the front-biased hatch.
With a few modifications to address the car’s cooling issues, he’s gotten over his misgivings and gets real satisfaction — and minimal strain — from this livable, multifaceted machine.
Marcus’ Datsun 510: In His Blood
Using all his know-how from his fabrication business, Marcus Fry took an aging Datsun 510, swapped a series of motors into it, and attached enough homebuilt aero to fly a small plane with. The result is a 2,500-pound, 600-horsepower monster capable of lapping Sonoma in 1:42.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fan’s NC Miata: Truncating Ten Years
Proper planning and dedication to simulator racing helped Fan learn the skills needed to run fast laps in roughly a third of the time it takes people without a well-researched plan. Now, he laps Laguna Seca in this mildly modified MX-5 in the 1:45-range.
Chris’ Evora: Penny-Pinching Pays Off
After a frustrated spell with a supercharged E92 M3 that could never quite put the power down, Chris Mayfield picked up a mid-engined sports car with a higher performance ceiling.
He found the Evora fun and competent in stock trim, and with full aero from Zebulon, it became a record setter.
Joe’s RX-7: Long Time Coming
As problematic as the rotary engine has been for Joe Salinas, he's had a hell of a time modifying his thirteen different Mazda RX-7s — especially this track-only widebody FD3S.
CSG Brake Pads: Details Make the Difference
Thanks to a detailed feedback loop between CounterSpace Garage and their wide array of active customers, they've been able to provide a usable, confidence-inspiring brake pad for every popular HPDE platform today.
Forced Induction For Track Work: Supercharging Two Popular Platforms
The S2000 and E46 M3 have weight and nimbleness going for them. Do they need more power?
AP’s Spec Corvette: Ferrari Fill-In For Forty Large
After giving the Ferrari Challenge series a shot, AP Miranda decided he’d look for a more welcoming group of drivers in another popular club series. He found Spec Corvette, a cost-conscious series based around the C5, ticked all the boxes at a sixth of the Ferrari’s price.
Speed SF Goes Karting: A Thank You to our Coaches
Miles Kodama, Nate Hackman, and Matt Misencik put in an incredible number of hours this past year, and to thank them for their time and effort, we sponsored them in a charity karting event at Sonoma Raceway.
Tom’s Miata: Frankenstein Fun
After getting tired of turbo problems with his Mini, Tom bought a cost-effective NC Miata to earn his spurs. After the stock motor blew, he decided to swap a Fusion 2.5-liter four to give the NC’s fantastic chassis some much-needed mid-range torque.