First off I have been lurking the forums here for a few weeks and just recently decided to setup an account. I have read many threads on the forums here but still seem to be a bit confused on what direction I should be going in to.
I am looking into buying some type of open wheel Formula car. From what I can tell F600, F1000 and FM seem to be what are sticking out to me. I like the looks of the winged cars, however this isn't obviously the point of buying a car.
Any help and advice would be great. Below I'll list a few key points about my specific situation and hopefully this helps.
1- I'm looking into a formula car as a hobby/recreational sport with the possibility of getting better and racing competitively over time.
2- I currently race a 2008 Dodge Viper privately here in Michigan at Gingerman and Grattan but also ran MIS for some private events.
3- I've owned several Vipers (including an ACR), Corvettes and a Lotus Elise and can run low 1:40's at Gingerman and low 1:30's at Grattan stock in the Viper's.
4- Cost of car and operating is always an issue (i'm not made of money and I will be racing on my own dime) however I have a fair budget and can squeeze in other places if needed.
5- I'd like to purchase a car in the $10,000-$40,0000 range but honestly am not sure what car is best for me.
6- I'd prefer a car I can race often when I'm to that level. For example I don't want some odd ball car I can only race in California or something (pardon my ignorance!).
7- I do all the maintenance on my car's myself and always have. I have a large garage and all the tools I can imagine I would ever need.
8- I have truck they'll tow, and even an enclosed trailer but not opposed to buying a car/trailer combo.
9- I have experience with GSXR 600 bikes and R1 bikes as I have owned a few in the past.
10- I don't want to buy I car I can't handle, but then again I don't want some car that's so below my skill level that I would in turn have to sell and upgrade.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm open and don't expect someone to do the work for me, however I have spent hours upon hours just reading random threads (because the are just damn interesting) that have nothing to do with my situation.
Thanks again and I look forward to reply's!
-Tim