SpeedSF Blog
Every Build Has a Story – Meet the Cars of SpeedSF
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.
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.
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.
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?
Alex’s FL5 Type R: Best of Both Worlds
The FK8 was too gaudy, the MX-5 was too cramped, and the FL5 was just right. When Alex was able to bring home a new Civic Type R for the occasional track outing, he knew he’d found the best possible compromise within his budget.
Sonoma’s Recent Repave Helps Set New Records
Sonoma’s recent repave — the first in over two decades — has helped Speed SF’s fastest set new records in three of the Challenge groups.
Hubert's MKIV Supra: Soft Spot
After failing to find an E30 M3 to begin tracking, Hubert decided he’d get his HPDE start in a fourth-generation Supra Turbo: the slinky grand tourer he fell in love with during his teenage street racing days.
Ken's 240SX: Twenty Years in the Making
Twenty years after picking it up, Ken brought a revitalized version of his old track car back to Laguna. It’d sat for a decade as Ken raised a family, but late those nights after the kids went to bed, he studied whatever he could and amassed a collection of track parts. When he finally got a chance to give it another lease on life, he didn’t cut any corners.
Thomas' Corvette: In Good Company
In only two years, Thomas has learned more than most will grasp in a decade of track days. Having a solid, dependable C5 has helped him put in his time, and having Elite Performance as a resource has made fine-tuning the car so much simpler.
Jacek's M3: In Good Hands
By leaving some of the tough questions to the talented guys at R-Crew, Jacek’s been able to enjoy four stress-free years of regular tracking with this E46 workhorse. Simple, clean, seriously quick, and always willing to turn another lap—this car has it all.
Blake's M4: Friendly Firepower
While the F82 still lacks the tuning support some of its predecessors enjoy, the long-wheelbase platform has served Blake Titus as he’s learned the basics of track driving. A satisfying platform that’s “always on the verge of killing you,” as he puts it.
Sonoma Logistics: Where to Stay, What to Eat, What to Wear
With a unique rhythm, great amenities, and amazing food and lodging nearby, Sonoma Raceway is one of the most popular destination tracks on our calendar.
Laguna Seca Logistics: Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to Wear
Make sure to bring a jacket, because Laguna Seca can be chilly first thing in the morning. Thankfully, there are plenty of accommodations available for those who aren’t interested in camping.
Elie's E46 M3: Not Too Much, Not Too Little
Though the car has a reputation as being a pricey pain in the ass, Elie Mansour’s proven that the E46 M3 is reliable as anything—and faster than 70% of most track toys—when given the right sort of TLC.
Steven's McLaren 675LT: Hardly Fair Anymore
After hearing nothing but praise from his driving coach, Steven Melson decided he’d have to try a 675LT for himself. He flew out to COTA to test one, but that particular car was crashed minutes before he was supposed to hop in it. Undeterred, he sought out another and has been continually shocked at how capable this supercar is.
Kevin Schweigert's GR86: Back to Basics
After several unfulfilling years spent chasing big power, Kevin’s realized that the quality he most appreciates in a sports car is its incisiveness and communication. After a return to a simple, agile GR86, he found that thrill that got him obsessed with trackday driving in the first place.
Seigo Ma's S2000: Grip and Reassurance
Aiming for a place at the sharp end of S3, Seigo Ma turned this S2000 into a predictable, reassuring machine he could lean on without fear. With a lot of aero grip, the S2000 is sticky enough to chase down cars twice as grunty.