Best Track Day Cars for 2024
When it comes to track day cars, the key is to prioritize handling, responsiveness, and performance over comfort and luxury. These specialized machines are designed to deliver pure driving pleasure and engage the driver in every aspect of the experience. In this article, we’ll explore the top picks for brilliant, back-to-basics track day entertainers for 2024.
1. Ariel Atom 4R
The Ariel Atom 4R is the fourth generation of this iconic track day car. Its pared-back aesthetics and laser-focus on driver engagement make it the most advanced and exciting iteration yet. With a power output of 400bhp and updated suspension, the 4R offers blistering performance and razor-sharp handling. It’s a total immersion device that leaves drivers exhilarated and happily exhausted. The Atom 4 has already proven its excellence by winning multiple awards, including Britain’s Best Driver’s Car shootout.
2. Caterham Seven 360R
The Caterham Seven is a true classic in the world of lightweight sports cars. The 360R model, powered by a 180 bhp 2.0-liter engine, strikes the perfect balance between thrills, involvement, and affordability. Its communicative steering and nimble chassis allow for precise control and millimeter-precise cornering. The Seven is a lightweight sports car that offers unparalleled driving pleasure and a connection to the road that few other cars can match.
3. Spartan
The Spartan is an Australian road legal track day weapon that aims to rival cars like the Ariel Atom and Radical. With a bespoke spaceframe chassis, double wishbone suspension, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Honda engine, the Spartan delivers sensational performance. It weighs just 700kg and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.3 seconds. The Spartan’s unique design, finessed driving dynamics, and impressive performance make it a remarkable first effort from Down Under.
4. Morgan Super 3
The Morgan Super 3 may have a quaint pseudo-vintage car styling, but beneath its charming exterior lies a technically advanced and intriguing machine. With a light and strong bonded aluminum chassis and a Ford Fiesta ST 1.5-liter three-pot engine, the Super 3 offers tons of fun on the road. Its open cockpit and small aero screens give drivers the feeling of piloting a bi-plane. The Morgan Super 3 is an exquisitely finished lightweight sports car that delivers a unique driving experience.
5. Ariel Nomad
The Ariel Nomad is a dune-buggy-like track day car that offers unbridled fun factor. Despite its lack of luxury or refinement, the Nomad delivers greater enjoyment than arguably anything else on four wheels. Whether on-road, track, or loose ground, the Nomad’s technical prowess and stonking performance make it sensational to drive. Its incredible ride quality and beautiful construction further enhance the driving experience. If pure driving pleasure is your priority, the Ariel Nomad is hard to beat.
6. Wells Vertige
The Wells Vertige is a compact mid-engined sports car designed to deliver accessible performance and invigorating handling. Powered by a tuned Ford 2.0-liter Duratec engine, the Vertige’s low weight allows for quick acceleration and nimble cornering. Its communicative unassisted steering and supple suspension setup make it a delight to drive, reminiscent of the much-loved Lotus Elise. Despite its size-zero kerbweight, the Vertige offers space for two in its well-built cabin, making it usable for daily driving or road trips.
7. BAC Mono R
The BAC Mono R is a car that will make you feel like a race driver. With its formula racing grid-inspired design and entirely road-legal package, the Mono R offers an intense driving experience. Its tubular spaceframe core covered in carbon fiber panels and 342bhp output give it outrageous performance. The Mono R’s ultra-precise suspension and lightweight construction make it a track-focused machine that excels in delivering pure driving pleasure.
8. Dallara Stradale
If authenticity is what you crave, the Dallara Stradale is the car for you. Built by Italian outfit Dallara, renowned for its expertise in motorsport, the Stradale offers a screenless barchetta design and a 395bhp Ford 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine. With its ferocious performance, unassisted steering, and arrow-true chassis, the Stradale delivers a full-immersion fever on the track. While it may have some limitations, such as imperfect cabin ergonomics, the Stradale is a brilliant machine that embodies the spirit of motorsport.
9. MK Indy RX-5
The MK Indy RX-5 is a plucky British sports car that offers a unique twist. Its design uses a MK2 Mazda MX-5 donor for its running gear, making it an affordable and reliable option for weekend fun. The RX-5’s quick steering, low mass, and well-sorted suspension allow it to dart through corners with precision and agility. With the option to upgrade to turbocharging, the RX-5 offers potent performance that can rival hot hatches. While it may not have the same cachet as a Caterham, the MK Indy RX-5 provides laugh-out-loud fun at a great value.
10. Mazda MX-5
Last but not least, the Mazda MX-5 deserves a spot on this list. As a spirited and balanced sports car, the MX-5 offers excellent performance and handling. While it may not be as quick as a like-for-like hot hatch, the MX-5’s nimble nature and involving driving experience make up for it. With its compact size and thoughtful packaging, the MX-5 proves that a lightweight sports car can deliver plenty of fun on the road.
In conclusion, the best track day cars for 2024 offer unrivaled handling, performance, and driver engagement. From the Ariel Atom 4R to the Mazda MX-5, these back-to-basics track day entertainers provide an immersive and thrilling driving experience. Whether you’re looking for blistering speed, razor-sharp handling, or pure driving pleasure, these cars deliver on all fronts. So strap in, hit the track, and enjoy the exhilaration that these track day cars have to offer.
