Pontiac Solstice Z0K Club Sport
Racing gear: The Z0K option package includes a sport suspension, heavy-duty power-steering cooler, and a limited-slip differential. The SCCA further requires a hard top, FIA-approved seats and harnesses, and a roll cage. A mufflerless cat-back exhaust system, racing tires, and higher-friction brake pads also are recommended.
Cost: $30,000 (est.)
How to get one: Order a Solstice Z0K, perform the modifications.
Competes in: SCCA Showroom Stock B
number of races: Varies by region
Winner gets: A trophy
Ford Mustang FR500S
Racing gear: The FR500S is modified with a six-point harness, window net, quick-release steering wheel, fire-suppression system, Lexan quarter and rear windows, data acquisition, rear wing, front spoiler, BFGoodrich racing tires, and assorted Ford Racing parts (including cold-air intake; high-capacity radiator; six-speed gearbox with short-throw shifter; upgraded clutch; Torsen differential; recalibrated PCM; stainless-steel, long-tube headers; suspension-tower brace; adjustable front and fixed rear antiroll bars; and Brembo front brakes with racing pads). Sound deadening and seam sealer are removed.
Cost: $75,000
How to get one: Available through Miller Motorsports Park (MillerCup.com) or a Ford dealer.
Competes in: Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup
Number of races: 8
Winner gets: $5000 per race
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Racing gear: Full body kit, six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, race-tuned suspension, roll cage, and racing brakes with ABS.
Cost: $0 (all vehicles are owned and maintained by Volkswagen, but drivers must pay entry and travel costs)
How to get one: It's too late for this season. Competes in: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup (SCCA)
Number of races: 8
Winner gets: $1500 (race); $100,000 (season); $250,000 (if signed by a professional motorsports team within six months of winning the series)
Mazda MX-5 Cup
Racing gear: Mazdaspeed cold-air intake and high-flow exhaust, a front suspension-tower brace (from the sport package), and a Mazdaspeed Motorsports Development MX-5 Cup suspension kit. Eight-point roll cage and full safety equipment required. Convertible top and hardware must be removed.
Cost: $50,000 (est.)
How to get one: Buy a new or used MX-5, perform the modifications.
Competes in: Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup (SCCA)
Number of races: 8
Winner gets: $4500 per race
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
Racing gear: Aero kit; driver's racing seat; quick-release steering wheel; Motec display with integrated data recorder; roll cage; six-speed sequential gearbox; racing exhaust; carbon-ceramic brakes (with no ABS); carbon-fiber doors, rear lid, and bumper; three-piece BBS aluminum wheels; 24-gallon fuel tank; and an air-jack system.
Cost: €147,000 (about $231,000)
How to get one: Available through Porsche Motorsport (sold out for 2008).
Competes in: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Number of races: 11
Winner gets: €7500 (about $11,800) per race
Ferrari F430 Challenge
Racing gear: Center-lock BBS wheels and Pirelli racing tires, roll cage, six-point harness, air jacks, fire extinguisher, and carbon-ceramic brakes.
Cost: $249,184
How to get one: Buy an F430 (good luck with that); enter the Challenge with a sponsoring Ferrari dealership, which also prepares and services the car.
Competes in: The Ferrari Challenge
Number of races: 7
Winner gets: A trophy