It's worth remembering that mass matters, and consumables add up. Lighter, slower cars can be a lot of fun, and they are cheaper to run because they go through tires, brake pads, and gas more slowly.

Hitting the race track is usually a rich person’s pursuit, but it doesn't have to be. You can take just about anything to a track—if it’s not leaving a visible trail of fluids and won’t roll over in ...