Has anyone driven a beetle on the track?

}{arlequin · }{arlequin's Garage

Do they handle similar? Like a 912?

anh911 · 01-06-2004, 07:21 PM

don't know but i took my esprit out on a 1/4 oval once.

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

I have taken many spins in a Super Beetle (literally), but never at the track. When they let go, they are gone!

A friend took his '66 with a custom suspension to a DE open track day with the local Audi club and put the majority of the 4000, 80, and 90 crowd to shame.

campbellcj · 01-06-2004, 09:43 PM

There was a 60's bug at the last two POC Short-Track events. It was surprisingly quick, but had mechanical issues during at least one of the events. It sure looked "funny" out there on the track.....somebody must have pics?

Deeks · 01-07-2004, 02:57 AM

Would love to see pics of a Beetle on a track.
A month or two ago a Euro Pelican (I think) posted a video clip of a few cars on a track day. There was a pretty quick looking Beetle running through a chicane in that clip.....

JackT · 01-07-2004, 04:50 AM

Saw a new turbo Beetle on the track at a DE at Carolina Motorsports park. It was keeping up with the old, stock, 911's. Driver was a pretty good driver.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

THere are two that run in Midwest Council of Sports Car Clubs here in the Chicago area. One is driven by Bill Snively, a great guy, and it's very fast for what it is....

I can try and dig up some more info if ou need it...

chibone_914 · 01-07-2004, 06:46 AM

The late Paul Lighthill used to campaign a 1967 VW in a few track events blowing away quite a few 356s, 912s and even 911s. The engine was a specially built 1600 single port. He had been quoted as saying the handling and balance was the same, the only difference was the VWs centre of gravity was a bit higher.

campbellcj · 01-07-2004, 07:25 AM

Maybe now that my car is a little bit more "sorted out", I will get back to taking and posting pictures again. Some really cool stuff shows up around here from time to time.

project935 · 01-07-2004, 08:31 AM

I (try) to race one ...
Not very thrilling to drive unless you have the gearing matched well to the engine. Good torsion bars and shocks are a must, otherwise its very loose.

One good thing is that you don't need the brakes very often ...

Some pics/info about my race bug in this post;

Miata's

I had some on-track photos, but I can't find them at the moment. Ask me anything you want if you have questions ...