by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re a racecar fanatic, you may have dreamt about what it would be like to sit behind the wheel of a bonafide racecar. But, that isn’t a realistic career choice for most people, and the lifestyle of a race car driver can be pretty intense. But, you don’t have to be a true race car driver to enjoy a track experience. Around the US, there are several tracks that will allow you to drive your own car — with some restrictions — whether it be a drag strip or a circular track, and you don’t have to be a professional race car driver to participate.

What type of cars can you have on a public track?

Obviously, you need to have a sports car, but some venues offer classes or learning experiences that allow you to rent a car from them and learn to drive with it. Some manufacturers even offer the opportunity to take a racing experience course with the track-focused versions of their car, like the BMW M4 GT4 Experience at the BMW Performance Center.

The vehicle requirements for each track can vary depending on how rigorous the track is or what the focus of the track is. The main goal of most track regulations is to ensure the safety of all participants but also to ensure that the vehicles themselves will not damage the track. Some tracks that focus on off-road racing are also available and accept vehicles such as ATVs, side-by-sides, SUVs, and some pickup trucks.

Do you have to modify your street car to take it to the race track?

Most street-focused cars need a few modifications to perform safely on the track. Roll cages and harnesses aren’t a requirement everywhere you go, but they can definitely help ensure you have the safest track experience possible. Many tracks will require basic safety equipment for the driver, which can range from a helmet and racing gloves to a full fire-proof, track-approved bodysuit. Sometimes this equipment can be rented from the track directly

It isn’t a bad idea to invest in a good set of racing tires, which are ultra-high performance tires with a lower lifespan or slicks. Your more standard street tires aren’t always performance-oriented and may not give you the traction, handling, or braking that is necessary for the sport.

Does my insurance policy cover track days?

Check your insurance policy — most policies don’t cover any damage done to your car as a result of track racing participation. Some policies allow you the opportunity to add on this coverage long-term, and some policies will offer you the chance to pay for just a day of track coverage.

Having track insurance, whether for a day or more long-term, is incredibly important, as it covers not only damage to your vehicle but also damages to other vehicles on the track, damage to the track itself, and, of course, any medical or emergency coverage in case of an accident. Track coverage can vary greatly by price, but it is essential to ensure your participation in a track day won’t cost you big time down the road.

Driving your vehicle or a rented vehicle on a track can be a lot of fun, and it can also be a great way to enjoy motorsports without becoming a professional or investing the time, money, and energy it takes to join a more public circuit. According to Thrillest, if you’re interested in racing your vehicle, there are several tracks all over the United States that allow for private track days or even offer courses to really get a handle on what it’s like to be a refined race car driver.

RELATED: Going to the Track? 10 Tips to Help You Race Like a Pro

The post You Don’t Have to be a Race Car Driver to Race on a Track appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are many great options in the world of sedans, and the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage may or may not be one of those options. To be clear, the Mirage isn’t a great car in many ways, but it is good in a few ways that ultimately makes it a worthwhile choice for some. Here’s a look at the one type of driver who will definitely appreciate the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage.

The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is cheap and fuel-efficient

The Mirage has received a lot of negative press, but most car reviewers, as well as customers, can agree on two things about the Mirage. At a starting price tag of about $14,000, the Mirage is simply one of the most affordable cars on the market. And when equipped properly, the Mirage can even get a combined 39 MPG, according to MotorTrend, and that simply makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars available right now.

The standard Mirage is a hatchback that comes with a manual transmission, and it only gets 35 MPG combined. However, when equipped with an automatic transmission, the hatchback Mirage gets that 39 MPG rating that MotorTrend talked about.

Regardless of the details, the Mirage’s fuel economy is still very impressive, and when paired with its cheap price, it makes a compelling case for one type of driver in particular.

Who should buy a 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage?

According to MotorTrend, while drivers may have to spend a little extra to get the most fuel economy from their Mitsubishi Mirage, it isn’t actually that big of a premium. After all, all Mirages are equipped with the same tiny 1.2-liter I-3 engine, and that little thing gets about 78 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque no matter what. 

Furthermore, for one reason or another, the hatchback version of the Mirage is actually the cheapest version of the car. As a result, the only thing that cost-conscious customers will have to upgrade is the transmission. As such, the Mirage hatchback with an automatic transmission will cost about $15,600, which is about $1,300 more than the standard hatchback Mirage with a manual.

So, for $15,600, customers can get a car that gets 39 MPG combined, which is simply a lot of savings in the long run. Drivers certainly have options to upgrade their Mirage further, as there are trims, such as the G4 SE sedan, which cost over $18,000.

However, Mirage drivers may not want those options since they are probably not looking to buy a fancy car to begin with. They are probably looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient car, which the Mirage is.

How the 2021 model compares

And, when it comes to just those factors, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a good car, according to MotorTrend. In fact, the only cars that placed above the Mirage on MotorTrend’s list were all hybrids, and hybrids will cost more than a regular car like the Mirage would. 

For example, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid won first place with 59 MPG combined, but it starts at over $24,000. Similarly, the Toyota Prius, which came in at second place, also has a very good fuel economy of about 56 MPG combined, but the Prius will similarly start at about $25,000.

Certainly, due to the superior fuel economies of those cars, they can eventually make up that price difference. That said, it’s a very significant price difference, and many cost-conscious customers can’t afford the $8,000 or so premium. As such, for those types of drivers, the Mirage is still in the lead.

RELATED: The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Should Be No. 1 on This List

The post There’s 1 Type of Driver Who Would Appreciate the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage appeared first on MotorBiscuit.