"a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine sourced from Ford "
They might be sourcing it from Ford, but even Sebeco's website identifies it as a Mazda MZR. Either way, that's a great choice.
What’s a Sebeco SPX? Simply put, it’s the latest iteration of a purpose-built racer originally produced by Elan–the same company that produced the Panoz Esperante GTR-1–for a NASA spec series.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine sourced from Ford that’s good for 250 horsepower. Consider that the whole car only weighs some 1800 pounds, and the SPX has a power-to-weight ratio of 0.139–on paper, that’s on par with an E46 M3 GTR.
In the real world, that ratio is good for a 1:24.8 lap time around Road Atlanta and a faster qualifying time than a “souped-up” Radical SR3 at the 25 hours of Thunderhill, according to driver Charles Streicher.
The SPX also features a splitter, floor ramps, dive planes and rear wing all constructed from carbon fiber, with Streicher noting that the car has been upgraded with paddle shifters and electronic power steering.
The next fastest lap time to set will be at our Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge presented by Grassroots Motorsports–our annual search for the fastest track machine on four wheels–at Kentucky’s NCM Motorsport Park, October 26-27, alongside the Tire Rack SCCA Time Trials Nationals Powered by Hagerty.
Think you have the ultimate track car? Click here to register today.
For more information about the 2024 Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge presented by Grassroots Motorsports, visit ultimatetrackcarchallenge.com.
The Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge is presented by Grassroots Motorsports and Sunoco, the official fuel of the UTCC, in association with Wilwood Engineering, CRC Industries, HMS Motorsport and XS Power, with trophies from Miller Electric, Call to Grid and BimmerWorld.
"a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine sourced from Ford "
They might be sourcing it from Ford, but even Sebeco's website identifies it as a Mazda MZR. Either way, that's a great choice.
Looks awesome.
Lotus Elise with engine upgrades or an Exige for a road/track car with no tow vehicle required is a reasonable cost alternative.
In reply to Daniel Wise :
This should be a good bit less expensive than an Exige with an engine upgrade these days:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2017-elan-motorsports-np01-nasa-prototype/
Running costs? Who knows. Sadev wants you to rebuild the gearbox frequently.
In reply to RadBarchetta :
I'm not a fan of the motor choice - this is like the economy option of 4 cylinders, not the performance option - which would be the K20 or a bike engine.
So, this is an NP01 with more motor?
Curious about the apparent lack of growth in open-wheel, formula-type cars. "Everyone" seems to be focusing on these closed cockpit, fendered, sports racer prototype style cars.
Thoughts? Comments?
In reply to BoulderG :
I think one factor is that most track day operators don't allow open wheeled cars. These put down similar or better lap times with similar running costs and better safety, at least in theory. This seems to be a track day car, the article doesn't say anything about racing.
I'm a fan of the very similar NP01, although it seems like the NASA race class is stuck with low car counts.
i am still amazed , that Grassroots ignores the Panoz Esperante in all the articles about the Cobra like cars
This Sebco SPX looks great! It's begging for an engine swap just like most cars. ;)
In reply to Rodan :
Yes - wouldn't be surprised if there were other significant changes though. Having trouble finding details on it though.
looks like they took over construction of NP01s from Elan.
https://sebecomotorsport.com/sebeco-spx/
Wonder how Tom Hanh's NP01 with that Cadillac V6 turbo engine is going these days... been a couple years since he uploaded on youtube.
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