Did a day at Willow Springs with my CLK55 back in 2002. Was a kid there with a W124 wagon that he'd dropped the engine out of an E55 into. Lowered, stiffer springs, good tires. Sweet, sweet ride. He wasn't much of a driver, so I don't think he came close to finding his car's limits - but he had one hell of a good time.
Think about which track you want to run..... Thunderhill is an absolute hoot in a Miata or other nimble car. More power doesn't buy you much, poor handling is a challenge.
Willow Springs has the road course - 2.5 miles that is very well suited for a torque monster like the CLK55 (hit turns 8 & 9 just right a couple times and actually hit the limiter at 157MPH on the straight a couple times), but would be not so much fun in a Miata.
Streets of Willow - all handling, all day. Me driving my stock-engined Miata embarrassed more than a few far more powerful (and expensive) cars on the Streets (a testament to the match of car to course far more than my driving skills).
Go to a "performance driving school" and get grouped with cars/drivers that make sense for you/yours. I had a WONDERFUL day every time I attended one of Bonni Weatherwax's events (
T.E.A.M. Racing web site here). Mostly Miata's, but enough others mixed in to keep it interesting.
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1961 220b: first project car - sold.
2000 CLK 430: first modern Benz - sold.
2001 CLK 55: OMG the torque!!! - sold
1972 280SE 4.5: Baby Gustav
1991 300TE 4Matic: Gretel the Snow Bunny - sold
1978 300SD: Katz the Free Man - given away
1980 Redhead: Darling Wife
