I Beg You, Go Vintage Racing

Want to go racing? You have nearly unlimited options. Grassroots motorsports is as diverse as it’s ever been, with pathways to competition at any budget. Out of all the motorsport experiences I’ve dipped my toes into, driving a vintage car on a race track ranks very close to the top.

On paper, vintage racing shouldn’t be as appealing as it is. The cars are slower, typically more expensive to maintain, and in a lot of cases, less safe than their modern counterparts. Yet, from behind the wheel, driving a race car nearly twice as old as I am was one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve ever had. 

BMW gave me the chance to spend a handful of laps behind the wheel of its 1970 2002ti race car built by legendary German tuner company Alpina during a recent testing event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, hosted by Brian Redman. The car was raced in-period throughout California, campaigning in SCCA events until 1972. It sat in storage for 24 years before BMW of North America purchased the car and had it fully reconditioned. In 2014 it was plastered in its original Alpina orange livery, which it still wears today.

Photos: DW Burnett for Motor1

With things like dual carburetors, a five-speed gearbox, and factory sway bars, the 2002ti was already fit for high-performance driving, at least by 1970 standards. But Alpina pushed the platform even further, equipping the car with Weber side-draft carbs, flared fenders, and the company’s three-piece magnesium wheels. 

Is it fast? Not really. The ti’s rowdy 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes over 200 horsepower and revs to 8,000 rpm thanks to Alpina, so straight line speed isn’t too shabby. But even with racing slicks, cornering speed is far lower than what you’d find in something like a spec Miata. 

Its pint size, low power, and distinct lack of torsional rigidity means the car can’t pull the same lateral g forces as newer stuff. 

But that doesn’t matter. I challenge you to find a car built for the track that’s as purely joyous as this little ‘02. The buzzy, top end-happy engine sounds great, and sliding in and out of every corner is the default method for making speed. This car welcomes you to the limit with open arms and shows you every minute