For those aspiring to a career in motorsport, talent and determination alone aren’t enough—opportunity, coaching, and financial support are crucial. To explore one of the most accessible forms of motorsport, I visited Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway to test-drive a US Legend race car on its quarter-mile oval track.
US Legend Cars International arranged a session with Ricky Schlick, owner of Ricky Schlick Racing, who hosts arrive-and-drive events and offers professional track coaching. The car I drove, a small retro-style vehicle, is powered by a Yamaha FZ-09 motorcycle engine, producing around 135 horsepower. Despite its compact size and simple build, the car’s performance is raw and thrilling.
Schlick has been running the same chassis and powertrain for nearly 12 years, and the car weighs just 1,100 pounds, with a combination of Wildwood disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The Yamaha engine is paired with its original sequential transmission, sending power to a 1979 Toyota Celica rear differential.
Graham Smith, grandson of US Legend International’s founder, explained the car’s origins: it was designed to be affordable and built from easily accessible parts, like the Celica shocks and throttle cables. The goal was to create a race car that cost about the same as a bass fishing boat.
While the US Legend car has evolved over time, it remains a “humble man’s race car,” delivering an old-school, connected driving experience. My time on the track reminded me of an era before high-tech features like traction control and refined suspensions dominated motorsport. The car’s simple controls and direct feedback forced me to quickly adapt and find my rhythm.
Despite a spin-out early on, I grew more confident with each lap, learning to handle the car’s weight transfer and throttle sensitivity. Watching Schlick demonstrate his skill later highlighted how much experience matters, but also how accessible these cars are for beginners.
One of the major advantages of US Legend cars is their low cost of operation. Schlick mentioned that a set of tires can last a full season, and some drivers still use their original chassis after years of racing. Safety is also a priority, with the chassis built to withstand significant impacts.
For those looking for an affordable entry into racing, a US Legend car starts at $17,500. Compared to other racing options like a spec Miata or Porsche Boxster, which can cost upwards of $60,000, the US Legend offers a budget-friendly way to pursue racing dreams—whether on ovals, road courses, or even dirt tracks. While it might not appeal to everyone, it’s an excellent option for those serious about getting into motorsport without breaking the bank.
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