Running laps is fun but is is difficult getting track time, etc. I try to make it once in a while when local car clubs rent out circuits for a couple of hours (it is usually best come F1 time here). I would definately not plan a track race with other racers on open public roads...
As for the civic, I am a car fan and I can appreciate a well built car regardless of company or function. I bought mine for one purpose, to build it up my self and feel like I made something out of something that wasn't meant to be fast. It is a sense of accomplishment. It feels good to be able to smoke factory sports cars on a track because I built it. I mean, I could have just bought a z06 and be done with and that is why many others chose to do it. Too each their own I guess.