What is the Best ACTIVE Racecar?

As my trip to the Grand-Am race at Mid-Ohio gradually fades into a distant memory, I've found myself reflecting on the hidden brilliance of the Rolex Sports Car Series. It may not be the best racing on Earth, but underneath it's ugly facade lies racing that certainly puts up a good case to get at least an Honorable Mention if we were trying to determine what the best racing on Earth is.

But that got me thinking about something else: Forget best overall racing, what's the best single RACECAR in active competition? What car combines looks that'll suck you in with competitiveness that will keep you genuinely entertained?

Sadly, Rolex Sports Car Series already loses. Even the rather nice-looking Crawford DP08 is not a brilliant hook for the aesthetically-minded. But let's take a look at six cars I feel deserve Honorable Mention for their efforts, then finish up with my pick for best active racecar.

The criteria:

1: Purpose-built racecars only. No production-based GT cars. Yes, this means NASCAR is eligible.
2: The cars must genuinely look good. It doesn't have to be the BEST-LOOKING car in the racing world, but if it looks alone are capable of drawing someone in, it's a viable entry.
3: They must be reasonably competitive in their series. Criteria for "reasonably competitive" obviously varies from series to series.
4: They must be active in an actual, modern series. No historic racers.
5: "Spec" series are eligible, but automatically lose points on competitiveness due to them not racing against other chassis designs.

Let's hop to it!

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