a racer ....... not really.
unless you are in a type R, then the civic isn't exactly known for its sporting credentials, also what are you wanting to do with it? the civic would need a bit of work for racing, but what kind of racing are you talking about? i think you are getting a bit ahead of yourself, in regards to your mum's civic.
as for the colour i would go with a pearl or white, it suits the car a lot, and if you get a body kit with carbon fiber highlights, it would really finish it off. put on some rims, black would work well with the body colour, and don't go bigger then 19 inches other wise you WILL look like a tool. a small spoiler, black, or carbon fiber would work well here, but be aware, as some are not, a spoiler DOES slow down a car.
i wouldn't use the standard car for any form of racing, the small four pot, and weak engine wont take a beating.
