How Come We Don't Have More Formula Car Racers?

[Mako Koiwai]

I haven't run in SD in a while, but there use to be a number of FVees and FFords running down there. I got to run a FVee down there once. Neat seeing the wheels. The one I drove had extra wide tires on it making the steering a bit heavy.

It would seem that running a FFord would be a relatively inexpensive way to run a real, open wheel, very light weight "proper" race car. I would imagine that it would be fairly easy on slicks tire wear?

What class would a FF run in? Would one be allowed to construct a bubble canopy to keep out rain?

Someone lent me a helmet, I forgot that one had to wear a full visor helmet in open cockpit cars. I came in 2nd out of I believe five Formula cars.

[Marshall Grice]

I haven't run in SD in a while, but there use to be a number of FVees and FFords running down there. I got to run a FVee down there once. Neat seeing the wheels. The one I drove had extra wide tires on it making the steering a bit heavy.

It would seem that running a FFord would be a relatively inexpensive way to run a real, open wheel, very light weight "proper" race car. I would imagine that it would be fairly easy on slicks tire wear?

What class would a FF run in? Would one be allowed to construct a bubble canopy to keep out rain?

Someone lent me a helmet, I forgot that one had to wear a full visor helmet in open cockpit cars. I came in 2nd out of I believe five Formula cars.

CM, no canopy.

[Adam Richter]

I've wondered that too. With so many people who drive trailered cars, it's a little surprising that more people don't drive purpose built race cars vs modified street cars. My only formula car experience is driving fsae cars and they're certainly faster and more fun to drive than any street car I've driven. I guess classing and car availability has a lot to do with it.

I'd never even think about buying a Formula Vee though. Why buy a formula car with such a disaster of a suspension?

[Tin Bui]

I've wondered that too. With so many people who drive trailered cars, it's a little surprising that more people don't drive purpose built race cars vs modified street cars. My only formula car experience is driving fsae cars and they're certainly faster and more fun to drive than any street car I've driven. I guess classing and car availability has a lot to do with it.

I'd never even think about buying a Formula Vee though. Why buy a formula car with such a disaster of a suspension?

I got two FSAE cars at my parent's garage. I just need a truck and trailer to bring them out. I like my street car though, the (street) tires are cheaper and last alot longer. Also, the street car is more reliable and less maintenance.

[Rick Brown]

It would seem that running a F125 would be a relatively inexpensive way to run a real, open wheel, very light weight "proper" race car. I would imagine that it would be fairly easy on slicks tire wear?

Fixed that for ya...........

[Bob Beamesderfer]

One clue might be found in the Nationals results. Most of the Prep and Mod Class champions are areas with colder climates where there are no events during the winter, allowing time to work on the car.

My next car might be a Formula F [formerly Ford, changed to F with last years homologation of the 1.5-liter Honda Fit engine]. It would be light enough to trailer behind the Red Rat and car and trailer would fit in half of my garage.

[Dan Shaw]

Hmm....bob, you might just be on to something there....

co drive? Either one of those or what about a Super 7? mmm....

[Don Salyers]

One clue might be found in the Nationals results. Most of the Prep and Mod Class champions are areas with colder climates where there are no events during the winter, allowing time to work on the car.

My next car might be a Formula F [formerly Ford, changed to F with last years homologation of the 1.5-liter Honda Fit engine]. It would be light enough to trailer behind the Red Rat and car and trailer would fit in half of my garage.

Bob, another big plus, the tires get old--not worn--on a 1500 car, they could last forever on a 900 to 1000 pound car. Also the mod classes weigh with driver, Kurt you listening, the prep cars weigh without....

There are 2 Formula Fords on ebay right now, both under $10,000...

Don

[Mako Koiwai]

Is one allowed to use tire treatments in CM to try and extend tire life ?

Are Hoosier A6's softer then racing slicks?

[Marshall Grice]

Is one allowed to use tire treatments in CM to try and extend tire life ?

Are Hoosier A6's softer then racing slicks?

yes

no

[Aaron Goldsmith]

Is one allowed to use tire treatments in CM to try and extend tire life ?

Are Hoosier A6's softer then racing slicks?

You're allowed to make your own tires in your garage if you want in P/M.

[Don Salyers]

Is one allowed to use tire treatments in CM to try and extend tire life ?

Are Hoosier A6's softer then racing slicks?

You're allowed to make your own tires in your garage if you want in P/M.

I picked up enough OPR or what ever it was at Nationals that after 15 runs here I am just now seeing the original tire.... ... and I only got 2 runs in Lincoln before the axles broke.....

Don

[Kurt Rahn]

Also the mod classes weigh with driver, Kurt you listening

Ears perked up! That's definitely something to think about, assuming I could sausage myself into one.

[Marshall Grice]

Also the mod classes weigh with driver, Kurt you listening

Ears perked up! That's definitely something to think about, assuming I could sausage myself into one.

sorry bud, there is no way you'd fit in any formula style cars that I know of.

[Mako Koiwai]

Check out John Kestler's Shannon sports 2000 racer when we get to the El Toro events ... roomier.

http://shannonracecars.com/

John in the blue one. As owner of the Shannon company, he might be able to get you a deal.

[Kurt Rahn]

Also the mod classes weigh with driver, Kurt you listening

Ears perked up! That's definitely something to think about, assuming I could sausage myself into one.

sorry bud, there is no way you'd fit in any formula style cars that I know of.

Kinda what I figured. BTW, you left your crappy weather back here...it's hailing with thunder and lightning.

[Don Salyers]

sorry bud, there is no way you'd fit in any formula style cars that I know of.

The formula style cars run in Modified classes, therefore you can make them fit----just a bit more modified than others. It may just have a few convex fiberglass panels and your feet may stick out the grille if it has one..... I can see it now, a little molded bubble up front for the size 15 and above Pilotis.

Don

[Bob Beamesderfer]

Is one allowed to use tire treatments in CM to try and extend tire life ?

Are Hoosier A6's softer then racing slicks?

But A6s come up to working temp faster than some slicks.

[Jason Isley BS RX8]

But A6s come up to working temp faster than some slicks.

Not on a 1000lb car. And keep in mind just like you have the R6 and A6 you will find up to 3 to 4 compounds of slicks. If you know the right people you can even have your own compound made. In the last few years a number of people have shown up with a tire no one else had/could get in Prep/Mod.

[Bob Beamesderfer]

But A6s come up to working temp faster than some slicks.

Not on a 1000lb car. And keep in mind just like you have the R6 and A6 you will find up to 3 to 4 compounds of slicks. If you know the right people you can even have your own compound made. In the last few years a number of people have shown up with a tire no one else had/could get in Prep/Mod.

Interesting. Not cheap I'll bet.

[Bill Martin]

I guess I should have gotten on this sooner because I can't remember all the questions.

a) I have a Lola T540 formula ford, previously CM (& past national champ) now being refitted for BM. You'll see it back later this year. Faster!

In no particular order:

FF takes far less upkeep and maintenance than a car intended for road use. Buy one, put soft compound tires on it and drive it. Well...you may want to buy a lower first gear set, but they're cheap and all gears can be moved around. I,E. you old first is now your second, etc. As the car is designed from scratch for more severe service than solo, you just don't need to modify anything and do only the most basic services like oil changes and spark plugs. By rule, the engine is blueprinted stock, so not highly stressed.

Tires last a season and are regionally competitive into the next season with softener. And pretty cheap since they're fairly small. I've never worn out a tire...just gave up on them. And I've never seen an A6 on a FF...you need a 19.5" to 20" tall front tire. And the rears are special purpose (wide) cantilevers to fit the required 5.5" wide rims. Can't mess with the rims either. It's a highly restricted class...you just buy the tires designed for the car.

The car is a killer in rain. A little hard on the driver, but you can cope. At the San Diego Deluge National Tour I set TTOD by several seconds, which included nationally competitive BM cars. And it's not like I have a lot of experience at rain driving. Lightweight, mild power, real rain racing tires.

I think Cal Club's lack of prepared and modified cars is just an anomaly. But in general P & M have diminished nationally with the growth of all the street tire classes. Cal Club is exceptionally low for who knows why.

What did I miss? -- Bill



I

[Don Salyers]

But A6s come up to working temp faster than some slicks.

Not on a 1000lb car. And keep in mind just like you have the R6 and A6 you will find up to 3 to 4 compounds of slicks. If you know the right people you can even have your own compound made. In the last few years a number of people have shown up with a tire no one else had/could get in Prep/Mod.

Interesting. Not cheap I'll bet.

Bob, they could have been free "test" compounds....

Don