Who hasn't bounced off of Nelson at some random time mid-corner? I do think of it as a safety issue. jim
----- Original Message ---- From: Eric Dean <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 12:08:57 PM Subject: RE: [F500] Pucks again With all due respect to the Autocross only position of Dave Phaneuf, road racing owners may have a different perspective, especially those of use who run some rather rough tracks like Nelson Ledges, Summit Point, and Watkins Glen (although I understand turn 5 is being repaved as we chat). I don't know the answer to the present dilemma but with the present puck system racing at high speeds mixed with rough tracks presents a lot of performance challenges let alone some safety issues. The philosophy of the class brings up an interesting point also, is the philosophy one of don't make any changes at any cost. If so the class will die of stagnation. I certainly don't want the tweak of the week end of the spectrum, but reasonable incremental change is necessary to keep the class from becoming a vintage has been. When I look at my yearly budget/expenses, and I keep detailed records for the enjoyment of the IRS, the cost of low end small shocks or 3" pucks is a very small bump in the road (sorry I couldn't resist the pun). Let's not be scared away by an improvement that can enhance performance, safety and the general perception of our class as overgrown go karts instead of "real cars". And, yes perception is important to attract new owners, i.e. racers. If the autocrossers don't want change let them appeal to their own controlling rules group to continue to run with what they have and maintain status quo, but if the road racers want improved performance at a small price, let them appeal the CRB. I vote to move forward with change before my old back gets too sore to get in and out of dame thing. Eric Dean SCR -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Joe Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 11:10 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [F500] Pucks again Another newbie here (2 weeks with car) Chris hit the nail on the head with this statement. ( cost. I pretty much in exactly the same demographic Chuck desribed, and I can't justify putting a lot of money into a single-purpose car ) Now with that said, the shock discussion doesn't scare me away at all. First day with the car I found a cracked tube. At first I was bummed, but the more I read here I see it can be a common problem. If an inexpensive shock could be retro fitted I'm all ears. If the 3 inch puck is the way to go I'm all for that as well. At this point with my limited 500 experience, I will follow what the consenses is. Learning Newbie, Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Christopher Eveland" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 10:24 AM Subject: Re: [F500] Pucks again > Hi again, > > I'll pipe in here one more time, since I'm being used as an example. :) > > The two reasons I picked F500 are 1) cost. I pretty much in exactly > the same demographic Chuck desribed, and I can't justify putting a lot > of money into a single-purpose car. 2) it looks like I could have fun > with the car both on the track and at autox, even if it would be > difficult to be simultaniously competitive in both. > > That said, while initially the pucks seem like a great cost saver, I > do have to say as a newbie that when a MIG-welder is listed in the > required tools list to fix cracks in the frame, it does give one > pause. And if making the things work is a black art that is going to > keep a select elite at the front of the grid, that gives one pause > too. > > In addition, when I read the list of new classes in SportsCar, along > with the number that are going to be at the Run Offs in 2007, I do get > a little worried about the longevity of the class. I personally > don't have any "real race car" snobbery (oh wait, maybe I do. thats > why I'm not in a spec miata -- but it has nothing to do with > transmissions or shocks), but a more robust car would be more > attractive. > > How to get there? I don't know, but I'm glad that there are people > thinking about these things and discussing them. Frankly this list is > a selling point for the class. > > -Chris _______________________________________________ F500 mailing list - [email protected] To unsubscribe or change options please visit: http://f500.org/mailman/listinfo/f500 *** Please, DO NOT send unsubscribe requests to the mailing list! *** ________________________________ FormulaCar Magazine - A Proud Supporter of Formula 500 The Official Publication of Junior Formula Car Racing Subscribe Today! www.formulacarmag.com or 519-624-2003 _________________________________ _______________________________________________ F500 mailing list - [email protected] To unsubscribe or change options please visit: http://f500.org/mailman/listinfo/f500 *** Please, DO NOT send unsubscribe requests to the mailing list! ***
