Eric, I have been in autocross since 1965. I have owned a F500 (Fmod)
almost seven years. If we can come up with a lost cost shock they are sure
going on my car!
Thanks
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Dean" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 12:08 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
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