Dave, I concur. A very good post and starting point.
Art -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 8:17 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [F500] What?! Discontinuing the 493?! I recommend we cut the grousing and whining and turn to resolving the problem by introducing alternatives. I would like to note a start of some alternatives as I see them. I believe these alternatives should be given consideration based upon their compatibility with the currently legal engine packages as noted in the GCR (i.e., Rotax, AMW, Kawasaki, and Chapparal IN THIS ORDER). First, I would appeal to SCCA to form a PERMANENT group chartered to address issues of F500 components, their manufacture, their availability, and their applicability to the class. This engine need issue crops its ugly head up about every 5-8 years. It is here to stay so, why not treat it as such. 1. Put together a COMMITTED group purchase of Rotax 493 engines. As a show of commitment, I would suggest a 25% deposit sent to Tony Murphy immediately for each engine. 2. Solicit private engine builders to buy Rotax 493 engine components for subsequent assembly and use by SCCA F500. Some form of commitment (e.g., deposit) should also be considered. Stipulate that the cost of the engine must not exceed the original cost (excluding cost of money and exchange rate). 3. Begin a study to identify other suitable engine packages offered by Rotax. The study group should have SOME semblance of authority or at least recognition of/by SCCA. The group's objectives and constraints should be published (e.g., only consider engines that fit the engine bays of cars manufactured since 1997 or require a PTO taper currently in use, or use four mounting bosses). 4. If there is no solution that includes Bombardier, then legalize all engines in the 494 and 493 series and stipulate no parts interchangeability between configurations as originally defined by the manufacturer (current rules exceptions notwithstanding). These two series will provide the volume necessary to provide the class with an abundant volume of engines for at least five years. Five years provides the SCCA, the (proposed) commission, and the ad hoc groups (e.g., f500.org) sufficient time to begin research on the next engine package. 5. <Insert your proposed alternative here>. Notice, I did not address the issue of 2- or 4-cycle engines nor little else. I do not regard it as my place to recommend any more constraints than is necessary. That would be the job of the "F500 Ad Hoc Group." The SCCA has never expressed much direct interest in our class. However, those folks EXIST on entry fees. We vote with our wallets and may need to remind SCCA that F500 entry fees are the same as the entry fees of all the other classes. ALL classes are hurting right now. We must become a bit more innovative in our thinking if we are to survive as a class. Comments? Let's get busy. Dave Gill ________________________________ 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! ***
