Jim, At this point, I think the Rotax 440 racing engine is a very good option. These engines (racing 440s) are produced by all major manufacturers since it is a snowmobile racing class. Since they are available from these factories, I would think we might have different engines to choose from for a GCR listing. That hasn't happened to any great degree before. And since they are raced by the factories, the chances of these engines going away soon is probably remote. But we've thought that before, haven't we? :-)
I would seriously doubt that they would need anything in the way of engine tuning or weight concessions. If anything, maybe the 500s would need the help :-). Art -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Libecco Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 10:14 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [F500] What?! Discontinuing the 493?! A further view of this issue has to look toward the future as a class as well. I do not feel we should be the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand on the issue of class structure. There is a strong discussion of the future of formula classes on the apex site and in the SCCA. There is a real consideration of FF/F5/F600 becoming one class. For that matter Ffirst isn't that far off either. With the loss of several classes from the MARRS series, many regions won't be far behind. We need to build class numbers. So what does that mean? Look realistically at engine choices. Look at what would make an F5 and FF more equivalent. Figure out why we are faster than fords at some tracks and notibly slower at others. Engines: For a long time calls to Bombarier have resulted in "why are you not using the 440 engines designed for racing?" I think this is a real question. Parts are much more readily available. We probably would need twin pipes on most of the "440 class" motors to keep up with F5 if combined with FF. This is not really a bad thing, since more pipe builders have data on the 440 motors than oddball 500's. There may be some transitioning pains. There will be upset people who don't want to cope with change. There will be arguements that people may leave---they have been made before, but Stan's participation numbers do not really support this claim through the various years of engine changes in this class before. If it means combined new classes with 15 cars instead of five, that MIGHT be a good thing. We don't want to lose in that shuffle, so we need to be proactive in our engine choices. Damn, there goes that engine discussion again... Sorry, jim now a two car team of KBSs ----- Original Message ---- From: Art <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 9:30:55 AM Subject: RE: [F500] What?! Discontinuing the 493?! 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! ***
