Here is what Ted was trying to post. Stan To all F-500 racers,
Below is part of a discussion regarding class consolidation found on the Apexspeed website. Its a wake-up call for F-500 as well as others. It proposes consolidation of current formula classes into five new categories. The new classes would be made up of existing formula cars and possible future cars such as F-600 and all integrated into the proposed new class structure. As F-500 participants we must do everything in our power to encourage high numbers of cars now and in the future. Even then we will most likely find ourselves integrated into some form of class consolidation. In order to fully appreciate the hard work that Stan Clayton has put into the proposal you must read the below comments in their context of the full discussion found on the Apexspeed forum. You will have to register but we must be aware of these proposals in the beginning and have constructive input from the start. I encourage everyone to discuss this NOW. If we dont well have no right to bitch about it later. Ted. http://www.apexspeed.com/forums//showthread.php?t=21444&page=2 Stan Claytons comments below: Jay (Novak), I agree with you that long-term we need to have class consolidation in the formula ranks. Last August I wrote the following plan for consolidation which was briefed to the BoD. They chose not to implement the plan at that time, but I am sure we are all aware of the line from the "FE" press release where the BoD urged future consolidation of classes. Here's what the proposed new structure looks like -- Formula A, based on the present Formula Atlantic class. --- Common features include advanced performance and safety technologies such as composite tubs, large wings, full tunnels and wide, sticky tires to maximize performance. --- The performance envelope is potentially the highest in SCCA, with a target horsepower of 250-275 hp from a wide variety of engine options, including GT-3 and large displacement motorcycle engines, in addition to traditional high-revving, small-displacement auto-based Atlantic engines. -- Formula B, based on the consolidation of Formula Mazda with some of the lower-spec current Atlantic cars, such as F-SCCA, F-3, Fran-Am, and FA-Zetec, as well as the proposed F-1000 class. --- Tube frame or composite chassis, smaller wings and tires than in FA, and flat bottoms with restricted diffusers in place of full tunnels. --- Somewhat lower performance potential than FA, with 170-180 hp from a wide variety of restricted rotary and piston engine options. Emphasis would be on lower engine cost via restricted engine development and long engine service life. -- Formula C, based on current Formula Continental cars. --- Features based on current FC rule set, with emphasis on maintaining the lowest practical cost for a winged formula car. Consideration could be given to imposing competition adjustments for performance enhancing features which raise the cost of competition. --- Performance potential based on current Pinto-powered FC cars with 140-145 hp. Engine options would modified as needed to keep pace with Pro-FF2000 developments, such as has been done with the FC-Zetec. As with the Zetec, the idea would be to attract new cars through the continuation of the trickle-down of ex-Pro cars to club racing. It also retains the value of Pinto-powered cars for vintage racing by not forcing them to lose their value through mandated engine updates. -- Formula D, based on consolidation of the present Formula Ford and Formula 500 classes, with options for alternate-spec new cars to assure the continued viability of the class in future. --- Feature set emphasizing lowest practical cost with tube frame chassis, no wings, and severely restricted aero treatment. Consideration could be given to requiring a long lived spec tire. --- Performance envelope defined by relatively low power to weight ratio and lower grip tires. Current FF Kent engine would define performance potential for the foreseeable future. --- New cars and engines conforming to the feature set and performance potential would be welcome. Anticipated additions include new or older cars converted to restricted modern multi-valve EFI engines for lower engine acquisition cost, longer engine service life, greater fuel economy and lower maintenance. The Formula Ford Ad Hoc Committee recently advanced a proposal to add 2 modern 4-valve EFI engine options to FF, along with a small displacement motorcycle engine option. These additions would be identified as sub-classes within FD, much as the VW and m/c options were in FC through the 2005 season. This would help retain the value of traditional FF cars with their Kent engines for vintage use, while encouraging the introduction of cost-saving technologies to the class. -- Formula Vee would remain in its present configuration. Even though the cars are based on the long out of production era of air cooled VW engines, the class still enjoys strong participation and competitors have readily adopted aftermarket sources for hard to obtain or out of production OEM parts. __________________ Stan --------------------------------- Be a PS3 game guru. Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games. ________________________________ 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! ***
