This is great, a lot of open discussion on very important issues. Let's keep this up for a while (discussion) & try to put together some real ideas on what may be possible. I have an extra RakaVon chassis & I just might make a car with a bike engine & cheap shocks with rubber springs.
Thanks ... Jay Novak -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Stan Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 2:04 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [F500] Class survival. I haven't seen much response to Richard's post, but I think he captures the current reality pretty well. I don't hear many comments about the cars appearing to be "just karts with a body", but I hear the rest of it all the time. Furthermore, there are so many very cheap FVs and FFs out there on the used market that one can buy for the price of a decent used F5 that I think a lot of folks end up in those classes kind of by default...affordable and a lot more folks to race with, plus none of the perceived downsides of F5. Only at the pointy end of FV and FF does one see drivers spending lots of money on tires and rebuilds when the motor drops off 2 or 3 hp. The rest of the guys just pour gas in the thing and drive it, and are therefore racing just as economically as one can in F5. That's a tall order to overcome. Stan "Richard L. Hensley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I agree that there are several changes which would make F500 a more attractive class. However, these changes may not improve class participation. The class does not enjoy widespread acceptance for several reasons. Many have the perception from other formula drivers that: 1.) The cars are too rough to handle due to the limited suspension. 2.) These are not real cars they are just large karts with a body. 3.) The exhaust is too noisy and will cause problems with both autocross and racing. 4.) A used FF is a better investment. 5.) The engines are obsolete and hard to get parts for. 6.) Two cycle engines are mysterious and hard to maintain. 7.) Class participation is small. I just bought an old F500 for FM. These were the reasons I heard as to why I should buy a FF. We need a better public relations department. I also personally feel that: 1.) we need the option to improve handling with longer suspension rubber, If we desire. Apparently the rule changed between 1992 (max. 1" thick compressed) and today (max. 1" thick). 2.) The use of currently available engine, stock with no modifications, but open for repair and rebuilding by anyone. A motorcycle engine might be more available than a snowmobile powerplant, if it can be adapted to the CVT. 3.) Retaining the CVT certainly is preferred, in my opinion, but others may prefer a sequential gearbox --------------------------------- Finding fabulous fares is fun. Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/716 - Release Date: 3/9/2007 6:53 PM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.8/716 - Release Date: 3/9/2007 6:53 PM ________________________________ 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! ***
