I will go along with the first year being a steep learning curve. Bought my first car as a truck load of disassembled parts with a picture of what it looked like the last time it was assembled. Spent evenings for the next month and a half working with the 3 dimensional jig saw puzzle in putting the car together in time to do my first Drivers School, which was the first time I ever drove a F440 (this was 1988) in anger, or even in peace.
Missed the 1st session of the Drivers School because the engine (a Chaparral) would not stay running. With the help of the prior owner and Dave Drissel they were able to diagnose a bad coil that would break down after it got a little heat in it, but would work at ambient temperatures. Because of the missed session, I did not get signed off to race, as my 'instructor' decreed that I had not put sufficient preparation into getting the car ready for the track. (I made every other on track session beyond the 1st session.) Went to a Drivers School/Double Regional at Pocono...made every session of the Driver School, got signed off and completed both ends of the Double Regional. Ran an additional 6 Regional's that first year, and while I had some DNF's for P&Q sessions, I didn't have a race DNF. I would have to say that luck was with me, as I am nowhere near being a 'good' mechanic...I always try to make sure the cars is ready for the track before it leaves the shop. I have my share of problems at the track, with electrical problems being the most vexing, because the occur without warning. Good observation of the car between sessions and between events should minimize the occurrence of mechanical gremlins. Never go to the track with spares for all the electrical components, Coil, CDI, Stator & Trigger (Rotax 494), have spare heim joints, both right and left for the all the heim size for the car. Suspension spares can come in handy. Needless to say also have spare belts for the clutch and final drive. Preparation, Preparation, Preparation! Chuck McAbee SEDIV #16 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Richard Schmidt Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 9:57 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [F500] Cost of racing Gene, The first years can be hard. Even though I had crewed for a FF car for over 10 years, I was not prepared for the intricacies of the F500 car. The problems were many, overheating CDI box and coil, melted pistons (many), dirt in the fuel pump, dirt in the carbs, oil in the pulse line, busted clutches, blown belts, flat tires, etc. But things will get better, either because I know what to do and not do, learn from your mistakes and keep going. This year I entered 5 races, finished all five getting a first, 4th, two 5ths, and a 6th finishing positions. Richard ________________________________ 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! ***
