Hey all, newcomer with some questions
So, I've been thinking about this for a while, and it seems that going with a formula car is what I should be doing. I'm tired of trying to track a street car and all the problems that comes with (overheating, 2 alignments, worrying about the paint/finish, etc. etc.). I figure, why try to track a street car, when you can just trailer a formula car, which theoretically costs less, and runs much, MUCH faster.
So, what I'm looking to do is to get a decent amount of performance for a relatively low price... I'm not really interested in actual competition yet, so staying "legal" is not a concern. I've been leaning towards the F1000 concept, and I've heard really good things about the Stohr, is there some sort of FAQ I can visit that will get me started in this area? Another thought, since I don't plan on competition, has anyone ever tried running a 2-stroke motor in an F1000 car? I figure I could get a lot more power at essentially the same (or lower?) cost, and do away with the entire oiling system (and the various issues that come with it under high G-loads) to boot. Is there something wrong with this idea? It looks like a bone stock no frills 2-stroke 1000cc snowmobile motor can generate 275 HP... why not have a little fun and try to rework it to run model airplane fuel (10-15% nitromethanol)?
different opinion (respectfully)
Well, I have a little different oinion on FB.
While Mr. Hickman may have had good success, that does not appear to be true for other FB enthusiasts. Caveat: I don't have an FB, but don't have an axe to grind either.
Before purchasing an FB, please read through all of the posts in the various threads. A local friend of mine, Russ McBride has documented his journey through the build and race process for a couple of years on his conversion project. He has not had the success with the gsxr engine that others have had.
other racers have had engine fires, blown motors, cooling problems etc. Glenn Cooper, also local to Atlanta area, has had fairly good success after initial travails with cooling problems as well.
Sean McConnell, also Atlanta, was one of the original, if not THE orignal proponent of FB. He pioneered the idea of converting FC (after successfully racing his car in FC). Early on, he had to do all of the drivetrain engineering (before the Novak kit) and had several variations/problem solving 'opportunities' with rear suspension design and power transmission.
I would suggest that you attend local events first, to view the diferent classes available before jumping in the deep end of FB or FS (where your 275hp 2-stroke would be placed). There have been discussions about whether or not a tube chassis could be made safe enough for the driver with much over the 180 hp that FB currently has.
For your first venture into formula cars (the best type of racecar IMO) you might consider an established class in order to determine the level of involvement you wish to pursue. No sense in spending cubic dollars at first to only find out you don't like it (it has happened before).
With an established class, you can get experience with the whole process of preping for and attending a race as well as the maintenance these cars require. Then make a more informed decision. Also, if you get a middle-of-the road class of car, it will be easier to re-sell when you make your decision on the class you really want to race in.
It is a fun and rewarding journey for sure-- so go ahead and jump in with the rest of us.
Welcome.
Well depending on a few things...
Such as what exactly your history is, maybe the best bang for the buck would be a Radical DSR or CSR.
Track days with a sportsracer are perhaps 90% less crazy as in an open wheeler.
These cars are basically open wheeler's with a full body. Still get the wind on yer neck, still have a killer power to weight ratio.
I noticed one of the things you said was something to the effect of real strong performance at a low price.
The Stohr FB you mentioned, even preowned at 40-45k as I have seen recently are quite a deal, but is that the price range you had in mind when you said low price?
I've seen and currently have a line on a Radical Prosport w/ GSXR1000 (older version),
in the low 20's.
Something to think about...
FB's in my mind are totally out of the question. Better come packin' a thick resume before applying for that seat.
If open wheel or nothing, and you have many miles under your belt, I'm a huge proponent of Formula Mazda's. It worked for me, but I came off several years of 2 wheeeled roadracin'. As mentioned before, we don't know your history.
If not much track time in the past, Club Ford and running regionals might be your best bet.
Track days in an open wheeler don't sound at all fun, OR safe.
GC