FM weight

[Stan Clayton]

How much does a basic FM weigh, ready to race but with no (or only residual) fuel and without driver? Thanks! Stan

[KevinFirlein]

When I ran Rob Nicholas in FM I seem to recall our car weighed 1149 empty. With rob at 190 lb in full gear we needed 3 gal fuel to be on safe side in impound

that was with the s/s floor

[Stan Clayton]

Thanks Kevin...that's what I needed to know. Stan

[Ted Idlof]

But I'm sure you already looked that up, right? Star lists dry weight at 1140.

You didn't ask, but I start with 8 gallons for a race and probably weigh oh, 1385-1390 on pre-grid. Some guys add ballast to get to that weight. Some of us don't need to.

So, Stan, you calculating kinda of a dude, why did you want to know?

[Stan Clayton]

Thanks Ted! I actually did look on the web, but must have missed the dry weight listing.

My curiosity stems from the recent debates concerning weight assumptions about drivers and its impact on cars' performance. In the formula category alone the assumptions range from zero driver weight in FS (car must weigh min. 750 lbs) to 265 lbs for an FE pilot.

I expect the April Fastrack to seek member input on the question. If the consensus is that folks would like to see a uniform driver weight allowance, that could imply adjustments to the minimum "as raced" weight for several classes...up in some classes and down in others. Or if some classes are happy where they are (FS?) they could be exempted from an across-the-board change. Mostly, we want input. It has been since 2001 since a Club-wide weight survey was done.

BTW, I attempted to email you yesterday to ask this same question, but the email in your profile reported as no longer valid. I don't know if the report was erroneous, but that's what I got.

See ya next weekend? Stan

[Greg Mercurio]

Hey Stan: Pardon my denseness today, I am trying to understand your post above. Could you elaborate on the member input thingie?

I would hope that we aren't really trying to "level" the playing field artificially.

[Ted Idlof]

With a spec car like the FM, wouldn't the lightweight drivers (say 190 and less) who have to use ballast now want a change and the heavier guys all not the change? I'm fine with the minimum total weight rule as it is now.

Thanks for the tip on my old EM addresss.

I might drop by this weekend with the perfect weather, but wont' get the car out til the regional the end of the month.

Good luck out there. Should be a fast field with Jaremko, Hill and them showin' up.