Originally Posted by
marshall9
We run spec Toyo r888s or the Yokahama equivalent here in AZ, and have huge car counts compared to SCCA. Most of our drivers came from SCCA, and like the tires. The guys that were fastest still are. The tires are different to drive on than slicks, but the older chassis designs are more competitive. In AZ, at an SCCA regional, typically 1-2 FFs show up. Our average field this year has been 12-15 FFs, as high as 25, with good racing in all three packs, front, mid and rear. Dunlops and American Racers are about 2 seconds faster. It has been a while since anyone has shown up with slicks, but I would guess about 5 seconds faster than the DOTs. When everyone is on the tires, we are all slower, but the talent still prevails. Also, it isn't just the tire costs, it is wear and tear(read as other consumables) on the entire chassis, due to the fact that the Gs are lower, and less stress on the heims, rod ends, steering racks, brake pads et al. Some guys, about 5, I think, are going to do the Canadian Pro Series Tour this summer and should do well, due to the seat time and car engineering on these tires. I, and a few others plan to do a couple of West Coast Pro Series races next year, when they convert to the Toyos. It makes it a lot more affordable to load up and go try a Pro race when we don't have to spend 2K for Hoosiers and also change the setup for them, via springs, shocks, tire test days, etc....for one weekend.
The decrease in grip also decreases the advantage of world beater engines and Hondas on the shorter tracks, allowing a car with a few less HP to get out of a corner as fast when properly driven.
FFs on DOTs are fun to drive and momentum cars, not cars that need 8-12K worth of shocks and the extra 10 HP to be competitive.
I understand the logic of a possible increase of entry fees, due to lost sponsorship, but am of the opinion that increased car counts can negate the effect.
I know this is probably the deadest zombie horse thread on here, but please don't reply with the "If you want a spec series, by an FE or SRF" because the Hondas have done that to FF already, via a spec engine........Top level Kents aren't competitive in 1600's top level (Pro) anymore. That isn't the issue, if Honda gave out free conversions, with engine included, some still couldn't afford tires, and if they could, still wouldn't have a Spectrum. If they could race their already to go package for 500-1000 for a full season tire wise, maybe they would. The Pro 1600 series can still run whatever they want for tires, but IMO, if FF in SCCA is to survive at all, they are going to have to look at something else than the current tire rules. I would go to the runoffs this year, if they were on an affordable tire, but testing, tires and such would cost me 5-10K for one race. I can run all year in our series for that, including an engine refresh.