2015 - 21 Races

[Monty M]

Triple headers for 2015, plus a Florida winter trip

2015 F1600 Championship Series Schedule:


February 12-14 – Winter Exhibition @ Palm Beach*
April 10-12 – Road Atlanta
May 15-17 – Watkins Glen
June 5-7 – VIR
July 3-5 – Mid-Ohio
July 31-Aug. 2 – Pittsburgh
August 28-30 – New Jersey
October 16-18 – Pittsburgh


*Non-Points

Of course the two dates at Pittsburgh are on their new fast and flowing 2.9 mile track, not the sub 1-minute short track.

[Steve Bamford]

Three races per weekend for F1600?

[reidhazelton]

Three races per weekend for F1600?

That just got expensive-er.

[Monty M]

Three races per weekend for F1600?

Yes, the seven points weekends will be triple-headers.

[reidhazelton]

Hey Monte - Do you know how this will affect the tire rule? Will it still be 6 tires, or are more added?

Is there a separate qualifying, or will it be start-where-you-finished.

[Monty M]

Hey Monte - Do you know how this will affect the tire rule? Will it still be 6 tires, or are more added?

Is there a separate qualifying, or will it be start-where-you-finished.

I have no idea on all three points. News coming, I would imagine.

[Steve Bamford]

Hey Monte - Do you know how this will affect the tire rule? Will it still be 6 tires, or are more added?

Is there a separate qualifying, or will it be start-where-you-finished.

I have no direct info but this is my guess...no separate qualifying, starting for race 2 would likely be based on 2nd fastest qualifying lap time or best lap time in the race. Tire rule should stay at 6 as you are running the same number of sessions however there will be more stress on the tires. With that said keep in mind we are supposed to be going to a new Hoosier tire this season that is expected to last longer so that should help.

As I said I have no direct info so could be different but this is my best guess. I am sure the series has a good plan & could/would make changes if needed. They have been very customer focused over the years to say the least.

[Raceworks]

I have no idea on all three points. News coming, I would imagine.

I hope it comes soon. I needed to start figuring budgets yesterday. Do you know if there's a series meeting at PRI this year?

[Monty M]

I hope it comes soon. I needed to start figuring budgets yesterday. Do you know if there's a series meeting at PRI this year?

Yes, Bob and Al will be at PRI to my knowledge and there will be a meeting as in previous years. Date and time TBD.

[Dennis Valet]

I imagine a lot depends on the tire testing and how that shakes out. Hell, maybe budgets will go down

[GT1Vette]

No first-hand knowledge by any means, but the e-mail that arrived this morning states 14 races over 7 weekends, so that implies the "triple-header" is all three series run each weekend. Also looks like every weekend will be in conjunction with NARRA.

But then reeding cmpreheshun never was my strong suit...

[Monty M]

F2000 and Atlantic are seven weekends for 14 races (excluding Palm Beach).

F1600 is seven weekends for 21 races (excluding Palm Beach).

[GT1Vette]

Sorry - blew right past this in the e-mail:

= = = = = =

For the regular season, all three Championships will be together on the seven race weekends. F2000 and Atlantic will each have a 14-race season composed of seven doubleheader events, compared to seven triple-headers for F1600, making up a 21 race calendar.

= = = = = =

That's a LOT of races on a given weekend!

[Steve Bamford]

It will be a busy weekend for drivers & crews that's sure. Plenty of race experience to be gained with this for the up & coming youngsters. Everyone better up their pre season workouts as you will be tired after three thirty minute races in less then 36 hours.

[nulrich]

Or five races in 36 hours for some.

[Dennis Valet]

I think Steve is buying an 016 so he can get 7 races in....

[Brian Graham]

Are the races still sanctioned by SCCA Pro? I see the events will be run with NARRA but does that change their involvement. 14 year old drivers in SCCA Pro racing?

Brian.

[Mike Scanlan]

I spoke to Bob this afternoon. Tire testing will be Monday and Tuesday. The series will then make a decision on the tire rule for 2015.

[Steve Bamford]

I think Steve is buying an 016 so he can get 7 races in....

Once they develop a longer lasting engine we can consider it...in all seriousness I think the three races in 1600 will be a real test for teams & drivers. I expect to struggle come the last race of the weekend "if" I run F2000 as well.

The first, well actually now the one qualifying 1600 session for the weekend will be even more important.

[Parker]

I would think this will make crash damage more painful as well. Out for 3 points races instead of two. Maybe that's a good thing!?

It's an interesting balance between maximizing track time per haul and allowing time to change or fix things.

[DaveW]

...in all seriousness I think the three races in 1600 will be a real test for teams & drivers. I expect to struggle come the last race of the weekend "if" I run F2000 as well....

In my experience gathered from running in Nelson Ledges "Longest Day" and other 24-hour endurance races, I ALWAYS got significantly faster with less effort as the races progressed. Having a lot more time in the car at a given track is, IMO, a major benefit for those of us who don't optimize driving a track in a few laps. Being tired from more track time was (and still is) not a factor.

[Steve Bamford]

In my experience gathered from running in Nelson Ledges "Longest Day" and other 24-hour endurance races, I ALWAYS got significantly faster with less effort as the races progressed. Having a lot more time in the car at a given track is, IMO, a major benefit for those of us who don't optimize driving a track in a few laps. Being tired from more track time was (and still is) not a factor.

Dave W,

You are certainly not the average racer by any stretch, just look at your resume.

I have seen many drivers make mistakes later in races when they are mentally tired as well as possibly physically tired. Some drivers simply don't have that issue which I have seen you be one of those as I recall two years ago running with you at Road Atlanta.

As for track time, it will still be the same amount of time as they are eliminating a qualifying session to replace with a race session. No resting during a race session compared to slowing down for a lap or so in qualifying along with pitting for possible adjustments. That will make the difference to me at least.

[DaveW]

Thanks, Steve.

And I'm sure you will learn how to handle the extra race(s) to your benefit.