Racing in freezing temperatures

[Hardingfv32]

I noticed the the FV/FF is the 1st run group this weekend at the COTA Major when the temps will be at or below freezing in the morning.

How is the performance of the FV engines at these temps? Seems like there would be a lack of vaporization in the manifold.

How bad is the grip from race tires?

Brian

[Bob L.]

Brings back memories, even racing in snow in StL. long/long ago...V's couldn't climb the hill to SF..... Runoffs at Atl, when cokes froze in bottles (yup, bottles) Late Nov....

Big points to cover....

1. Everything is cold... try to preheat oil/pan/filter/cooler (maybe block off cooler)... plugs may load up, so have some clean dry ones around once it's running/warm....may need some ether/starting fluid to get it lit....wet plugs can be dried/burned off with a flick of a BIC...in a pinch.

2. Oil will be big time stiff....check filter if any to make sure you don't blow it/lines up...

3. Race tires.....yep will be way cold, no stick,....put a bit of extra air in so they don't roll off rims....

4. Just take care.....first session wins you nothing....stay on road, away from those that charge by until you feel right...in a lot of cases, stay in where it's warm til next session...if you must go, walk softly...

5. Seal up leaks in helmet/suit Use anti fog on glasses visors...wear extra layer on undies/shirt/socks....

6. Don't get in any rush... big prizes...at end....

[problemchild]

Disconnect your cold air scoop and run a hose down near the oil cooler or exhaust to prevent carb icing.

If your hands are exposed to the airstream, tape some kind of deflector on to your cowl to keep your hands from direct air flow.

When you start first time of the day, watch your oil filter, and keep rpm down as low as possible until OP stabilizes. The OP pressure relief valves tend to be lazy when cold. I would carry a spare filter and a roll of paper towel to be prepared for a ruptured oil filter (like having an umbrella, you won't need it if you have it).

Go drive hard like you always do, and don't let the cold distract you. Half the field will psyche themselves out, so take advantage of that. The best way to get heat into the tires is to use them, and HP will be good, so go hard, and go fast!

[Bob Posner]

I noticed the the FV/FF is the 1st run group this weekend at the COTA Major when the temps will be at or below freezing in the morning.

How is the performance of the FV engines at these temps? Seems like there would be a lack of vaporization in the manifold.

How bad is the grip from race tires?

Brian

Learned this one from Bill Noble at Phoenix in January 99. We were out to qualify at 8am and it was 29 degrees. I was renting a clapped out Caracal with a huge new motor. He turned the idle up to 2600 rpm and we were the only cars not bogging off the corners.

[Matt from Produce]

Any video footage from this race this weekend? Interested in checking out how it went.

[Bob L.]

I looked at results....no huge fields, appears no Vee's from left coast, so original poster may not have gone. Check results on race monitor (SCCA Majors at COTA) to see what's there.... as to videos....?

Bob L.

[John Nesbitt]

A friend who worked the race tells me that almost a third of the entry cancelled, presumably because of the weather.