SVRA allows Honda powered FFs in Group 9/F16

[Styz17]

I was looking at options to race my Piper Honda FF and saw that SVRA is now allowing Honda powered FF's to run in group 9 {winged cars). Not ideal but a chance to get on track at the events you could not race at with a Honda. Any thoughts? Looked at past SVRA YouTube broadcasts and saw one car in one race that perhaps had Honda power.

[stonebridge20]

You'll just love the part when Indy and F1 cars go past you 70 miles faster on the straights.

[Styz17]

That's the "not ideal" part. However, from what I watched there is quite a few cars in the group that are not that much faster. Just asking to find out if Honda powered FF's are avoiding it for a reason, don't know, or just have no interest. I'm considering selling my Honda Piper and getting a real Ford, but it is just so reliable and well sorted I might very much regret it. Also with the amount of full course cautions I'm seeing they rarely lap the back of the field. That doesn't help in practice and qualifying.

[Lotus7]

As I interpret the SVRA schedule for Road Atlanta, the FRP FF's get their own group, and the other FRP groups will be with group 9.

Are you suggesting that a non-FRP F1600 entry would be put in group 9 ? interesting....

[Rick Kirchner]

SVRA could be so much fun for formula cars, if they could just get a clue on how to class and group them.

It seems they group by appearance and not safety.

And then there are all the "extra" groups they throw in to make a buck that takes away all their options for better groupings.

[stonebridge20]

As I interpret the SVRA schedule for Road Atlanta, the FRP FF's get their own group, and the other FRP groups will be with group 9.

lol

[Styz17]

Yes, as of 1/2022 SVRA shows "Formula Fords with Honda motors (current)" CATEGORY II (9/F16).

I'm guessing a modern Honda FF, driven well, will not be the slowest car in group 9. Ideally it should run with FF (Group 2) as a Post Club Ford that has allowed cars as current as 2008 to run. But I kinda understand why they don't want it.

I understand the major concern is speed differential between top Group 9 cars and a FF. And yes that is pretty big. However, this is Vintage Racing, (whether some of the cars in Group 9 are "Vintage" is another debate), but I think it's no surprise to the guys in the truly fast cars that they must drive accordingly. I bet that's exactly how they drive. It's mixed open wheel cars with a potentially large speed differential.

I, for one, am happy that, we too, in Honda powered FF's have at least somewhere we can run and experience some great SVRA events. Maybe if more show up they will move Honda FF's to group 2. Even if I'm the only Honda FF in Group 9 at least that's only a loss of 2 to 3 FF cars compared to some of your typical SCCA West Coast events. And as a bonus, if I have to run alone, I can at least watch the "real" fords run in Group 2. (that's a joke....... with a small hint of truth)

Thanks to everyone for your input. Looking forward to attending one of the Western US SVRA events for the first time later this year.

[Jim Edmonds]

I think that is a good decision and classification. I've run an older Continental in Group 9 at COTA a couple of times, and been told by another competitor that I brought a knife to a gun fight 8^), the only minor problems with faster cars occurs in practice and qualifying. The races are short enough that I was never lapped by more than the lead and second place cars. By then the pack is nicely spread out.

As SVRA is mostly about the cars and not intense, in class, competition for national points; they don't check little things like the Honda's restrictor plate. Without the plate and on slicks the FIT will be nicely competitive with the older FA's.

The Formula B's with the Formula Fords in Group 2 are only a problem for the Formula Fords at the beginning of the race. After the B's tires and drivers warm up there is generally enough separation. Unrestricted FITs mixing with the Formula B's would possibly not be appreciated.

YMMV

Jim Edmonds
Phoenix, AZ

[Roland V. Johnson]

I think if they put Hondas in Group 2 SVRA will see a lot of Formula Fords go elsewhere.

[tstrong]

SVRA has a race at Thunderhill the first weekend in March. I’m guessing the group 9 field will be pretty small and may be a good place to get your feet wet and see how you like it. Todd

[Styz17]

Completely agree. Take out the restrictor plate and put on slicks, sounds like a great combo. Last thing I want, is to mess with a great vintage FF group. If I want to be in that class, I should get a Ford powered FF. Thanks for the input. By the way I own Jim's former #88 Piper Honda. The car is FLAWLESS, can't say the same for the driver. Thanks Jim.