Thinking about taking the plunge

[Dbonessi]

I have thinking about racing FE. I raced CFC several years ago but car counts had gotten so low I really could not justifying spending $2500 a weekend to race against 2 other cars. I have been racing legends cars for the past few years and really mis driving real race cars on real race tracks.

Thoughts?

[Keith Carter]

Do it.

[Chris Livengood]

What makes you think that running a FE won't cost $2500 a weekend to race against two cars?

[SStadel]

There are 10 FE'S registered for the Cat this weekend and I know of at least 3 others that would be there if they could. That's not a bad car count.

[kea]

There are 10 FE'S registered for the Cat this weekend and I know of at least 3 others that would be there if they could. That's not a bad car count.

But he's talking about the area close to NC .

[KAMcDonald]

SEDiv usually had decent FE counts, going down a little the last couple years. NEDiv has been lucky to get 4 or 5, many times less. Now as Eastern Conference, you would think it would average out a little, but so far people still seem to prefer to get their races in at the closer tracks. We do the 3 up here and make the trip down to VIR in about 5 hours. FL and GA are just too far to tow when you still gotta show up for work.

at the regional races, all depends on who is local. not a lot of people make long trips to do them.

[cooleyjb]

Open wheel in NC is pretty sparse for all classes at the regional level. Like 1-2 FE cars max IIRC. Sometimes none. VIR national gets a few out. Road Atlanta National gets a few out but overall the FE numbers aren't super healthy around here.

[Ralph Z.]

Go FF racing or FC racing with the Pro Series. Tons of cars (24-34) and tons of seat time. Oh yeah, and tons of competition.

[FrankRizzo]

Not trying to thread-jack, but what's happening to all the racing? Is it the economy (stupid)?

[Dbonessi]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I was looking at SRF but by the time you buy a car and update the engine next year you will be close to the cost of a used FE.

I had though about FF and FC but worry about the cost to keep car up to date and the cost of tires.

The thing liked about FE is the cost controls (tires & shocks). I also liked the fact that you could race nationals with the car if regional field is week. Unlike a class like CFC.

[mazda17]

You are on the right track looking at FE. In addition to sealed shocks and spec tires that last much longer than FC tires and cost $200+ less a set, the motor is sealed and leaves SCCA Enterprises within a 2 HP window. Did I mention I won the runoffs in 2011 with a motor that had 35 races on it since it was rebuilt.

[S Lathrop]

Go FF racing or FC racing with the Pro Series. Tons of cars (24-34) and tons of seat time. Oh yeah, and tons of competition.

The one thing that is truly spec about FE is the cost to play.

You can buy a perfectly good Pinto powered FC of the mid 90's for half what you will pay for a FE. Good prep work on your part, some time working on setups and a little testing and you can go F2000 pro racing for a very reasonable cost per mile of track time.

You don't have to have the very latest stuff to have a good time and run respectably.

They allow you 6 tires in the series per weekend. But the speed advantage for new over 100 mile tires is not all that great. I have been testing with Hoosier pro tires with 200 miles and had good times. You can manage your tire budget around tire life of close to 200 miles, or buy take offs from someone who is running less than 100 miles on a set. Your biggest issue might be front tires because VD's seem to have an appetite for outside front tires. But that is an issue that can be helped through setups.

The bottom line is that the best racing, close to you, is going to be the pro F2000 and F1600. You may not run in the top half with a low budget operation but you can strive to beat the other half on a race weekend. The key here is to race smart and do the work it will take. But isn't that part of why we all race? It is a very well kept secret, but you won't be the only guy doing this in the series.

[AjC Jr]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I was looking at SRF but by the time you buy a car and update the engine next year you will be close to the cost of a used FE.

I had though about FF and FC but worry about the cost to keep car up to date and the cost of tires.

The thing liked about FE is the cost controls (tires & shocks). I also liked the fact that you could race nationals with the car if regional field is week. Unlike a class like CFC.

May be true about the srf but you will have plenty of cars to race with. And you do not have to upgrade ASAP. Check out specracer.com and hit me up with any questions.

[Kevin Kloepfer]

The Southeast is Starting to come back around. The car counts are up compared to last year. We had five at the last Road Atlanta Regional. Two cars just purchased in Atlanta, one in Tennessee. Great cost effective class. We are the CSR for this area.

[Paul Schneider]

Dbonessi, I live in Charlotte and race our FE up and down the East Coast. We mostly run the Eastern Conference Majors series and all local regional races near Charlotte. You won't be alone if you buy one and stay local. Like Kevin mentioned, two more guys from the Atlanta area just joined us. Take the plunge !!

[Mark Walthew]

If you have the funds the FE is the best option in my opinion. I have raced FF for many years and fortunately got to try out a friend's FE this past year. The FE has a nice large cockpit and a modern motor that lasts a long time. Spares are available at the track most of the time from your CSR or other competitors so you don't need to carry your own complete inventory. The cars are the same so you aren't always wondering if you are lacking something besides setup and seat time. Majors races usually get a good turn out. The FE drivers are a pretty friendly group also.

[FV07]

Dean,
I've got an FE that will be for sale shortly. Not too far away and could arrange delivery if needed. PM me if you're interested.

Jim

[skl48]

My son looked at various formula classes after running shifterkarts when younger, and SM with his brother and me ( dad).
Settled on FE and is very happy with his choice. Car is plenty quick, one of the best looking formula cars in our opinion, and the spec features are appealing.
Good support from our CSR, One Formula makes it MUCH less stressful on race weekends.

Decent fields at the Majors- our region is pretty meager with the regional races, and two have been cancelled this year, so we haven't bothered with local races- no fun to race against yourself...

Would be surprised if you weren't happy with FE if you want a formula class.