I'm simply looking for a hobby, I would enjoy racing between 5 and 10 weekends a year. I've always been very interested in cars and racing but I'm coming more from a drag racing background. This would be my first time in a open wheel type car other than the local Malibu Grand Prix, which I love, but the cars only go about 60 mph. Again is is purely for fun, I'm not looking for more than friendly local competition, I'm not even really interested in racing regionally anytime soon.
Also, I have to consider that I'm a big guy at 6'2 235# I have to be realistic about fitting in a car, for example I don't fit in many sports cars but usually due to head room, atleast that won't be an issue.
My overall time frame is pretty long I would like to make my all my decisions as far as which car to buy in the next 6 months then make my purchase in the following 6 months and be ready for racing by about this time next year. For some that may seem like a very long time, but I'm just one of those people who like to get all the information they can before jumping in.
Last thing and this is very important to me, I'm looking to race in a class that isn't all about money. I would welcome heavy restrictions about modifications so that it's more about skill than money, this is one of the reasons I'm losing interest in drag racing as it seems it's getting to a point of the most money wins.
I am very confused about the different Classes of Formula racing, this is what I've gathered please correct me or add any important points I've missed.
Formula Ford - 1600cc ford engine, no wings/spoilers, and very narrow tires.
Club Formula Ford - same limits but older cars (pre-1992, I think).
FF2000 (ZETEC) - I don't know much about this class except, 2.0 l Ford Zetec engine, and quite expensive.
F2000 - I don't understand the difference between this and FC, except maybe it's the same as FC but without Wings???
Formula Continental - 2.0l Ford Engines, wider tires, and Wings. Not clear if all years can complete or only newer cars?
Club Formula Continental - Same as FC except pre-1992? This is the class I think I'm most interested in.
Formula Alantic, Formula Mazda, Formula Vee - I understand these classes exist, but I'm a Ford guy, so they really don't interest me.
So how far off am I, and what did I miss?
Also out of the classes outlined above which if any would use the same chassis, just with different engine, body, and wing configurations?
Thanks,
Doug