2nd of a Series
Okay we have just had a successful event (SCCA Runoffs) where we established our class as the largest formula class there, and attracted new blood from karting, one of whom is the son of a Indy 500 winner.
To keep FV relevant, and yet also a entry level class, I want to propose some changes and discuss the pros and cons. I would like to keep each thread factual and focused. If there is another idea we can break it off into its own thread.
The threads must be self-policing. If someone writes something that does not belong to the thread - DO NOT RESPOND.
If the person feels the point is valid they can pm me to start a new thread, or they can start their own. Hey, I can dream can't I?
Okay, for idea # 2.
I propose that the wheel dimensions for FV stay just as they are - 15” diameter and either 4” or 4.5”. The open part is "Should we allow alternate wheels of these dimensions in FV?"
Reasons:
If you made skis 1 foot wide, would they still be skis? If a baseball bat was the diameter of a basketball would it still be a baseball bat? So why does FV need wider tires?
The current size tires balance out the existing horsepower and can even handle a little more. The aero of the smaller tire allows a FV to get to reasonable speeds for an entry level class while still creating enough drag for drafting.
If we are looking for a spec tire, a harder compound would not slow the cars down much, if at all, while extending the life so most competitors could run a full season easy on a set of tires and have something left over for practice.
Now the 64K question – do we need another wheel in FV? Interesting enough, aluminum wheels might be heavier that what we have, less aerodynamic, and more prone to damage.
Here is one possible wheel I found, although if we were to allow other wheels, I assume some manufacturer will step up and provide one for our needs: http://vwcatalog.empius.com/vwcatalog/2016/264.html
Possible issues.
Are there enough wheels out there for FV to grow? I think there is, when you figure that many of us have stockpiles of wheels. Most of the “bent” or out-of-round wheels should be able to be fixed. We may throw a beam away (we shouldn’t) when bent, but wheels can be repaired.
Okay, time to comment. Do you feel we should:
1. Keep FV wheels at the current size?
2. Allow alternate wheels that meet the dimensional specs?
If the results are positive, then they can be submitted to the new ad hock committee or put up for a class vote.
Chris Z
Citation #23
061987