Plus if anyone can explain why so many spec racer drivers drive (and don't think it's fubared) with more roll resistance in the rear than the front with equal size tires and 63% of the weight in the rear I would love to hear it.
Thanks guys
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adamvbrouillard |
Thinking about moving to FM - Questions. |
Lead | |
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I have been racing spec racer ford for the last year or so and am starting to think the chassis is inherently unstable in it's current state with the new
bigger front tires. So I have been considering formula mazda, cars seem to be about the same price so it would be an even swap. I'm mostly concerned
about what the average reliability/running costs are though or any other weirdness that FM guys have to put up with.
Plus if anyone can explain why so many spec racer drivers drive (and don't think it's fubared) with more roll resistance in the rear than the front with equal size tires and 63% of the weight in the rear I would love to hear it. Thanks guys |
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NSXted |
Wierdness, what wierdness? | ||
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Well the good news is you're on the east coast and all the wierdness is on the left coast. The bad news is, 1) this is where all the action is and 2) Glen
Cooper, former Georgia FM super star, has left the building. JK about where the action is.
We have 2 refugees from Spec Racer. The one who just came over this year was at the pointy end of the SRF grid for many years. I don't believe they frequent this shady little forum so I'll let them know you'd like to pick their brain. Speaking of costs, the first thing you'll probably notice is tire life. If you can swallow that dose of harsh reality, you can probably fool yourself for quite some time into thinking it's all pretty affordable. Good luck and hope to see you back here asking questions and telling some stories.
Ted FM #13
Shoe String Racing |
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specracer3 |
sfr to FM | ||
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I have raced a SRF for over 20 years in the SF Region. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to race in a very competitive environment that has decent
cost controls. I have thought about FM for several years, but the necessity of buying new tires every weekend to be competitive kept me away. The drivers in
the SF region decided on using a Goodyear tire that is competitive for at least two weekends. That change helped me to start racing a FM. I have had 2 test
days plus my first race at Sears Point, aka Infineon Raceway a couple of weekends ago.
There were really no surprises in driving the car as far as unusual handling or braking as compared to a SFR. However, it is about 15 seconds a lap faster, has better brakes, more horsepower and learning how the wings affect your cornering speeds is taking some getting used to. Also, learning to shift properly without a clutch is another challenge. I think it is probably going to be 25 to 30 percent more expensive to run, but that is just a guess. So far I have really enjoyed the FM. I was very fortunate as the previous owner has been a huge help in getting me started by being at the track for test days and the latest race. I must say that I was in sensory overload during my first race weekend, but everything went well. Hope that helps. |
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MSR76 |
Tires | ||
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I am currently working with Good Year to come up with a tire that is a little harder in compund than even the 475 currently on the market. I am expecting
the tire to be a few tenths slower per lap, but have a much longer life. Also the difference in lap time between a new set of tires and an older set would not
be as big of a difference.
Moses
www.msrparts.com www.mosessmith.com moses@mosessmith.com 602.454.7601 Moses Smith Racing LLC. 4202 E. Elwood St. #4 Phoenix, AZ 85040 |
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NSXted |
Sounds good to me. | ||
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Good on ya Moses.
Who came up with the 475?
Ted FM #13
Shoe String Racing |
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MSR76 |
Tires | ||
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Good year did the 475 compound. I did a bunch of testing for the tire when they came out a few years ago, and they are better in respect to longevity than the 430. Since we are on that note, a proper break in of the tire will help in longevity also...
Moses
www.msrparts.com www.mosessmith.com moses@mosessmith.com 602.454.7601 Moses Smith Racing LLC. 4202 E. Elwood St. #4 Phoenix, AZ 85040 |
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Tim Moore |
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Just got my FM on Saturday
I was able to test the "experimental" 475 for Roger Krous a few years ago in the Sports 2000. My first experience with a freebie from a tire
manufacturer |
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Kart84 |
Thinking racing FM | ||
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I am considering starting racing Formula Mazda in the near future and have lots of questions but before I go too far I would like to have an idea of the costs
to race this class. I realize there are lots of variables so the question has no real answer but wondering more about operating costs, costs for things like
tires, engine rebuild costs, life of tires, life of engine, other items that require routine maintainence where significant costs can be incurred.
Any input is greatly appreciated. |
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