To all,
I would like to discuss the proposal of allowing FF2000 cars to compete in the
C Modified class in SCCA Solo II competition.
Let me open by stating that I am against the proposal for several reasons:
1.) Weight: Current FF1600 cars competing in CM have approximately 110 hp (at
best) with a minimum weight of 1100 lbs (assuming a current, non-vintage
engine) yielding a power/weight ratio of approximately 10 lb/HP. (My FF1600 CM
car has 109 HP and weights typically 1108 lbs after competition, 10.16 lb/HP.)
The current proposal is to allow the FF2000 cars to compete at 1310 lbs. Per
Tom Andresen at Andresen Engine Development and Dave Dixon formerly of Dixon
Performance, a national level FF2000/S2000 engine produces approximately 140 HP
at 6500 rpm. The current proposal would produce a power/weight ratio of 9.35
lb/HP, much better than the current CM cars.
To adjust the power/weight ratio to equalize the cars, the FF2000 car minimum
weight would need to be 1400 lbs w/ driver. This is 120 lbs higher than the
current road racing minimum weight for this class of car. The two issues
created with this weight is a) safe and proper ballasting, and b) the chassis
ability to safely sustain this weight. Vehicle structural integrity becomes
suspect at these loads. As the vehicle load experienced in SCCA Solo II at
some sites approaches and equals the loading of road racing (I have recording
documented 1.6+ lateral G's in solo at some sites), the integrity issue cannot
be ignored. Overall, the cars cannot be properly ballasted to equalize the
engine performance differences.
2.) Tires: The FF2000 runs a larger 6" front/8" rear rim with as compared
with the FF1600 5.5" rim width. The tire sizes are somewhat equalized by the
ballasting differences with a 1400 lb minimum. Restricting the FF2000 to a
harder tire does not equalized the cars in varying weather conditions as a
harder tire may perform better in high grip/hot weather environments than the
softer tire. Additionally, rain tires do not have varying compounds therefore
any tire spec is worthless in wet conditions.
3.) Wings: While removal of the wings and diffuser help in the equalization
between the FF1600 and FF2000, they are a large part of the weight different
between the cars and therefore required more ballast to be placed in the cars.
At this point, cars may need to be ballasted with upwards of 200 lbs. Where
would one place 200 lbs of ballast in a car that weights less than 1000 lbs
without driver? Again, safety and practicality issues exist.
Additionally, the discussion of wings and diffusers forces the tactical
description of what consisted a wing and a diffuser for rules enforcing
purposes, which is not currently an issue in the class.
4.) Rational: Why does this proposal exist? Currently the FF2000 cars have a
class in SCCA Solo II, and that class is B Modified. Understandably, they are
not competitive against the Formula Atlantic and Sports Racers in that class,
but that is no reason to destroy a class that is highly subscribed and has no
rules-generated issues.
This proposal would not improve vehicle value as older FF2000 cars can complete
successfully in a regional Club CF class in club racing. Early to late 1980's
FF1600 cars, which comprise 75%+ of the CM class, are not competitive in FF
road racing and are therefore available for Solo II competition at a reasonable
cost. There are far more 1980's FF1600 cars in existence than FF2000 cars.
Any rules addressing conservation of vehicle value should favor the larger
groupings of cars and the number of competitors affected. As very few FF2000
cars compete in BM, one would assume that the demand for FF2000 cars to be
competitive in SCCA Solo II is very small. The number of FF2000 cars that
would be brought into the class would be minimal compared to the number of
FF1600 cars the class would lose due to non-competitiveness.
C Modified is a class that is favored for its stability and consistency. Cars
can be competitive for many years at a time which promotes cost savings for the
competitors. It is almost a spec class where most of the engines, tires, and
weights are the same, promoting set-up and driving skill to be successful.
Allowing this proposal to go thru would eliminate this formula, which is the
secret to the class's popularity and survival. As the saying goes, "If it is
not broken, do not fix it." C Modified is not broken, and it does not need to
be fixed.
Overall, this proposal is bad for the current CM class, and is bad for SCCA
Solo II in general. There is very little to gain, but much to lose by
approving this change. I would like to see this proposal rejected for the
reasons above.
Thanks you for your time and your consideration in this matter......gmg
Gary Godula
'88 Reynard FF88
SCCA CM/FF #57
ggodula@ford.com
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