Open Wheel World Challenge event is now open!

[Rick Parent]

Greetings drivers!

You are now able to register for this event! There is not a lot of info up yet but we are working on it. Below is some preliminary information.

http://www.svra.com/events/2017-open...rld-challenge/

Any Open Wheel Car ever built is eligible for this event whether it was built 50 years ago or yesterday.

The feature for this event will be the celebration of 50 years of Formula Fords! Formula Fords from 1967 to the current cars of today and will fill several groups. Qualified cars will race for the Formula Ford World Championship.

The Formula Junior World Tour will be joining in the fun as well, this may be the largest gathering of FJ's ever assembled!

There will be 11 groups and the max car count per group is yet to be determined, once a group is full, cars will be placed on a waiting list in order by registration date.

We will be accepting all open wheel cars from early FV's to late model F1 cars and everything in between. We will giving out awards for the top three finishers in every class, there are 23 classes at the moment.

All cars will maintain their current specifications as raced in their respective series.

If you have never been to Indy, I can say that just driving on to the property is amazing and inspiring but standing on the podium is an unbelievable experience, there have been very few racers who can say they have done that, maybe you will be the next!

Stay tuned, more info to come!

[Pop Chevy]

Are you going to give us a shot at the oval ?

[Rick Parent]

Are you going to give us a shot at the oval ?

We are still working on the schedule, it looks like a drive around is likely. We are also looking at 2 endurance races 60 and 90 minutes.

I may be crazy but, this event may be the largest open wheel event ever assembled and we will do everthing in our power to make a world class event!

[gbilawsky]

Rick,

Great news....but, it brings up the question: If we intend to run both the Challenge and the Brickyard Invitational the next weekend, can we keep the garages, RV and Paddock parking spaces all in place for both events?

Glenn

[Rick Parent]

Rick,

Great news....but, it brings up the question: If we intend to run both the Challenge and the Brickyard Invitational the next weekend, can we keep the garages, RV and Paddock parking spaces all in place for both events?

Glenn

Hi Glenn,

As long as both weekends and garages are paid for you won't have to move an inch!

[Pop Chevy]

A 90 min enduro for formula cars ??? That's not for me, but some might love it.
I'd rather have 20 mins on the oval.

[B Farnham]

How many cars will be accepted for this event?

[dsmithwc04]

So registration is open and available with no schedule or basic info and the fees are non refundable?

[Amon]

Looks that way and it appears they'll charge your credit card immediately as
it doesn't mention charging your card closer to the event?

[Rick Parent]

How many cars will be accepted for this event?

We have not determined the max number at this point, there are so many variables with new events.

If you're asking me what am I thinking, I would say based on the phone calls and emails i've been getting, 350 on the low side and the sky's the limit on the high side.

[dsmithwc04]

I'd sure like to know what I'm signing up for. What is the 3 day race format and at least a vague schedule? How many sessions for the test day and how long is each session?

[cory mcleod]

Wonder if I could transfer my entry to someone else later if needed. That would make signing up now, with so few details, a lot easier.

[chrisH]

Also, is it correct that any non-SVRA member (i.e SCCA license holder) is required to complete the Driver Orientation Program on Thursday for an additional $425? That doesn't sound right to me, especially from the description below for people from other organizations that have years of racing experience.

From the SVRA website "In addition, the DOP session will cover the basics of road course racing to include subjects such as braking, passing, the line, turn-in, apex and track-out points. The session will concentrate on the particular track that will be used for the event weekend. Class room sessions are alternated with on-track sessions and individual feedback will be offered. The DOP normally finishes the day with participation in practice starts."

Chris

[Garry Sharp]

I was wondering the same thing. That might be a show stopper.

[Rob Dietz]

I asked this morning and was told you do not need to do the DOP.

[Rick Parent]

Also, is it correct that any non-SVRA member (i.e SCCA license holder) is required to complete the Driver Orientation Program on Thursday for an additional $425? That doesn't sound right to me, especially from the description below for people from other organizations that have years of racing experience.

From the SVRA website "In addition, the DOP session will cover the basics of road course racing to include subjects such as braking, passing, the line, turn-in, apex and track-out points. The session will concentrate on the particular track that will be used for the event weekend. Class room sessions are alternated with on-track sessions and individual feedback will be offered. The DOP normally finishes the day with participation in practice starts."

Chris

As this is a new event it has presented some issues we haven't seen before, so we will adjust and move forward, thanks for pointing them out early on!

Our standard operating procedure is spelled out on the current entry form, it is not appropriate for this event and will be updated soon.

The "DOP" is for new drivers and is mandatory, this however does not work for this event and will be removed from the options list.

The "TOP" and Test Day will remain as options.

[Rick Parent]

Wonder if I could transfer my entry to someone else later if needed. That would make signing up now, with so few details, a lot easier.

Sorry, entry fee's may not be transferred.

[Rick Parent]

I'd sure like to know what I'm signing up for. What is the 3 day race format and at least a vague schedule? How many sessions for the test day and how long is each session?

Test day sessions and times are always based on car and class counts. We can't predict this today, like I said, this is a completely different type of event.

The race weekend is scheduled tentatively for a sell out;

Friday morning 20 minute practice
Friday afternoon 25 minute qualifying

Sat Morning 25 minute qualifying
Sat afternoon 30 minute qualifying race

Sunday 40 minute championship race

[Chris Elwell]

How do you see the current entry list?

[Rick Parent]

How do you see the current entry list?

Sorry, the online entry list is not available at this time.

[problemchild]

Good gig!

No schedule.
No posted race groupings.
No entry list.
Non refundable or transferable fee.
Threat of sell-out.

It's like waiting for a new Apple product.

[Amon]

Good gig!

No schedule.
No posted race groupings.
No entry list.
Non refundable or transferable fee.
Threat of sell-out.

It's like waiting for a new Apple product.

Greg,

I was planning to attend until I read basically what you mentioned above!

Mark

[problemchild]

Greg,

I was planning to attend until I read basically what you mentioned above!

Mark

With 8 months to go, there is lots of time to make details available, and attract people based on good race groups and a good schedule. I think it can be a very good event.

I just don't have that level of blind faith in any promoter. As a business person, I'm impressed with the moxie to be collecting money at this point. Non-refundable and non-transferable. Good gig!

[Earley Motorsports]

I would love to go also and I have no doubt it will be a great event. Holding onto all the entry fees for that long of a time with interest will also make some good $$$ for SVRA. A lot can happen in 8 months so do you risk it by spending the money now or wait until later with the chance of not getting in. A lot of questions, well in my mind anyway.

[Ralph Z.]

SVRA has a pretty good track record of holding great events. It's not like they are new on the scene.

With 8 months to go, there is lots of time to make details available, and attract people based on good race groups and a good schedule. I think it can be a very good event.

I just don't have that level of blind faith in any promoter. As a business person, I'm impressed with the moxie to be collecting money at this point. Non-refundable and non-transferable. Good gig!

[Raceworks]

They tend to wait until the entry list is firmed up before doing their schedules, and sometimes they'll adjust groups the day before. You still get the same track time but they may split off or combine groups.

They tend to run shorter sessions (around 20 minutes), and the track time is somewhat light compared to other series for their regular events, but they do put on pretty decent events.

It looks like the FRP series is running the same weekend: http://f1600series.com/news/1396-201...pionships.html

That will probably be the pro weekend I do as they've cut my home track out of the schedule and I'm planning on doing the Runoffs at Indy, so I may sign up for the extra track time with SVRA, too.

[Scott Dick]

As a member of SVRA for the last 4 years, I can assure you they do an Excellant job running their events. You will be treated with respect and will have a great time. I expect many of you will start running with SVRA on a regular basis. Hope to see many of my old SCCA members.
Happy Holiday.
Scott

[provamo]

and just where is the San Francisco of the south???

[Diamond Level Motorsports]

Random Thoughts,

I have run an SVRA event. It was a great experience.

Additionally I know a couple of fellow racers that made the trip last year to Indy for the SVRA event in their formula cars and they still talk about how much fun they had.

The SVRA event will likely include 50% more track time then will be offered at the runoffs later in the year. For someone that is traveling from the west coast that is a big deal.

Two weeks after Indy SVRA will be running at Mid Ohio. So again, for someone like me, traveling so far, I can get two race weekends, at bucket list tracks, for the same travel expense, and time, as going to this years runoffs at Mid Ohio. For me, a 35 year SCCA racer/member, this is a great value per racing dollar spent. This monetary, and experiential, value is exactly what the runoffs does not offer IMO.

Oh and don't forget that SVRA will be running at COTA in early November of 2017

For anyone on the west coast that is interested I have 3 spots available in my trailer for the Indy/Mid Ohio and COTA events next year.

[WDF-2]

Email sent....thanks

[DanW]

Scott, I'm interested too. Will send an email.

Dan

[TimH]

Is it true we need to re-certify HANS devices if more than 5 years old?

[Rick Parent]

Yes, the Tether is like a seat belt and has a 5 year limitation. The later tethers have a date on them, if yours does not it is most likely more than 10 years old.

Hope this helps!

[kea]

H&N tethers.
This is a problem I have with the current SVRA, they don't reconize FIA standards !

[Scott Dick]

Hey Rick, So just to be clear even though my Hans tether is FIA and dated 2011 they need to be changed.
Thanks
Scott

[Rick Parent]

Hi Scott,

Yes, its time for a new tether, thanks for being proactive, maybe Santa will put one in your stocking?

Happy Holidays!

[Scott Dick]

Thanks Rick! I will order a new one tonight.

[Norm Marshall]

Rick,

My understanding is that the SVRA tire rules for Club Fords have been waived for both the Indy events. Is this true? Can Wayne Mitchell or someone else pre-tech West Coast cars in advance?

Norm Marshall

[Rick Parent]

Hi Norm,

Good question, the short answer is no, we are not waiving the Tires Rules. Please see below for the long answer and explanation. Our goal is to accommodate all FF's, and every other Open Wheel car for that matter.

The plan today is to have 5 run groups of FF's, (FF, CF, PCF) running under the SVRA Rulebook. The 4th group will be for Monoposto (FFM, CFM), running under Monoposto Rules. The 5th group will be for the Modern FF's (MF) and Pro FF's (PF), any cars older than 2009 using Slick tires (no Honda's) will be classified as Vintage Ford (VF). Potentially any car running with treaded tires may run in the Slick Tire group as well and get double track time if desired.

The 1st FF World Championshipship race will consist of the top finishing cars in Saturday's races in the FF, CF and PCF groups, Monoposto cars with the proper tires and weight may qualify as well. The 2nd World Championship race will be for the Slick Tire group.

Please keep in mind, this is a work in progress and most of the time we have to adjust based on the number of cars per Class or Group entered. The maximum cars per Group is yet to be determined. We hope to have all the details by the end of the year.

I hope this helps

[gbilawsky]

Hey Rick,

A few more clarifications requested please...(as usual from me)

1. Is there a cut-off year between PCF and MF classes, or is the differentiation based solely on tire selection:

PCF (1982-2008) - SVRA tire rules
MF (dates?) - Any tire including slicks

2. What is the criteria for "Pro" (PF) vs Modern (MF)? Will the "pro's" be pre-identified
by SVRA or will they be able to register, or qualify slow, and thereby sand bag into the other lower classes?

3. You mentioned 23 classes....can you post up the complete list?

Glenn