Formula Car / Driver Sizes

[kwicker]

I have been interested in a Formula Car for track days first, graduating to SCCA racing later, and while I don't have a great budget to work with, the 15-20k deals for FC and FM cars is something I can do. Honestly, I am closer to a 'large' driver at 220 lbs and 5'9" (thanks to my Cajun heritage). Which cars are more suited for a larger driver than others (and please don't say Camaro). I have raced a FV but that was way too small and some of the FC's I've sat in felt similarly cramped. Are there any options other than Jenny Craig?

[EYERACE]

formula fords have become a smaller and smaller cockpit over the years too....so a range of years classed as a "club ford" would probably be of a design that you will fit into nicely....maybe the older model formula mazda too

[racer27]

I'm approaching your weight, and fit in a Citation FC (93) ... Very Comfortable once in, although top of cockpit is a bit narrow...

[Ted Idlof]

You can fit in a standard FM.

[Ian Lenhart]

You should have no trouble fitting into my Van Diemen.

http://www.apexspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19591

[Sean Maisey]

I ran a 2001 Van Diemen Zetec in 2004 and 2005 and I was very comfortable in it. I was maybe 210# and 6' 0" then. 1998 and later FC/Zetec cars are all essentially the same basic frame, so you should fit any of them

My 1998 Van Diemen FF (similar to 1997 FC chassis) was a tight fit at a similar weight. Swift DB1/3's were also tight for me.

Thankfully I hsve slimmed down a bit lately. My 1999 VD F1000 conversion is downright roomy with me at 185#.

Sean

[sidney]

From sittign in them, early '97 VDs are very tight. The Tatuus I have is certainly narrow, but not as bad as those '97 VDs.

[SStadel]

I ran my FSCCA last year at 5'10"-5'11" and 225 pounds. Thanks to a diet of vicodin and beer I'm now a svelte 199 pounds. I had to do a full bead seat with no beads removed. I think I'm going to need a sofa this year.

[Tom Sprecher]

I've sat in a few Formula cars and at 6'2 and 195 some would be difficult if not impossible to drive. Usually it's your height that is the limiting factor unless you have an unusual aspect ratio. From what I have seen FM are the largest. Your height should allow you to get into most if not all cars.

Forget Jenny Craig. Just cut back on the etoufee, boudin and jambalaya. You'll fit the car and depending on how much you cut back be close to minimum weight.

Do you know where Jeanerette is? I went to a wedding there some time ago that started out as a 3 day bachelor's party in Nawlins. It was brutal and most of it I don't remember except a narrow bar on Bourbon that had the band up on the wall in the corner.

[Stan Clayton]

Keith,

You may wish to consider a Zink Z-10 Formula Ford. I still have the sales brochure that came with my '75 Z-10, and on the back page it states, "The car is designed to accommodate drivers up to 6'4" (with waist-lines to match). The steering column and pedal cluster are adjustable."

I can assure you that the claims are true. I am 5'10" and 200 lbs, and I have everything set up for the shortest driver and still rattle around inside the cockpit. The car would easily accommodate someone 6" taller than me and 100 lbs heavier. It's that big!

Stan

[Jim Esgrow]

For what its worth
At 5' 8" and 210 lb I fit into an FM with lots or room to spare. My old 83 VD formula ford (converted to DSR) was a press fit but very comfortable once I was in. I was unable to get comfortable in a 95 VD FC as my legs were to large and the frame has a very narrow section at the front of the cockpit also the foot box was quite small even for my size 9 shoes.

Jim

[turnbaugh]

At 6'3" and 210, the FE car fits fine. The FM is tighter.