New Guy in So. Cal. – A Few Questions……

[jebfour]

I joined these boards a while ago, but have not been “in the seat” since 2003 – and when I was, it was in a kart (mostly shifter karts). I have no experience in a “car”.

When I was racing previously, I had considered getting into a CFC or CF but then we moved to So. Cal., blah, blah, blah…….haven’t been in the seat since 2003.

I’ve recently been considering getting back into a kart. There are advantages – (relatively) inexpensive, easy to store, easy to transport, big bang for the buck, etc. Some of the concerns that I had while karting are still there however; no rollbar/cage and some people that have no business being in a faster class can just buy a 125 shifter and head to the track, etc., etc…..

To that end, F500 was suggested to me. An “initial look” looks promising, but I have a few questions. I’d be grateful of those of you in the know would be kind enough to respond…

• Are there any F500 running on Southern California (say, from ButtonWillow South)? If so, how many generally show up at a race?
• How much is a set of tires? How often do you need a new set?
• What about maintenance? Costs?
• How does a F500 compare to a FV? Speed-wise? Cost-wise?
• Other stuff – I’m sure that I’m missing plenty. Is there anything else that you can comment on?

Thanks in advance...

[Rick Kirchner]

Looking thru the latest cal club results it appears there are two F500 guys from SFR.

Club Ford or FV - you can race with VARA, HSR, and SCCA and have plenty of guys to run with.

[Daryl DeArman]

Welcome,

Former karter as well.

Short answers--

1) Not generally, there were two or three at the last National. Coming from karts you will find that most all the classes in SCCA are relatively small and the difference between 1st and 5th is much greater.

2) $150-160 each. Like kart tires, their life will be determined by the compound chosen and the level of the competition.

3) Maybe someone with direct experience with the class should answer this one.

4) Faster and more expensive.

Like Rick mentioned, in So-Cal you can get a FF or CF or FV and race with VARA and have relatively large fields (compared to SCCA in So-Cal same classes) and great competition.

The f500 class is looking at making some exciting changes---I've recently sold my FV and my enclosed trailer and have a few bucks earmarked for the next car. I've been tempted to go back to karting--I've friends who I raced against 18 years ago still doing it. But, I'll probably wait a little bit and see what develops of the 600MC engines in the F500 class and decide if I want to jump in. However, I don't care how fun or cheap the car, I have no interest in racing in a class of 1, 2 or 3. So let us know what you decide!

Good luck!

[jim murphy]

In addition to going thru all the threads here, a lot of your answers will be found in the F500 forums found at www.eformulacarnews.com
Be patient/persistent as you read through all the threads here and there and you will find very detailed answers to your questions. BEFORE you decide, crew for a F5/F6 driver nearby and get hands-on experience for all that you want to know. Go out and enjoy!!

Jim

[Marshall Mauney]

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[Matt King]

Two year old thread bumped by a member with two posts? I'm surprised he's not trying to sell us Viagra.

[Marshall Mauney]

Two year old thread bumped by a member with two posts? I'm surprised he's not trying to sell us Viagra.

DOH!

Gotta remember to look at the datestamp before responding.....