FM rentals in California?

[Michael_Mustang]

Hello,

I have a background racing tin top cars with the SCCA and NASA and I'm very interested in racing a Formula Mazda or Formula Ford (Club Ford). But first, I'd like to try one out.

I live in southern California and was wondering if I could rent/try out a Formula Mazda at one of the California tracks (SoCal or NorCal)? Thanks in advance for any leads or info.

[DanW]

Neil Porter www.porterracing.com rents both Formula Fords and Club Fords.

Roland Johnson out of San Diego rents out Vintage Formula Fords and Club Fords running with VARA in SoCal.
rjcsandiego@sbcglobal.net The vintage Ford groups are large and the racing is excellent. They usually run Buttonwillow, Willow Springs and Fontana.
619-294-7012

Bulldog Motorsports in Patterson rents an FE for SCCA weekends. http://www.bulldogmotorsport23.com/Services.html

I believe there is a prep shop or an individual in the SF Bay Area who rents out Formula Mazdas, but don't recall who.



Regards,
Dan

[Michael_Mustang]

Neil Porter www.porterracing.com rents both Formula Fords and Club Fords.

Roland Johnson out of San Diego rents out Vintage Formula Fords and Club Fords running with VARA in SoCal.
rjcsandiego@sbcglobal.net The vintage Ford groups are large and the racing is excellent. They usually run Buttonwillow, Willow Springs and Fontana.
619-294-7012

Bulldog Motorsports in Patterson rents an FE for SCCA weekends. http://www.bulldogmotorsport23.com/Services.html

I believe there is a prep shop or an individual in the SF Bay Area who rents out Formula Mazdas, but don't recall who.



Regards,
Dan

Thanks, Dan!

[David Ferguson]

Contact Eric Purcell at EFM in Sonoma. I think he has an FM that is available for rent.

http://www.efmracing.com/arrive-and-drive-programs.html

[parsonsr]

Sending a message your way, I have a car available that's in the Central Valley area, about 90 miles from Buttonwillow.

[daericks]

I have run with both Eric and Cameron. Both are great options for you. I'd select one base on where you live. Eric is based in Sonoma and Cameron is in LA area. Good luck!

[sflaten]

https://bondurant.com/advanced-formula-mazda-racing/

Bondurant in Phoenix uses them for classes. I know it isn't CA, but may be worth the short hop

[daericks]

https://bondurant.com/advanced-formula-mazda-racing/

Bondurant in Phoenix uses them for classes. I know it isn't CA, but may be worth the short hop

It's sad that I used to do some work with them and they are 5 minutes from my place and I forgot all about them... Some thoughts on this idea. They offer a class that is specific to driving the FM. It is priced fairly but your travel costs are the variable that could make it less attractive. Their cars are decent but not anywhere near the quality Eric or Cameron operate. Certainly good enough to learn in. If you goal is to just drive the car and get used to it and you have little or no racing experience this is the way to go. Not to mention they can sign off on your competition license if you need one.

If you want to get out there and run in an SCCA event and you already know all the ins and outs of running in an SCCA race, then I would just attend an event that has a full practice day on Friday before the racing begins on Saturday. Personally, I had raced quite a few times prior to my first race in an FM and I took two practice sessions at Laguna Seca before my first race. I ran poorly but I was comfortable enough to pound laps and feel safe about it. The biggest things I struggled with was the gearbox (many of us still mess that up regularly) and getting used to the aero. Visibility is good in the car and the group as a whole is pretty fun to run with and they will all treat you like family should you need any help.