First let me say the following was not my idea. Neil Porter and Peter Nosler both long time FF competitors out here in the SF Region came up with it. When I first heard it I didn’t like it, as I hate the alphabet soup nature of our run groups now. Like any smarty pants, it took me a while to see the real genius in the idea.
I put it out here because I think the idea really has merit for many reasons. I don’t know if it is even possible at this late date to get something like this done, or if Honda would even consider it acceptable, although I think they really should as I think it is actually preferable to jamming the Fit into FF at this time.
Maybe a separate class, call it Formula Honda (FH) is the right idea. Say we duplicate the FF GCR and only change the engine specs to Fit. We throw away the restrictor bringing the engine up to a genuine good National Kent level (116-117 HP), we allow the new class to run side by side with FF right out of the gate in Nationals and the Runoff's (this keeps Honda happy, along with guys like me who will convert), we spec a hard slick tire and negotiate a good deal on the price (this will keep the FF guys that run sticky GY or Hoosiers happy, as well as me because of the good price) and Honda gets their own class with the name recognition that comes with it.
From my discussions with many that plan to convert a car to the Fit, they would still convert if the criteria above were met.
To summerize:
1) New class, Formula Honda (FH)
2) Duplicate of FF GCR except Fit engine specs.
3) Runs side by side with FF at all Nationals and Runoffs starting in 2010.
4) Throw away the restrictor bringing it up to a genuine top National Kent level.
5) No sealing, we need to continue to support our engine builders.
6) We get a hard compound slick spec tire at a price closer to $550 than $900/set.
The reason I think this makes sense is most of the issues surrounding a new class and if it will take off are solved. Plenty of existing chassis, a single conversion and guys are in a class they understand with cars they understand (no learning curve).
My belief is the success and attraction of FF over the years is not because it has a Kent engine, but because FF has always struck the perfect balance in a formula of price and performance, complexity and simplicity. Formula Honda would provide the exact same benefits, thus giving it a major leg up on most new classes.
What do you think?