New to FV

[igino]

Hey guys -

I've been looking for an affordable and accessible type of track racing to get into, and FV looks like an awesome spec. Right now I am just trying to learn as much as I can through the internet. I am in SoCal, and have been in touch with Dietmar of Quixote racing. Is there anyone in the Orange County area that would willing to talk about FV? I'd love to see a car, and maybe buy a case of beer for someone willing to shoot the breeze with me for a bit.

One concern I have that might be a game-ender. I'm 6'8". Is there any way I could cram into one of these vehicles? I'm not wide - just TALL. I have a good amount of fab experience and a background in desert racing, so I'd be comfortable modifying a chassis - but would this be against the rules? Is there a maximum length? Maybe there's even a chassis that is accommodating for people my size?

Lastly - how does driver school work? How often is it? If i don't make this driver school coming up in a couple weeks, am I out of luck for the rest of the season?

Thanks so much for your time guys! I look forward to meeting you!

-Igino

[Bruce]

There is a race at Willow Springs this weekend. There will be 5 or 6 FV's there. Your height is problematic. You can go here cms.scca.com/documents/Club%20Forms/2010%20Tech%20Forms/2010%20GCR-January.pdf go to page 190 and read the rules for FV.

[igino]

Awesome, thanks for the tip on willow springs. I don't think I'll be able to make it, but I've also heard that there is one at the Cal. Speedway next weekend, is this correct?

The length issue that looks like a problem for sure. Thanks for the link. Hopefully someone on this board has some experience with this sort of issue. Maybe a more generous height car could allow me to bend my knees a bit more?

Speaking of which - can you recommend a good national forum I could post this question to?

Thanks!

[qposner]

Larry Bacon is pretty darn tall (I am 6'3" and he has me beat by a few inches). He may be able to answer questions re: height. I don't have contact info for him, but he is located in Novato.

www.formulavee.org/interchange/

[Bruce]

This is Cal Clubs link www.calclub.com/

[Take 'em Out Terran]

Hey, going off what qposner said Larry Bacon is definently a tall guy. He has modified his Mysterian with a pretty tall roll hoop, so it is possible.

The SCCA Driver's school is next weekend at Thunderhill, so if you want to see a F Vee in action that would be a great time to come up North!

[igino]

is it too late to get in on the driver school with rental gear or whatnot? Where can i get more info on it?

I have all my own safety gear.

[Take 'em Out Terran]

Uuummm I believe it is too late. The application deadline was Feb 19th but they did say they would accept them afterwards and depending on space and depending on whether whoever was the chief stuard's (am I correct?) thoughts are there maybe a very VERY slim chance you could get in. you would just have to find a car to rent and whoever could get it to the track. I suggest calling the National office and the San Francisco Region office to get all the details. Here's a link with the contact info
www.scca.com/contactus.aspx

Everybody if I'm wrong bout any of this correct me XP

[milldawg]

Larry Bacon is a member of this forum, and his username is; bfv61, I believe. He is quite tall, and does rent his car occasionally. It looks like he has an email showing on his profile. Not sure if you'll make the ground school which is this weekend?

Crusader, Protoform, and Vector are all FV's that will accomidate larger drivers. Whether you will fit in any of these cars is a good question. I'm betting Chuck and Blake Tatum can make a special version Crusader that might work for you.

If you are to make SFR's Drivers School, you will have to get moving quickly to make it happen. The other option is to make the Super School that Cal Club does at Button Willow coming up in March. www.calclub.com/html/html2/super_school_entry.pdf

But hitting up Larry with questions about issues regarding big drivers in these cars would help as he is no doubt one of the tallest/biggest drivers in any Vee.

Good luck.

[Take 'em Out Terran]

They also have a dvd that they can mail to you if you aren't able to make the ground school. its a $30 surcharge on top of the all the other fee's but it would work if you really want to do it

[igino]

Thanks for all the tips guys!

I contacted Larry, and we're going to talk on the phone on Monday.

I don't think I'll be able to take the time off work to make it to Button Willow. Assuming next weekend doesn't work out, and I can't make it to Button Willow - does that mean I'm not eligible to compete this season?

[sabre1]

One of the most important things you are going to NEED to do is SIT in a car. It will make a difference if you have a long torso, long legs, or both! When you go for your 'sitting', take and WEAR your drivers gear - it WILL make a difference as to how you fit in a car and comfort is very important. A car with more of a lay-down seating position will be more difficult for you to fit in. A more upright seating position will better accommodate your height. The San Francisco region paper, The Wheel, does list several FV's for rent; Larry is one of them.

As mentioned, the San Francisco region driver's school is just a week away and we would like to see you join our group, I think we have 5 or so entries so it would be beneficial for you to go through a school with other Vees so you can compare notes, and if you need any extra help, there will be plenty of experienced Vee racers there assisting. If you can't make the school but want to check it out, you would still be most welcome. You can sit in a few cars and I expect Larry will be there as well as I think he is involved with two of the cars going through school.

Good luck and hope to see you at the track.

-Jim

[igino]

I have family in NorCal, so getting to the school wouldn't be that big an issue. However, it seems like a catch 22 - even if I find someone who will rent me a car, there is no guarantee I will be able to fit in it. Looks like this is just my fault, and time is not on my side.

Maybe I'll come up and check out the school just for kicks.

I'd love to race later on this season - but if I miss these drivers schools is that out of the question?

[sabre1]

Though I don't know about other regions, chances are they conduct driver's schools as well. In the past, Cal Club has done more than one per year (if I understood correctly). They would be your next best bet, then check with other regions within towing/driving distance. Once you have your novice permit, you can compete in any regional race.

I see that we haven't answered your question about what happens at driver's schools. In the San Francisco region, we start out with a drive-around the track in street vehicles with the instructors so you can familiarize your self with the track layout and the instructors can show you the 'line', AND you can ask questions in real time. Next session you are in your race car following an instructor around the track at a reduced speed with no passing. Subsequent sessions increase speed and allow passing in certain areas, typically straights at first, then anywhere if done safely. The entire time you are on the track you are under observation by other instructors at the corner stations. After each on-track session, there is a debrief where we go over your performance on the track; driving the line, watching for other cars, etc. We typically will be mixing other cars (FF, SRF, et al) into the group to optimize time on course. Typically though, the groups are separated by speed and style (production cars, including spec Miata) are in separate groups due to visibility issues at speed. Usually the last day you are on your own and there are two small races for fun to end the day. Instructors are observing the entire time though to be sure you mind your "P's and Q's". Having a fun time is emphasized, though safety is the preeminent concern the entire weekend.

Hope you can join us.

-Jim

[igino]

That sounds like a ton of fun! Thanks for the detailed response!

Who should I contact about getting into the class on late notice? This is also supposing that Larry Bacon would have a car that would be available - which is another big 'if'.