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Post by Der Administrator on Dec 8, 2004 7:44:49 GMT -8
This section of the Left Coast Board has been created for Formula Ford drivers to post to in hopes of opening up a positive dialogue prior to the merging of our two run group in the San Francisco Region of the SCCA.
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timw
Newbie
Posts: 11
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Post by timw on Dec 14, 2004 18:58:59 GMT -8
I'm not sure why we can't co-mingle in one discussion board regarding the same topic instead of having to refer back and forth, but here's my opinion.
My FF experience is limited, school & 7 races this year with all but 2 grouped with the FV/F500s here in the CenDiv. I am a californian and am currently entertaining a job offer back home and trying to decide to tow it home or not so do have a potential horse in this discussion.
My perspective is that Vees & Fords can get a long great. A ford can pass a vee on corner exit down the straight without much hesitation to either one. Under braking, it seems the vees brake much earlier than a ford, thus out braking a vee is not an issue if its done early enough. The only potential problem I've seen with vees is if the ford driver just didn't get a good enough run to out brake but still dives underneath, the vee is going to the apex regardless and will only lift as a last resort.
While that is an aggressive move between two fords for position due to comparable power & brakes with the passed driver usually surrendering the corner, with a vee I've learned (not the hard way thankfully) that its much quicker to give the vee the corner and pass on exit.
Having a car faster than my driving experience, I have slid off the track during the first few laps of three of my races, rejoining the field at the back behind all the vees. In all instances I was able work through the entire vee field without incident, not disrupt their race (or at least no vee driver come over with an issue at impound) and finish in front of all the vees each time.
In CenDiv regionals are almost all FV/F500/FF with Nationals FC/FA/FF, with exceptions of course. I am less concerned racing with FC/FA in nationals after experiencing the flip side of that equation and seeing exactly how easy it will be for a faster/better braked car to pass me.
Regarding split starts, almost always was the field naturally divided, except for some FFs that you probably won't want in front of you anyway.
My $0.02
Tim
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Post by mercuryracing on Dec 15, 2004 5:25:51 GMT -8
Hi Marty: Great idea, but I think the threads could be merged without too much strain.
My nickle's worth:
Running with FV's is not a problem until the overly aggressive's on BOTH sides get their follicles in a twist. In a Ford, there's more than ample time to plan a pass, whether it's at the exit of a corner or the straightaway.
However, we ALL need to learn some race-craft. If we can't learn to race side-by-side, literally, then we shouldn't be racing at all. Having to "surrender" a corner is bull. Both cars need to alter their lines to leave racing room for both cars, not just one. I'm not sure how the mentality of "Who Gets the Corner" got started, but it needs to end.
That said, I'm glad the insanity of you guys running with SRF's is over, and welcome to the Group 4 fold. I'm looking forward to racing with all of you.
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Post by tvracer on Dec 15, 2004 7:25:52 GMT -8
Marty, Slap my hand if you must, but I wholly agree with the last 2 FF posters regarding letting us all post together on this issue. I will have zero problems behaving myself  In school, I had fun racing with the faster Formula cars and look forward to racing alongside (or behind ) the FF's. Tom '90 Adams Aero FV |
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Post by Der Administrator on Dec 15, 2004 7:27:31 GMT -8
Gentlemen;
The idea of this section is that the Ford Drivers have a section to air their opinions without comment and the Vee drivers have their section to air their views with the same freedom. Think of these sections as the hidden camera you can talk to without repercussions. The Group 4 section is for EVERYBODY to post into. Greg did it right by just posting to both areas.
This has been a very heated discussion these past few years and I am just trying to keep the potential for Flame Wars to a minimum, they are counter productive. If this proves unnessesary I will change the format. but for the moment that I ask that you respect it. I am a veteran of internet flame wars so I will admit to being gunshy.
As full members you both can start new threads and open discussions, so in that respect ROCK ON. Communication is what this is all about. I just ask that until we have a good flow of info going that you respect the format.
Your Hall Monitor
Marty Cameron
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