BUDGET OPEN WHEEL RACING
Budget open wheel racing? Isn't that an oxymoron? Most people think of Indy cars or Formula One racing when you talk about open wheel racing. But there are some very competitive and cost conscious ways to go racing "without fenders". There is go-cart racing, but that's not really a car; no suspension and no seatbelts (really!). I'm talking about real race cars; suspensions, … [Read more...] about BUDGET OPEN WHEEL RACING
University of VARA
This February 7th and 8th, VARA is having its annual season opener event, VARA - U. This well run and well attended event has even been attended by, and written about in, Grassroot Motorsports Magazine. The two day school is held at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, located outside of Bakersfield, CA. The curriculum includes classroom and skid pad sessions, and lots of track … [Read more...] about University of VARA
RACING FAQs – Budget Racing
"Are there any racing series for the financially challenged, hardcore budget racer?" Yes, I can think of two, but I'm sure there are more. Both of these series are relatively new, and are quickly gaining traction. 24 Hours of LeMons is half circus, half endurance stockcar racing, and is now nation-wide. It is hard to explain unless you have attended one. Cars must (barely) be … [Read more...] about RACING FAQs – Budget Racing
CHASSIS part 3, SUSPENSION
All we need is big, stiff springs and big, thick rollbars to go racing, right? Only if our tracks were as flat as a pool table. Every bump or irregularity in the track upsets our cornering race car to some degree, so we need to have suspension compliancy as well as stiffness. And there is a reason why Formula One drivers need to be as fit as Olympians, a stiff suspension really … [Read more...] about CHASSIS part 3, SUSPENSION
CHASSIS part 2, ROLLCAGE
Continuing on our rollcage discussion, how many points of attachment is enough? More is better is the usual train of thought, but more bars in the cage means more weight. And since acceleration is determined by horsepower per pound of car, the more you weigh, the less you accelerate. So the right balance of enough cage to be safe and to keep the chassis rigid versus keeping the … [Read more...] about CHASSIS part 2, ROLLCAGE