FFR Challenge real world thread

OK, so, I read the article in the issue before last.

Building my case for....

Most spec class cars are slow and boring when used at track days. SM, SE30, SE36 are just not exciting to drive unless you are in a pack and free to challenge each other for an apex.

I am used to a much faster race car that needs more $ to be competitive. FFRC is faster than most other spec class cars in my price range and appears to be pretty exciting to drive.

I love the looks. I have the skills/tools to slap it together easily and I can find mustangs all day long locally as cheap donors.

So... all good so far. Now for the part I don't have covered:

NASA FFRC participation - my two primary chapters are NE and SE. The FFR-C website has a total of 9 drivers shown and dates from 2008. Does anyone race in this class on the east coast? I have seen them around the paddock but never paid attention to how many. I need to have competition and lots of it to justify jumping from the highly contested class(es) that I'm in now.

Are they really cool to drive? I am coming from a semi-tube chassis E30/E36 background with power to weight that puts me in GTS4 or 5 depending on if I took a good E36 M3 before the race and it pulls 2+ gs in a corner. I'm 4-5 sec a lap faster than the records these cars post for tracks I visit. Am I going to enjoy flinging one around?

Are they really reliable and long lived between maintenance? The website says so. Part of the reason keeping up with the mod crowd is so expensive is that I need a bag of spherical bearings and huge slicks too often.

Does anyone on here in the NE own one I could turn a few safe flings around an empty lot or... does anyone know who rents one for a test day so I can try it out?

Real world cost: I estimate I can put one together for under $23k if I can't find a used one for less. Is that about right or is there hidden costs I'm not seeing?

The field at NASA Nats was way fun to watch. Lots of position changes. The cars with Trick Flow upgrades haul ass. Just be sure you don't mind that exposed feeling.

Steve Chryssos wrote: The field at NASA Nats was way fun to watch. Lots of position changes. The cars with Trick Flow upgrades haul ass. Just be sure you don't mind that exposed feeling.

The only open cars I have driven on a track are a kart and an SRF, both are pretty cool.

to of doors on FFR are at Sack height. Might want to give that some consideration.

Steve Chryssos wrote: to of doors on FFR are at Sack height. Might want to give that some consideration.

I suppose - it isn't bothering me as much as the small field sizes.

What I'm really looking or is the 2013 race car - I'm already all-in this season in the E30 of Doom. I need (reasonably) affordable, reliable, challenging and with lots of competition at any given race weekend. It seems like FFR is good for all but that last bit.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: I'm 4-5 sec a lap faster than the records these cars post for tracks I visit.

You can throw those records out; the new 2012 rules package adds 100+ HP, more brake, more optimal gearing and suspension upgrades.

Go here: FFCars

And here: thefactoryfiveforum

Join up then post your questions and concerns.

Cheers, Jeff

In reply to JKleiner: Thanks Jeff. I was looking for the "active" forum. NASA's site is dead.

If you go this route i will volunteer to drive up north to help you build! (no experience but ive always wanted to do it)

Wes