Club Formula Ford (MS)

[gixxer]

Originally Posted by Ian Sowman

A few things worth picking up on here.

First, the mix of circuits - I don't know how many Brands dates BRSCC have this year. Quite possibly it is less than last year but I would be surprised if it is as low as one.

Second, the dates - remember that circuits are not booked just for FF1600 racing, so FF1600 goes where BRSCC have meetings to some extent. BRSCC are unlikely to want to have FF1600 running with another club if they can avoid it as they won't get the income. Unfortunately, taking into account NW and MS, this means a number of hideous clashes this year. The most disappointing of these are with the Kirkistown Festival and the Combe Carnival.

Third, BARC haven't seemed particularly interested in contemporary FF1600. I don't think 750MC particularly want it either - they have already had to expand their 2006 dates in order to fit in their existing championship portfolio.

Fourth, I'm puzzled by Walshy's remark that not many club racers would want to do a national series such as Formula 4 - have you seen the size of the 750MC grids Chris!? F4 is, in my view, an attractive championship but more quality entries are always welcome.

Ian really don't belive that the BRSCC does not have a hidden ajenda,if they really wanted too they could aviod the clashes!
To me it seems it just a bloody minded attutide to say its out of the BRSCC's hands afterall they know the carnival and the irish fest are on dates that clash so it makes life very diffcult for those who want to race at those meetings so the drivers have to choose which to do when there is really no need to,it seems common sense was not part of the BRSCC's package!!!!

[Ian Sowman]

Kevin answers some of these questions in an interview now on the website, gixxer.

[Redracer77]

good interview Ian.

It makes me think Kevin Shortis is more of an idiot than I thought....

LOL All drivers have to wear BRSCC patches on overals, that will go down well!!!

[Redracer77]

He talks about not giving double headers at tracks like Snetterton because they can't afford to have 2 races with only 12 or 15 cars racing. If last year was anything to go by they would be lucky to get 5 drivers.....

[Walshy]

Patches on our overalls eh?????

I hope their made of fireproof material as there was an issue with this at the start of last year. You are not allowed to sew patches on your overalls unless they are fireproof and done with a fireproof thread. I won't be going to the expense of having it done, so who is gonna pay for it????

I would just like to add also that I was extremely disappointed at the Autosport show yesterday when we all had to queue outside Mr Shortis's stand(!) to register for the Championship. We were stood there for 45 minutes and eventually gave up. It was like being at the doctors, waiting for your appointment. I seem to recall, doing the same thing at the BRSCC stand took 2 minutes last year..... Not good.

[PaulSands]

waiting to see the head

[Redracer77]

Did anyone ask how Kevin was going to find the time to run FF1600 in between his new role as Club F3 organiser and Ford Saloons.....

[Walshy]

I did raise it with the BRSCC, but to no avail.

For the record, I have just read the interview and can't believe what I am reading. Hang on. we have to pay to be on TV? No thanks. If it's anything like the Walter Hayes coverage and just a PR stunt for the wannabees.

Also, in one paragraph, the impression was made about the Crank issue that the figures in favour, could have been "buttered up". Yet still admitted to there being a majority in favour of the new crank. Regardless of how slim a majority, still a majority. Yet the crank issue was thrown out.

In the next paragraph:
What is of benefit to the competitor is of foremost importance to me, and that motivates me quite highly because without competitors there is no point in any of the rest of us being around. The future of Club Formula Ford... if anyone comes to me with a rational proposition for rule changes, either on safety or cost-effectiveness, and it is of benefit to the majority rather than one or two individuals, then of course we will look at it.

I'm starting to get really p****ed off now.

[Ian Sowman]

To be fair, running any one of the championships - Fords, Club FF - Club F3 - is not a full time job and can probably be done on a few hours a week. Remember also that co-ordinators are being appointed for each element of the championship for a physical presence at the circuit.

[Walshy]

Okay, with that said, why can't the co-ordinators deal direct with head office. If all the regions had a co-ordinator, why the need for Mr Shortis?

[gixxer]

Walshy,your moving caption is going backwards so does that suggest you spend a lot of time doing that? lol

Think the brscc must be getting worried sewing patches on overalls!whatever next,sounds like its being run by a bunch of kids and you've got to have a patch to be in my gang

[Triple J Motorsport]

Originally Posted by RayFF

Like sound of Thruxton, Donington and the Brands rounds of this F4 the championship has a class for standard FF1600?

Assume join the 750MC and then cheaper entries too!

Sad to say FF1600 aren't welcome in F4

[Go-Pakistan]

There is a class in SEMSEC for ff1600

[Redracer77]

Originally Posted by RayFF

Sad to say FF1600 aren't welcome in F4

Who told you that?

They have a class I which is invitational so FF1600 would fit in that.

Will check with Robin Knight and post back Ray as it would be good to see you at the 3 Brands Hatch rounds!!! (2 more than the Southern FF1600 Championship..)

[Redracer77]

Just spoken with Robin and you are correct. They don't want FF1600 as there are many championships that a FF1600 could race so didn't want to take drivers away from them.

Having said that he may let some drivers in for say the Brands rounds but any normal F4 car would get first option till the grid was full.

They would NOT allow FF1600 into the faster circuits (Thruxton, Snetterton) as the speed differences with the class A cars would be too much - even more so in the wet.

So guys have a look at the 750 dates and if you Southerners want a race or 2 at Brands then email Robin (750mc@btconnect.com)

They have a double header in August

[Alan Raine]

Is there any reason why you can't chuck on a set of slicks on a FF1600 (like we used to do with Monoposto) and have some fun in F4. We could pick up old tyres very cheaply and it was great fun if the weather was warm and you could make them work

[Triple J Motorsport]

Originally Posted by Redracer77

Just spoken with Robin and you are correct. They don't want FF1600 as there are many championships that a FF1600 could race so didn't want to take drivers away from them.

Having said that he may let some drivers in for say the Brands rounds but any normal F4 car would get first option till the grid was full.

They would NOT allow FF1600 into the faster circuits (Thruxton, Snetterton) as the speed differences with the class A cars would be too much - even more so in the wet.

So guys have a look at the 750 dates and if you Southerners want a race or 2 at Brands then email Robin (750mc@btconnect.com)

They have a double header in August

It was Robin who said no!

If he's changed his mind and others want to play I'd do Brands (guess Donnington and Thruxton are too fast!). I guess could beat some of the FFZetecs from what I've seen.

[Steve Mead]

Alan, thats the reason I bought a zetec as there are not many ff1600 down south but I can use it for mono F4 Lydden and it gives me a good choice, the tyres used are so cheap it makes the car fairly cheap to run.

[Redracer77]

I have been critical of the comments made by Kevin Shortis but I think he needs to be praised for getting 7 rounds broadcast on Motors and Channel 5. I just wonder who is paying for it?

[Ian Sowman]

Chris, no Midlands South rounds yet confirmed for TV - only NW.

Not sure how the financing is working out.

[Redracer77]

I did think I was posting on the NW thread? Never mind!!!

[Ian Sowman]

I thought that might be the case

[PaulSands]

Looking at the revised dates...still no Donington. Whats all that about then?

[Redracer77]

I am not sure they should call it Midlands and Southern? It should be just Midlands with an away day at Brands?

[dhart]