Rallycross space-frame cars

[Thundersports]

Having been to a few rallycross meetings over the past few years I was wondering why more drivers hadn't gone up this route? It seems a route in to supercars on a reasonable budget or a big budget would allow a seriously quick machine to be built...........

[BertMk2]

I'm not sure how much cheaper it is to build a spaceframe, looking at Terry Briggs car I'd have thought that for that money you could pick up a Focus or Escort Div1/Supercar (not front running but certainly useful!). I really don't think there is a major saving to be made - also when it comes to selling the car the market is somewhat limited so it's less attractive from that point of view as well.

[imull]

designing and building a spaceframe is a HUGE lot harder than it even sounds!

It isnt simply a case of throw a welder at 70m of tubing. You need to have designs in your head to make sure that simple little things like mounting the steering column can be done properly. Then there is the problem of fitting panels around the spaceframe...

Also think that the MSA require a physical test on the crash structure now rather than just a theoretical test, which adds cost, time and effort to the project

[Cryos]

Originally Posted by imull

designing and building a spaceframe is a HUGE lot harder than it even sounds!

It isnt simply a case of throw a welder at 70m of tubing. You need to have designs in your head to make sure that simple little things like mounting the steering column can be done properly. Then there is the problem of fitting panels around the spaceframe...

Also think that the MSA require a physical test on the crash structure now rather than just a theoretical test, which adds cost, time and effort to the project

I also think the fia are trying to get away from Spaceframed cars which i heard recently, anyone else hear this ?

[Chessmsport]

Originally Posted by rxie

I also think the fia are trying to get away from Spaceframed cars which i heard recently, anyone else hear this ?

Whats the FIA got to do with MSA rules?

[Thundersports]

I think Terry Briggs did all the work himself building the car and sourced many of the parts at very reasonable cost, so I don't think what was spent would buy you a useful Focus or Escort........

[PhergAthor]

Originally Posted by rxie

I also think the fia are trying to get away from Spaceframed cars which i heard recently, anyone else hear this ?

Yes, the new RWD-class in ERC was in ballance with the T3F-class from France. A French official wanted his national class to go European. T3F are tubular AWD cars, also used in the Andros Cup (iceracing). I think the fact that they were spaceframed was their biggest disadvantage.

[PhergAthor]

Originally Posted by Chessmsport

Whats the FIA got to do with MSA rules?

Well, this kind of thinking causes that the British champion cannot reach the finals in a ERC-event. (no offence)

[Cryos]

Originally Posted by Chessmsport

Whats the FIA got to do with MSA rules?

Well the fia rules dictate the European championships, more and more organisations are starting to use these rather than having seperate rules.