So, for the past few years I have been documenting some of the race car prep and running that I have been doing. I still prefer this forum as it lays down a record of activity that some day may be useful to others. The series started with my Seat Ibiza 16V ‘lime pickle’, moved on to a Radical SR8, came back to more production machinery with a Revo Stage 3 8S Audi TTS, and now is heading off in another direction again. I still had on my ‘bucket list’ the desire to run a single seater. Some years ago I thought about putting my Ibiza engine in the back of a F3 Ralt, since that would have been a fairly easy swap in a car already fitted with an 8V motor, but the chassis was just too narrow for me. I sat in several more cars over the years including F3000 and specialist hillclimb cars like the Gould GR55. None really suited. Then maybe 3 years ago I got to sit in a new chassis from Staffordshire race car builders Force Racing Cars. This was the TA. It was ace. Very modern design of carbon tub with a lot more space than older similar cars. I started to hatch a project, then started to collect parts, then placed a deposit, and this weekend took delivery of the base mechanical car. There is still work to do with electronics but it has begun. Picture below. Much more soon. Cheers Rob
Ibiza race car: https://www.clubgti.com/forums/index.php?threads/kiwi-seat-ibiza-sprint-car.254890/ Radical SR8: https://www.clubgti.com/forums/index.php?threads/radical-sr8.273788/ Audi TTS: https://www.clubgti.com/forums/index.php?threads/new-race-car-mk3-audi-tts.287513/
Ta - its got an engine based on a Suzuki Hayabusa - more info including some very nice photos in due course. Proper engine porn. Will be in Racing Cars 1100-1600cc class.
Not been on here for a while but still been racing. Did British Sprint Championships last year and came 6th overall, 1100-1600 Class Champ, and best novice for my first year in BSC. Won Britannia Cup and Celtic Trophy too which are overall champs awards based on beating Class records (got about 5 or 6 which was great). Car is going great. Couple pics below from Aintree last weekend. Will put more up this year.
Looks good Rob. I've only ever driven a formula ford around Coombe, but a totally different feel to a tin top as you are just part of the car, as opposed to sitting in it.....that was my experience anyway. How does it feel? I think I'll try a single seater at some point, fancy a Dallara although a bit big really, but need far more pampering than a tin top, so avoided it so far.....plus as you say actually fitting in to one!
Its a full properly autoclaved carbon tub that goes from just ahead of pedals to behind the driver. Rear tubular subframe bolts to this that carries engine/rear suspension/wing. Front suspension bolts directly to the tub and is a monoshock, F3-Dallara type, with anti-roll system built into the damper linkage. Rear end has independent shocks for each wheel and a 'third spring' arrangement to add resistance into the chassis as downforce builds at speed - allows you to run soft springs for bump control and not have the car on the ground at high speeds when aero builds. Shocks are all top end Penske units. Will get some pics - its just gorgeous.
The tub is as small as can be to save weight and minimize frontal area so you end up packed into it quite tight, but the plus side to that is that you don't shake around and bash yourself, and also you feel everything through your bum, legs, etc. Totally different to a tin top - lots pampering. Really does feel like a big go-kart, a 140mph go-kart, very direct, and amazing cornering and braking abilities.
