New F2 team looking for some advice...
 

Some friends are in the advanced planning stages for an F2 team to run in the 2002 Great Lakes Silver Cup Series. We are looking to get a better handle on the costs and resource requirements to run this series safely and in a quality fashion. Any advice and recommendations would be very appreciated.

We will be starting out with a 2001 boat and are curious to understand if spare drives and engines are the norm and what hardware or driveline equipment typically fails during the race season. (Obviously, water conditions and driver/throttleman skills impact these variables). How much deep technical support is required on race weekends. Since these are stock and certified HP 500 engines/outdrives, does Merc ever warranty any of these items, or is that just racing and part of the territory.

We are also trying to sort through the various skill sets and roles/responsibilities needed in putting together a well rounded team, over and above the driver, throttleman and transport.

Lastly, what do some folks do on equipment insurance during the actual race event. Self insured, or expensive policies similar to what we see in road/oval racing for specfic events and testing programs.

I am sure this will be an interesting topic for racers and bench racers alike to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the true investment beyond the boat, fuel, travel and hospitality expense. Thanks.

You'll find it a good idea to start out with an extra drive. You'll accumlate other spare parts as you go along. The Merc truck is at the APBA national races so don't worry about parts. You may want to carry three sets of props for different water conditions.

What kind of boat are we talking about?

Scott great to see another team in factory racing.We are going into our 5h season in Factory-1.Insurance for us is self insured if you cant afford to lose it your in to deep to be racing.If your starting out with new motors or fresh ones you will get a whole season on them no problem.Drives are another story.Buy the best!They are the week link in the system.You should have a spare or 2 if its in your budget.You dont need a crew chief mechanic at the race unless he is a friend and wants to be there.All your work , rigging and set up should all be done prior to race weekend.There is always plenty of helping hand and advice at the site.The great lake teams are the best group of people I have ever had the pleasure of racing with.For a F-2 team to race locally I would est. $2000-5000 per race depending on your idea of doing it rite.I hope I have helped you and wish you all the luck.Call me if you like 908-272-1100 at work.
Randy

We always have two spare drives. Run two or three races (depending on the beating) and swap them over & have the first pair rebuilt/checked out.
Spare engines? No.
Change the couplers once a year(we blew two in one season).
Deep tech support? As long as you are capable of changing all fluids, checking belts, steering systems and EVERY SINGLE NUT AND BOLT before a race, you'll do fine.
It's not so high tech, just time consuming to check everything.
One last thing: CHECK EVERYTHING.
It's the little things that will get you.
For instance, running in second place in Deerfield last yr. a hose clamp got us.
No insurance during a race, no warranties.
Appoint someone who is responsable for each maintanenence item like drives, fueling, installing props at each race and have someone else check them.
Driver does lap tape while throttles checks intercom, vhf etc...
It's just checking things over and having someone else check them again.
Good luck to ya!
Dave, F2-07 Wild Child

[ 02-05-2002: Message edited by: DJD ]

Scott DJD is the man too talk to, you should call him. They kick some serious butt! great run team with a provin track record.One of the nicest guys you will meet.Its worth a trip to AC to meet Dave.
Randy

Hey Randy.
Thanks for the kind words :D You are a class act & look forward to seeing you at the races soon!!!
Unfortunately, I am going to be in FL this weekend but if scottr would like any info, I'd be happy to give any advise I can.
Dave 203 962-5494

Hey Scott, here is another little piece of advice since you are just getting started. Be ready to go in the water when you pull up to the crane!! It is amazing how many teams think that the crane area is the place to start to assemble the boat(and I am not talking about putting props on). Speaking of putting props on-make sure someone knows which prop goes on which side-I could tell tales on some very famous boats that lurched backward as the throttle man pushed the gear levers forward :D Also don't forget that APBA requires that each boat using the crane have it's own set of lifting straps-make sure they are fitted and ready to use before the race. And don't forget-sponsors love pictures of the boat on the crane with their sticker 20 feet in the air and everybody staring at it ;) Hope this helps.

Just outa curiousity, what's the prize money payout for the F classes?
Can't find it on their website.

get the rule book out and highlight any questions youre not sure about. first race get there with extra time so as to insure all equipment checks out good. and while a lot of people going is fun think of what you really need, a crew chief is nice so when youre at the drivers meeting and physicals he is getting the boat ready to rock! and everything else everyone said. Good luck

[ 02-06-2002: Message edited by: Pete B ]

Are the Engines certified by C.R.E. or by Merc.? Doug

All APBA engines are certified by CRE as to being within the specified Horsepower range. This process was established to bring parity and conformance to the rules. I believe it has done what it was intended to accomplish and in fact also truth be known, there heve been some engines not certified because they could not achieve the minimum horsepower spec. This is a great asset to an unsuspecting buyer who has just shelled out significant coin to purchase all those ponies.

Spare drives, lots of help, boat wash and wax and a crew willing to work long hours.

P. S. here's my # 203-410-1139

Marcus

Hey Scott,

All of the above have provided you with very prudent advice. DJD and I would go over the entire boat before each race at the site. First he would go through the motors, then I would follow. I would crawl around under the dash, in the bow and look at EVERYTHING!!! Check the drives to make sure they aren't "toed" in...this will slow you down. Don't forget to change the oil after every race..it's cheap insurance. There are always plenty of helping hands and fellow racers in the pits to lend a hand. Get to the crane woth the lifing strap in place, lines on the boat and the plug in. My advice..pull up in th pits next to the Typhoon guys...they will help keep you in check. There is no substitute for preparation. Trust me, organizing and running a Factory race team will take some effort, especially if you are fortunate to get a great sponsor or two...

Please feel free to call me with any questions...

Marcus Z.
F2-07 Wild Child

P.S.
Get a good throttleman like Waterspeed & You'll pick up a few checkered flags as well.

Wow, great response. Fantastic camaraderie, I am really impressed to say the least. Randy, Dave and Marcus - I will take you up on your kind offers and give you a call. The boat is a F-2 prepared 36' Gladiator with CRE engines. You will really like this group of guys that have come together. Thanks again for your thoughts and recommendations, we really appreciate it.

Scott

IF YOU PIT NEXT TO TYPHOON F-29
YOU HAVE TO HAVE BEER, BEER, BEER. :D :D
RIGHT RANDY.
MIKE

Scott, Best of luck to you and your team. It is great to see more people getting involved in the sport. If anyone else is looking to jump in with both feet I have 2 F-2 Formula 382's with Trailers and Truck ready to sell. I can sell individually or as a package. One is a 99 and the other is a 01. Call wth any questions.
Matt 949-212-7275

Spoke to Scott today,what a nice guy.Sounds like they got a full year planned with race's and poker runs.I belive the cig. is the virgin boat so very little set up work will be needed.You guys in the Great lakes better put on your game faces we all know what that boat can do.They are a rookie team but after there first race they will be on the line with you.I also told them to hook up with Jim Porter and the Ubanks in the series.
Randy