Peconic

The factory meeting in Fort Lauderdale was filled to capacity. Racers were delighted to welcome a large F2 contingent. F2 racers agreed that many of their causes are common, especially when it comes to engines. F2 also appears to be ready to go to one engine, one weight, one drive (1+1+1), although no weight and drive specifics have been discussed for F2.

Meeting results:


A. How can we make Factory racing more popular?


Racers agree that the sport needs to become more attractive. Going to simpler, easy to understand rules is viewed as a step in the right direction.

B.) One engine, one weight, one drive: What engine? What weight? What drive?


Racers are solidly behind the concept of one engine, one weight, one drive. It has registered positively that APBA has sent signals that 1+1+1 will be the way to go in 2004.

One engine: Racers are ready to switch to one engine in 2004. That engine needs to be defined and announced in a timely manner; target for the announcement is St. Petersburg, the Worlds at the latest.

Racers discussed many possibilities for the engine. They ask for one that is affordable, reliable, and has enough power to be called a racing engine. The engine needs to come with (preferably free) on-site and off-site support. It needs to come with an attractive contingency program. The engine needs to be a proven package, not just a concept. Racers are ready, willing, and (if the engine is affordable) able to go with the announced power plant.

One weight: All F1 racers present at the meeting and polled off-line are ready to commit to one minimum weight for the class. Great care was taken to receive the input from F1 members at the long and the short end of the length spectrum. They all agree. There is consensus that the minimum weight should be somewhere in the 4500-4700 lbs area, but not less and not more.

One drive: The majority of the racers gravitates towards the XR drive. There are voices that want a more open spec (“production Bravo”,) some asked for IMCO drives. F1 racers would be more than happy if the Sportmaster lower would not be mandatory.

Racers ask for a speedy decision on these items to give them the necessary time to prepare for the 2004 season. They also ask that once 1+1+1 has been implemented, no significant changes should be enacted for at least three years to allow for consistency and continuity.



C.) Technical regs, other.

A proposal to limit props to non-labbed, or to allow a certain kind of props only did not find the necessary back-up. No proposals.


D.) Course layout , race format

Racers agree with the current format.


E.) Race support: Fees, Parts, Fuel.

Racers would like to feel like partners in a joint venture, not as an additional source of income.

Gas that costs 75% more at the fuel truck than what it costs at the pump is viewed as an unnecessary nuisance.

Racers voiced strong feelings about on-site race support. Technical support by the engine manufacturer is seen as an integral part of the package.

The support given by GMC Vortec was cited as a good example. The prices charged at the Mercury truck drew criticism.

TYPHOON

Thank you Peconic for you work in our class that you don't even race in. You are a great ambassador for factory class.
MD

Peconic

Thank you, Randy.

The St. Petersburg Factory Class meeting (open to F1 and F2 teams) will take place on Friday, October 17th, right after the drivers meeting.

Be there.

The goal is to have everything decided, nailed down and announced by the APBA Worlds. The noises emanating from APBA are supporting this assumption.

Bloobyyou

hey.. Dredge, may I respond? POOF