Testing, testing... 1,2,3...
I recently tested a SCCA Spec Racer Ford (SRF) at Buttonwillow Raceway!
What an amazing car. There isn't much comparison between a street-based race car like the Spec Boxster and a purpose-built, tube frame, inboard shock car like the SRF. The SRF was an absolute blast to drive.
The suspension of the SRF is perfectly balanced in terms of stiffness vs grip. The car probably has 30% more grip than a SPB due to the much improved suspension and, of course, the Hoosier slicks. Even though the tire width of the SRF is relatively small (185F/205R), the SRF is about 4-5 sec's per lap faster than a SPB at Buttonwillow. That performance comes from the greater cornering ability and a better power/weight ratio (SRF is 135 hp in a 1560lb car = 11.5 lb/hp vs Boxster 200 hp in a 2650lb car = 13.2 lb/hp). Both of those weights include fuel and the driver.
The SRF feels very light and agile. The #11 that I drove was well balanced and didn't understeer nor oversteer. I was consistently over-braking since my brain was calibrated to the much heavier SPB. It really doesn't take much brake to slow a 1560 lb car (that is 900 lbs less than a SPB and 1400 lbs lighter than a stock Boxster!)
There are two things that I want to get out of my racing experience: (1) the opportunity to drive some great race cars, and (2) the opportunity to drive some great race tracks. This is a step towards (1). Oh, and I'm working on (2) also!
Thanks to Alexander Bermudez, three-time SCCA National SRF Champion Mike Miserendino, Mark Bellangee, and the entire MBI Race Team for making this happen and graciously hosting me for the day.
