Since the topic around here seems to be about "Where can I race it?", I have
a simular question.
I have a 1979 Lola T540. (orriginaly a FF) Before I got it it aquired a
1789cc water cooled VW that is a fantastic runner so I hesitate to remove it
while it is still in good operating condition. It has a 5 speed Hewland MK9
and a Formula Atlantic tear wing. It has aerodynamic side pods and though
not yet finished it was to have a new nose cone with spoiler. The ignition
is an MSD system. This is the way I aquired it.
I have removed the wing and side pods and it is currently using a stock
(except for the engine cover which is missing) Lola body. In my first
outings since I was a novice they put me in with the vintage under 2 litre
group where I finished Dead last, Dead last and almost Dead last (only two
cars finished after me). It was not the cars fault because I could pass on
the straight, I just don't have the experience to handle the esses yet. I
will be racing it in a vintage club in their non-vintage group (cars that
are race prepared, but newer than 1974).
I would like to put the pods and wings on so I could see what it did for the
car. In the group I am in there would be no problem since it seems to be a
"Race what ya brung" class. But I am wondering if the car fits any class
that is currently racing since I may be interested in joining SCCA since it
realy isnt Vintage (yet).
One person suggested that it could race in all its finery as a Formula 70s,
but I have been unable to find out what that class is or where they race or
what the requirements are. Aparently it is not raced here as the local SCCA
people never heard of it.
The local people say "bring your car and we will find a place to race it if
your car meets safety standards." (I dont care about trophies, just track
time) I would hate to put up $200 bucks and then have them say "Sorry
Charlie" or even worse "Sorry Jim". It would make me feel more sure if I
could claim a known class for the car!
The worst case (from expense standpoint) is to totaly restore it to FF. But
with a strong, fast engine and, hell, it looks great with all those wings,
I sure hate to make it into a FF if I can race it as is.
Jim
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" Put on your helmet, get into your trench, and shut up!!"
John Wayne
P.S. Might consider a flame suit under that helmet.
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