Who tracks their Focus and where do they do it?

[MattMarks]

Leo Capaldi (Co-series Director) runs out of Grattan and most Mid-O races. He's LCR on the board. He works directly with Ford Racing on development for Spec Focus - so if you want setup information and what the various cars are running, he's the guy.

BTW - your SVT will be perfectly competitve out of the box. No suspension or brake upgrades need. Just need to get it down to weight - and add a cage, of course.

[DirtyDeeds]

Thanks for the info...Ed

[NASAspecfocus2]

I am also in the Ohio/IN region. I have been running HPDE's for 4 years. Mid Ohio, Putnam Park, Nelson Ledges, BeaveRun. This year I took the plung and got the NASA competition/regional licence and rented a Spec Focus from Leo Capaldi Racing for the August NASA event at Mid Ohio. Three of us competed in the class that weekend. Matt, Craig C. and Me.

We had a great time, especially passing the slower Spec Miata's.

Then I rented again for the NASA National Championship races at Mid Ohio in September. More....lots of......bunches of fun.

Spec Focus is the way to go if....you got one...are too big for a spec miata,...want a fun car to race....close competition.....all the above.

All of us track dogs with Foci should really look into racing the Spec Focus series. For car prep the safety things would come first, roll cage, electrical shut off, fire extinguisher, seat belts. stuff you need to get on the track.
The performance stuff is what you do over the first few seasons as funds allow. You might not be the fastest car the first year but you will have a smile on your face. When the cars are rolling to the starters stand, all eyes are glued in the distance looking for a sign of moving green, then the engines roar and thirty or more cars are trying to get into the same corner and all jammed up. Now that is exciting fun stuff . Man I'm needing a fix right now.

[ckisner]

Originally Posted by DirtyDeeds

In which NASA regions is the Spec Focus series most active. I live in Chicago and I went through the 2007 Midwest region event results and found only one SF car driven at one event. I know the Midwest region is a newer region for NASA and I'm curious as to what level of interest your seeing from this region.

that was probably me. i was the only one that ran midwest when i raced at autobahn. i'll go again in 2008 if its on the schedule. i'm mainly in the oh/in region but i'm willing to go anywhere.

[mpsii]

I would love to track my car, but looking at auto-x first, as my Focus is my daily driver.

[ckisner]

Originally Posted by mpsii

I would love to track my car, but looking at auto-x first, as my Focus is my daily driver.

another alternative is to see if your local track has an open track day. its a great opportunity to take your daily driver and get some track time. typically, they group the drivers by skill level. drivers with no experience usually ride with an experienced driver. all you need is an approved helmet.

[MattMarks]

And many groups will rent you the helmet for the day or weekend for $20 or so. Or, you can probably dig around and find a buddy's motorcycle helmet as many tracks will accept an "M" rated helmet as opposed to the "SA" helmet that's required for racing.

Call your local track to ask who's running - they'll have a schedule. Or, try this link: http://www.thetrackschedule.com/

Autox is a great way to start - but don't be afraid of doing HPDE. The likelyhood of damage is very very low. Just stay within your comfort level and the car's limits. Your instructor will help you.

(Unless Chris ^^^^^ crashes into you )

[Egz]

I tend to run HPDEs and open tracking events (and an occasional time trial) with NASA and Redline. Eventually I'd like to do some time trialing with EMRA. Tracks I've been on:

VIR Main
VIR North
VIR Patriot
Summit Point Main
Summit Point Shenandoah
BeaveRun
California Speedway
Tire Rack Test Track (okay, not really a road course, but famous)

[WeeAsp]

Mostly HPDE and Time Trial Events. Also a rabid AX competitor.

VIR - Full Course
Summit Point - Main, Jefferson, Shenandoah
Beaver Run
Watkins Glen
Roebling Road
Road Atlanta
Mid-Ohio

As an FYI, keep an eye on the SVTOA home page. "A little bird" told me that they have secured Daytona for an event next year.

[MattMarks]

Daytona!?!

I'm so there! Even if I have to bring a book to read while going around the banking.