NASA Spec Focus National Championships

[LCR]

Hope some of you guys stop by the Spec Focus Races at Mid-Ohio this weekend. We have 5 Cars competing for the NASA spec Focus Championship title Sept 15-16.

Jack Baruth- Powell, OH Ford Focus 2.3L Duratec ZX4 Red # 68

Craig Capaldi – Richmond, MI Ford Focus 2.0L Duratec ZX5 Black #67

Chris Kisner - Grosse Pointe Farms, MI Ford Focus 2.0L SVT ZX3 Sonic Blue #25

Matthew Marks- Sterling, VA Ford Focus 2.3L Duratec ZX4 Silver #111

Lowell Marx- Pataskala, OH Ford Focus 2.0L SVT ZX3 Yellow #69

We will have all Focus race cars pitted in the upper paddock under the Ford Racing tent. There will also be a display with the Focus WRC Race simulator with prizes to each days high score. Stop by and say hi.

[Sponsor]

[slo1]

No defending Champ?

[eventerke]

Good luck to all your folks!

I think I've got video of that silver ZX4 at the last NASA VIR weekend - I'll post up a link when I can.

[WeeAsp]

Originally Posted by slo1

No defending Champ?

It's a new series. So, there is no incumbent.

I live 10 minutes from Mark in Sterling. I'll have to look him up.

[slo1]

WeeAsp, What do you think of the spec Focus program?

[LCR]

Here is the NASA series web site check it out.

http://specfocus.drivenasa.com/

[WD40]

Wish I was closer.
I'd love to see the event.

Give everyone a "good luck" for me Leo!

[WeeAsp]

Originally Posted by slo1

WeeAsp, What do you think of the spec Focus program?

I like the program. My only fear is that it will gain in popularity like the Miata cup and result in 40+ competitors on a 1.8 mile track all at once.

The Miata series was intended to allow people an affordable entry into the racing world. Turn key, a race car would only cost about $4000 to field.

As the popularity increased, so did the cost. There are folks running in the DC area that spend 8,000+ just to balance and blueprint an engine.

So, I think the spirit is there, but we'll see how it progresses.

Overall, I think that a SPEC focus class is a great idea, but the rules are slanted toward the non-SVT cars.

For people like me, who intend to turn their car into a full blown race car within the next 2 years, the SVT falls between classes.

I would need to spend just as much money to meet the SPEC Class as much as I would to convert to SCCA ITA or ITB.

So, it is a rough call.

[BadIdea]

This is the 2nd year and I think the defending champ is driving another car make. But I don't know for sure. Someone else is renting leo's 68 car. And for svt not being favored, it won 3/4 races this year. There are also adjustments to be made to equalize the cars.

If you want to race NASA then spec focus is the way to go for the money. Nice thing is if you want something faster you can hop in performance touring. NASA says bring a car, and we'll find a class for you to race in.

Your last fear should not be this becoming too popular. Leo is bringing 3 of the 5 cars and did the cage on the 4th.

[slo1]

It seems the SVT is one of the easiest cars to make Spec legal.