does anything compare to formula racers?

Got the opportunity to drive formula renault campus cars last weekend. They're not all that powerful, only 130hp on roughly 4-500 kg so it's not like it's supercar territory. But the experience was amazing. Addictive. Going back to everyday life is just dull. The daily driver feels duller than ever. I just want to get back in, but that's simply not an option right now.

So, for the last few days I've been trying to figure out a way. I've looked at formula fords, formula opels, F3... I've looked at bike-engined karts, some of which were in range, but would a kart provide the same kind of experience (the sequential shifting, the braking, the racing line) or would I still be missing out as the way you drive it is too different (due to the lack of suspension, differential and most karts having a simple rear axle brake setup)?

 

I raced a Formula Mazda and thought getting a kart would be a good idea. Not to knock karting - as it is brutal IMO, but I didn't like it. To drive a kart well is a different type of driving than driving a formula car. A kart track is small - often really small - while tracks for formula cars are a lot bigger.

Overall karting is an awesome way to keep up the skills and as we all know, karting is a great way to move into formula cars. The best drivers all start in karts. But for me to go from formula -> karts wasn't much fun, difficult, and brutal. I'm too old for karts. I'll let the kids drive em.

 

A superkart will come relatively close. They run close to (and sometimes quicker than) 911 supercups. Bike engined karts are way to overpowered for the small wheels they have. Wheelspinning in 6th gear is utterly retarded IMO.

Formula Ford with aero, F3, F renault etc are the better ones to experience with though, as they have proper aerodynamics.

 

Bang for the buck its hard to beat old school Formula Mazda.
I've done Vees and FF as well.
The major expense for all is tires.
FM tires are a bit more but no engine rebuilds.
Everyone has the same aero, gears, fixed suspension, etc.

 

+1,000

Even FFord or S2 with no aero is good. The cars are very competent. VdeV, too.

True, FE (Formula Enterprises in the US), FM (tube-frame Formula Mazda) and FC (FF2000) are all really good and turn about the same lap times.

 

I race a Formula Atlantic (5th place 2012 June Sprints). I pay the money because there is no other earthly experience short of a jet fighter. The car is faster than my brain can process. I love it.

 

5th in the Sprints, congratulations! Do you know Bruce H?

 

Shifter Kart, is the cheapest form of racing that is closest thing to an Atlantic car. Yes its brutal, but It will get you in shape.

 

I do. I met him last week. We both have our cars with the same Atlantic prep shop. Nice guy.

 

I used to race a Brabham BT29 and wish I still had it.
At one point I did the math on a modern FA but couldnt justify it.


Good for you to have the $ and will to run one.

 

I had a BT29 also, sold it last year to a guy in Australia and got this email today.

The man in the photo is Ron Tauranac who now comes to our meetings as he lives in Sydney, I am very pleased to get this photo, as Ron is now 87..
The car performed really well and I could not be happier, I got to chase and overtake some of the guys who were always in front of my old car, and the beaut blue Brabham received many admiring comments.
But best of all was Mr Tauranac saying it was one of the best restored and maintained of his cars, with many good ideas (the throttle cable?) and you should be complemented.. It doesn't come much better

Nice to get a pat on the back from the guy who designed the car.
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what about a Radical SR3? Bike Engine with everything you mentioned.

Super Fun to drive!

And you can find used ones cheap! (not sure how cheap in Sweden though).

There is a Distributor in Sweden, give them a call and see what it's all about.

 

In case there is still any doubt

http://www.karting1.co.uk/news/news/schumachers-tests-kz2-at-lonato/

http://www.karting1.co.uk/news/news/michael-schumacher-proud-to-keep-up-with-special-karters/


A couple pics of my KZ2 kart :

https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/180549_1595697128441_4151459_n.jpg
https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/168480_1595696568427_1514443_n.jpg

Yeah, it can be rough, but I'm 58 and over 200lb ... it's not a killer

G

 

Nice! Do you wear rib protection?

 

I do

G