FJ / World Formula Rule Changes

Eric Nelson · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:24 pm Post subject: FJ / World Formula Rule Changes

Does anybody know why we are suddenly required to run the electric starter on the World Formula engine?

The latest SCCA Rules say the World Formula must be run "As Homologated." However, checking the CIK-FIA website, the World Formula doesn't appear to be a homologated engine. Search the word "Briggs" on the CIK-FIA website, nothing relevant even comes up.

I believe the WKA dropped the electric starter requirement back in 2006, and I know for certain the IKF did. For years people have been throwing the starters away, to the point where very few used engines still have the starters with them. I have several customers asking what happened, suddenly they have to spend over $100 to retrofit a non-performance part on motors they've been using in SCCA for years.

Scott Boito · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:55 pm Post subject:

Where do you see that this is a change? Looks like no change to the WF over the last few years at least (other than the weights and slide restrictor).
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Eric Nelson · Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 7:59 am Post subject:

I agree. A customer brought me the "As Homologated" portion of the newest SCCA rule. I explained what a karting "Homologation" is and that the WF doesn't have one, but he was still understandably concerned. So the question was posed to the KAC this past Thursday, and the answer came back "Yes, starter is required." No explanation available.

I can't see any SCCA language that specifically addresses the electric starter. There is no "Homologation" as the term is typically used in karting, from 2005 through last month we've been running off of IKF / WKA club rules. Nothing performance-oriented has changed in World Formula since early 2007, it's a very stable rules package, which is why is was chosen for FJ. Why mess with it now?

Eric Clements · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 8:48 pm Post subject:

The book should probably say "as delivered".
The Solo rules are a list of allowances, not a list of limits. If it doesn't say you can, you can't.
The WF is delivered with a starter. If you want to remove the starter you need to find the line in the rulebook that says you can.

Eric Nelson · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 10:18 am Post subject:

I understand. But that type of rule implementation can really lead to confusion when there is no thorough "Technical Manual." For instance, I see lots of painted WF engine covers in SCCA, blue and other colors. Virtually all engines using some piece of non-original hardware. "Blueprinted" engines that are bored and decked. Even the clutch, the diagram that comes with it new is incorrect, so it has to be installed backward from what's shown in order to work right. All technically not allowed, but a majority of people will show up and run that way regardless. Where to draw the line?

Again not trying to be contrary, just pointing out, it can get confusing. It happened with the Raptor, SCCA book says it has to be "Stock" which means 5 HP. But "Stock" to a kart engine builder means IKF or WKA "Stock Class" rules, very different, can be built to 8 - 10 HP.

Larry MacLeod · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 4:43 pm Post subject:

The question is, are solo people pulling the starters off? I know some aren't running batteries, but the BWFs I've seen still have the starters hanging off the engine.

Just because some road racers are doing it doesn't mean its happening in the solo community. Just sayin'.

Larry
Dad of a Solo Jr
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Eric Clements · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 6:43 pm Post subject:

Brian Regganie · Joined: 29 Feb 2012 Posts: 20

I'm all for adding a line in the rulebook that states that the starter can be removed. But as for now it doesn't. As stated before, The WF is delivered with a starter. If you want to remove the starter you need to find the line in the rulebook that says you can.

Personally I hope this is a rule that is adopted for next year. As for 2012 I think the rule is clear, the starter must be installed.

Joe Ricard · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 5:05 am Post subject:

I would like to see the statement read World Formula Starter and battery must be functional and be operated by the driver in grid.

It's really one of the benefits of the WF and Mini Max the engines can be re-started on course by the driver if it stalls.

Keeps the workers from going out and dragging them of course and delaying the event.
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Eric Nelson · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 7:34 am Post subject:

Got it. So no painted engine covers or reversed clutches either, right?

Joe Ricard · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:38 pm Post subject:

Depends Eric,

Do you want this to be another one of those classes that requires one to out spend your competition?

Thought I read somewhere that Junior B and A are places to start youngin's in Autocross.

Leave the motor alone (spec) and learn to drive and tune the chassis.

If Briggs had a sealed motor program for WF like the LO206 I would be right behind it all the way.
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Eric Nelson · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:14 pm Post subject:

Outspend? Where did I say that? I'm asking about spray paint.

I'm not trying to cause a problem... I have customers who are asking me these things. The motors they ran last year are now being called illegal. And truthfully I have no idea where to get clear answers on this stuff at this point.

I'm not concerned with the content of the rule, I can follow anything and pass the info on to customers, as long as it's clear. All I'm trying to accomplish here is prevent somebody blaming me for their DQ, when what they have is the same equipment that was legal until two months ago.

Unfortunately the rule is not written thoroughly enough. Taken literally, you can't even add oil or adjust the valves.

Brian Regganie · Joined: 29 Feb 2012 Posts: 20

It was never legal. If your customer was running the motor without the starter 2 months ago they were illegal. Apparently no one noticed, cared to comment, or read the rule book.

Eric Nelson · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:00 pm Post subject:

Well, not really. The rules last year referred to a non-existent homologation, just as they do now. Previously this was interpreted (by the SCCA, not me) to mean that IKF / WKA -legal motors were allowed. Now it's being interpreted differently.

Larry MacLeod · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 7:54 pm Post subject:

Another reason I'm glad we own a Yamaha. Less bickering over rules.

Larry
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F125 #196
Old Birel/ hodgepodge Honda CR125
Lefty Funk
Detroit Region