FJ / World Formula Rule Changes

Steve Ekstrand · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 6

Spray paint and chromed valve covers are comfort and convenience allowances in solo.

But in the adjacent thread I commented about the air cleaners. People said they were removing the green air filter on the WF. My understanding is that that particular green filter is the only filter allowed on a world formula and must be unmodified (outer ware pre-filter bag is optional).

Brian Regganie · Joined: 29 Feb 2012 Posts: 20

Eric,
I see the point you’re trying to make. In several conversations I’ve had over the years with both members of the KAC and SCCA Solo Tech Department, I have been told that the motors are to be WKA/IKF legal in terms of how the engines are built. Apparently they do not consider the starter to be part of the “engine” as they have always said that the starter must remain as installed. Since the motor is allowed in other sanctioning bodies to be run without the starter, I agree that in 2013 hopefully the rulebook will state whether the starter is still to be installed or not. As for now, what you were told a week ago by the KAC is consistent with what I have been told.

Eric Nelson · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 12:08 pm Post subject:

Brian,

A heartfelt "Thank You." Honestly my intent was to solve a problem, not create another one.

See you guys in Lincoln!

Andrew Peppler · Joined: 08 Aug 2010 Posts: 91

Wait, I thought the push to WF's was for the ability to start by themselves? What am I missing that you wouldn't want a starter for autocross (I can understand sprint racing). I was thinking of changing over to WF so he could start himself.

Brian Regganie · Joined: 29 Feb 2012 Posts: 20

Even if there was an allowance one day to remove the starter, you could always choose to keep it. The big advantage of having a four stroke is they rarely if ever stall. Knock on wood, we have been running four strokes for 5 years and have yet to have one stall on course.

Eric Nelson · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 8:48 am Post subject:

I would agree. I think 4-Cycle kart engines are for the most part designed to produce power relatively close to their idle speed, with low clutch lockup speed and huge flywheels to keep them running. In my experience, if a 4-cycle motor idles OK on grid, it generally will not stall even during a huge spin. But with the can KT, for instance, peak power is many thousands of RPM above idle speed, the clutch might be set at 8000+ RPM. So slam on the brakes and drop RPM even for a second, motor stalls and clutch disengages, no real flywheel to keep it running, Game Over.

Andrew Peppler · Joined: 08 Aug 2010 Posts: 91

But having a starter and battery is bad because of what? Is it weight? I have a lightweight driver so that wouldn't really be an issue in our case.

Eric Nelson · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 2:50 pm Post subject:

I don't think there's a mechanical disadvantage aside from the obvious lopsided addition of weight. The realistic disadvantage is that since 2006, IKF & WKA have allowed removing of the starter, and I would say 80% of the engines being club raced (at least out here in CA) no longer have the starters with them. Many of the starters have been thrown away. So requiring the starter (or any other significant deviation from IKF / WKA rules) greatly limits the supply of available used engines.

Tom Reynolds · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 7:27 pm Post subject:

FWIW I have always perceived the WF to require a starter as the rules have sat for the years. I agree its ambiguous the way its written and I believe this may be clarified next year. It is nice to see it discussed and resolved before nationals. I cannot stress no one involved should tolerate little leaguing, bickering, etc in front of the kids. If you have a problem, come see me and I'll get the other party involved and we'll resolve this away from the kids. Last year wasn't a good year for this but we all learned something about this and I'm confident we all have the kid's best interest at heart. Otherwise, I'll be filing the paperwork myself on the parent, or person representing the parent's party.

Karl Hughes · Joined: 15 Aug 2011 Posts: 21

Joe Ricard · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2012 5:19 am Post subject:

Man I loved the Raptors because:
When you finally got the thing started and the yo yo did not hit you in the wrist, nose or ear it was pretty damn rewarding.

If it fired on the 1st pull from cold it was a good day.

Then it just idled and sounded so damn cool.

Oh and there were no printed rules ever published for SCCA SOLO to build them to. Rolling Eyes

_________________
Arrow AX-8/ Rotax Sr.

Eric Nelson · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2012 9:10 am Post subject:

Tom,

That would be a welcome improvement from last year. As I remember, the "bickering" started when the youth steward on duty said he was going to take the kids, sit them down in a room away from the parents, and have them discuss the potential of a mechanical protest. I think that came across as being absurd to essentially everybody who saw it.

Alan Sheidler · Joined: 09 Aug 2001 Posts: 473

Larry MacLeod · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2012 7:14 am Post subject:

Eric Nelson · Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 8:19 am Post subject:

LOL Good luck with that