There’s a Ford in Your Future: 1995 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Robert after a win at Grattan, August, 1995 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| SCCA ENTERPRISES, INC. January 31, 1995 SRF TECH BULLETIN During the recent CSR meetings in Detroit, Jim Knaus, Manager, and Joe Balcarowiak (Joe B.), Resident Engineer, Dearborn Engine Plant, stressed the importance of cooling for the Ford engines. Confirmed by Harry Tucker (designer of the SRF 1.9 engine), damage may occur if the cooling system is not adequately bled, prior to racing. COMPLETE AND CAREFUL FILLING OF THE COOLING SYSTEM IS CRITICAL. At the end of each session of operation, it is recommended to drive a cool-down lap at reduced speed and upon returning to the pits, allow the engine to idle briefly before shutoff to aid in temperature stabilization. Further development of the cooling system is being explored by Roush as well as selected CSR’s. Also highly recommended is the use of the updated oil cooler, rather than the smaller Renault cooler. Ceramic coating of the exhaust system and installation of the “Aero Kit” and it’s accompanying cutout will also help reduce undertail temperatures. Call your CSR for details on these approved modifications. David Liddle SCCA ENTERPRISES, INC. 1994 was a very successful year for Enterprises. It can be summarized in the report I gave to the annual meeting of the SCCA in Milwaukee last week: SCCA ENTERPRISES, INC. · For the first time in its history, SCCA Enterprises is in the black for the first eleven months of the fiscal year and we are projecting a profit, albeit a modest one for the full year. · Unlike in the past when SCCA Enterprises was draining cash from SCCA, Inc., I am happy to report that SCCA Enterprises returned over $275,000 in cash of SCCA’s investment in 1994. Enterprises has made 17 consecutive on time payments on its long term note to SCCA. · Although there were some unfortunate technical glitches in the first year of the Ford conversion program, we sold over 70 new cars in 1994 and there are now 207 ford powered spec racers in the field. At a time when overall entries for national classes declined 6.9% in 1994, Spec Racer entries increased by 11.6%. · Our network of CSR’s supporting the owners of this class continues to grow and strengthen and they are doing a fine job of supporting our members who are racing Spec Racers. · With the start-up phase of the Ford conversion now behind us, Enterprises is looking forward to a future that is brighter than at anytime in its history. At the SCCA Board of Directors meeting prior to the convention, the following issues were addressed: · FM1OO fire extinguishers - the BOD directed Enterprises to explore the logistics and costs of replacing the extinguishers of those cars supplied with FM1OO with Halon systems. We are to report back to the BoD in March with our findings and recommendations for a solution. Those cars that had FM1OO systems supplied with their new cars have been given a waiver for those systems, making the cars legal through 12/31/95. We will be contacting all of the owners of the cars shipped with FM1OO systems and advising them of the replacement procedure. · SRF rear springs - following exhaustive testing during the ‘94 season we have made the decision to change the rear spring rate on the SRF (only). As soon as they are available it will be legal to run a 425 lb. rear/275 lb. front combination. It is possible to move your current rear spring to the front and install a new rear, or we will have available new front springs for those that want them. After 1/1/96 the new spring rates will be mandatory for the SRF. The springs are being made for us by Eibach, they will be powder coated, marked with an exclusive identifying seal, and available only through your CSR. Eibach have agreed to post a contingency for the SRF class similar to the one they have for the Can-Am, details will be forthcoming soon. The new rear springs will cost $65 each. If you want new front springs to match they will also cost $65 each. Contact your CSR for details. · Prices - It has been three years since Enterprises last increased its prices. In that time although our costs have steadily increased we have been able to maintain our margins via cost cutting measures. However, there comes a time when costs are cut as far as possible without affecting the structure and effectiveness of the company. For that reason Enterprises will be increasing its prices by 5% effective April 1st, 1995. As required, SCCA Enterprises requested authorization from the SCCA, Inc., Board of Directors to increase the price of a conversion kit by 5%, this request was approved at the Board meeting in Milwaukee. Therefore, effective April 1st the cost of a conversion kit will be $6,295.00, and a new car $19,500.00. All orders received, with a deposit, prior to this date will be accepted at the old prices: $5,995.00 conversion kit, $18,995.00 new car. If you or anyone you know is thinking about a conversion kit or new car, now is the time to buy. These three items will be effective upon publication in the Fastrack section of SportsCar magazine. 1995 has started on a very positive note; in January we had the second annual CSR conference in Detroit. Over the course of two days the CSR’s visited the Dearborn Engine and Fuel Tank Plant where all of the SRF engines are made, Ford SVO, and several Roush facilities including the race shop, the Spec Racer Ford engine and conversion kit assembly area and Roush’s “Skunk-Works” where they saw some developmental and prototype projects that will not (if ever) be seen by the public for some time. In addition to the tours we spent a lot of time with the CSR’s in business meetings going over all aspects of the Spec Racer program. Everyone came away from the weekend with a feeling of accomplishment and looking forward to the coming year. Following are some of the issues discussed, with conclusions where applicable: Axles - we have been talking with Roush and Ford to set up some test sessions to evaluate the new axles with the stiffer springs. We are also exploring the cost involved in stepping up a grade in material, as well as the change in heat treat procedure. We expect almost daily progress, and have targeted the axle as the #1 priority. Engine/transmission brackets - Roush are looking at a way to strengthen the existing brackets. Weekly reports & updates from the CSR’s to Enterprises - we want and need CSR’s input. Enterprises CSR weekly updates will be coming out midweek so they don’t miss them while they are at the track. I would like to receive their input as soon as they return from a race weekend while it is still fresh in their minds. Monthly conference calls - between Enterprises, all CSR’s and your BOD liaison will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. Rumor control - we are asking that the CSR’s report any rumor regarding or affecting the Spec Racer program back to us. It enables us to defuse these stories before they have a chance to harm the program. Prices - we are constantly working to keep prices at an acceptable level, and will be addressing the pricing of Roush supplied parts. Renault oil cooler bracket for SRF - will not be a separate piece. If you do not want to invest in the newer more efficient cooler, bend the tabs on the old one and install. Temperature sensitivity - Dave Liddle will be sending out a tech bulletin advising all Ford owners of the sensitivity of the engine to low coolant. We are also pursuing the cost of the low coolant sensor/light. Plated fasteners - we will be sending out all of our un-plated washers and fasteners for plating and will be buying only plated stock from now on. Fasteners - Enterprises will be building a car from a kit to identify the inaccurate instructions and incorrect fasteners supplied/spec’d. SRF engine repairs - the CSR’s have the address for the engine repair program. Bear in mind that this is a new program for us and for Roush. There will be teething problems, please be patient. I think we all picked up in Detroit that Roush and Ford consider us to be their partners. They want the repair program to work, but we will have to get used to each other. Shipping & handling - it had been suggested that Enterprises should get out of the direct retail side of the Spec Racer business. We decided to continue to offer this service, but, in an effort to offset increased shipping and overhead costs, and to encourage the support of the CSR network, effective February 1st, shipping and handling charges increased to 20% for all Enterprises direct retail sales. Stickers for rebuilt cars - we are working on a program to make compliance stickers available to CSR’s with a registration system that enables us to completely legalize cars in the field. New car kits - in the next parts catalog we will list the car as a “base car kit”. We will also make sure you know about any shortages in the kit before it leaves Enterprises. More importantly, we will increase our efforts to eliminate shortages from kits; however, sometimes they cannot be avoided. Technical bulletins - Dave will issue a tech bulletin regarding the advisability of ceramic coating the exhaust system and using the new oil cooler. Lastly, if you have sold your Spec Racer or should you sell it sometime in the future, please let us know that you no longer own the car and pass on the name of the new owner. Also please let your buyer know of the requirement that they send the log book to Enterprises for re-issue to the new owner. If we do not have their name in our database we cannot sent them the newsletters and technical updates. For those of you wary of being on a mailing list, be assured Enterprises will not release our mailing list to anyone outside the SCCA. If you have any questions on any of the items or issues addressed in this letter, please contact your CSR. Respectfully; SCCA ENTERPRISES, INC. Today I received the “official” Spec Racer Ford Pro Series schedule. At the present time there are 5 races officially confirmed by Pro Racing, Ltd., with at least 2 more to be added as soon as they can negotiate sanction agreements. They are as follows: May 6-7, Phoenix I do not know the location of the additional races they are trying to add, but as soon as I do I will let you know. Dave Liddle looks likely to be the Pro Series tech inspector for this year, although that is not confirmed yet. If you have any questions please call. SCCA ENTERPRISES, INC. Within the next few days you will be receiving, via UPS, a replacement short axle shaft. These new shafts were manufactured for Roush following the continuing problems encountered with the original design. They will be sent freight prepaid and at no charge to you. The new shafts have been made with a higher grade stock, and benefit from revised and improved machining and case hardening processes. During destruction testing at the Ford Central Testing Laboratory the shafts were found to be at least 25% stronger than the previous version. This was before the upgrade in stock material. In addition to upgrading the short axle, the long axle has been similarly redesigned. New style long axles will be standard on all new cars and conversion kits from now on. For those of you that would like to upgrade your long axle to match the short, Roush has made a limited number of long axle upgrade kits. The kit consists of a shaft, grease, and clamps. The kit is available from your CSR. Although some of you have been suffering with axles breaking for some time, I think we owe Roush our thanks for the effort and expense they have incurred redesigning the axles. Remember, during 9 months of testing covering over 1500 miles we did not have 1 axle break. Go figure! Due to the fire our SRF owners list is a couple of months out of date. We have been updating the list with each mailing we send out, but I am sure there are still SRF owners that are not on our list. If you know of a SRF owner that does not receive their free short axle, please tell them to call Casey and she will ensure the axle gets shipped and that they are added to the mailing list. That’s about it for now. If you have any questions, please call. Respectfully, SCCA ENTERPRISES, INC. We have reached decision time in regards to selecting a wheel for the Spec Racer. Here is the culmination of our research and the decision. CURRENT WHEEL TIRE AMERICA TIRE RACK DURALITE WHEELS WELD DECISION COMPARISON
Comments: Aluminum: Poor molds are producing poor quality wheels. Molds are not repairable. Duralite: Much lighter racing wheel. Off the shelf design. Non-exclusive. Weld: Lighter than aluminum. Exclusive design. We currently have 75 wheels on backorder, although I am sure there are more than that, as you have stopped calling because you know we don’t have any. Martyn SCCA ENTERPRISES, INC. Dear Spec Racer owner, Renault rebuild facility If you wish to get a Renault engine dyno’d and sealed, have a top end rebuild, or a full rebuild, you have to send the unit to Speed Sport Engineering (SSE) in Illinois. SSE does the work and dyno’s the engine. The engine is then shipped to Enterprises for verification of engine power and sealing, and returned to you. You pay both the incoming shipping charges (from your home base to SSE in Illinois), and from Enterprises in Denver to your home base, just as before the fire. Enterprises pays for the engine to be shipped from Chicago to Denver. The engines are sealed in Denver to eliminate the possibility of anyone asking for a “special” rebuild, and to provide a secure link in the chain controlled exclusively by Enterprises. Enterprises seals and ships your engine within 24 hours of receipt. Lastly, we have not increased the retail cost of any of the 3 options available to the owner, nor have we changed the program in any way. When you order a top end you still get your original bottom end returned with a rebuilt head. When ordering a full rebuild you do not get any part of the engine you sent in as a core returned. Cores are required for full rebuilds. Paperwork and billing for Renault rebuilds is still done by Enterprises. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Dave Liddle here at Enterprises. Ford engine repair program New cars Conversion kits The only effect the new drop ship policy will have on you is to provide you with a faster more efficient delivery of your parts. All orders, inquiries, complaints, and paperwork will continue to be administered by Enterprises. Parts Wheels Axles The long axle has not given us any problems since the initial batch. These were all replaced over a year ago and since then we have had no problems reported. When Roush had the new short axles manufactured the long axles were also respecified to the new process. This was to streamline and economize production, not because of necessity. The new long axle shaft is being offered as an upgrade if the owner wishes to do so; it is not mandated or required. Rumor central! That’s about it for now, if you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to call. Respectfully, SCCA ENTERPRISES, INC. Dear Spec Racer owner, Weld Racing called us last week to let us know that the first 100 sets of new Spec Racer wheels were available. Since then we have sold about 60 sets, so if you want your new wheels for the Runoffs you had better get your order in soon. Contact your CSR for details. We received confirmation from Ford that they will be producing 4,500 engines exclusively for the SRF, and storing them at the engine plant in Dearborn. The Runoffs contingency has finally been put together. We would like to thank Roush, Ford SVO, the Dearborn Engine and Fuel Tank Plant, Yokohama Tire Corporation, Performance Friction Corporation, and Weld Racing Wheels for their fantastic support. This year we have been able to put together a program that will distribute more than $30,000 between SR and SRF. Details are explained in the attached release. Because you asked us to address the occasional minor failures that occur to the SRF transmissions, we have made arrangements with a Ford authorized facility in Denver to repair units to factory specs. There is a $75 (non refundable) inspection fee, to be paid prior to tearing down the transmission. Before any work is done you will be contacted with a price for the repair, should you decide to proceed the inspection fee will be applied to the cost of the repair. The attached memo from Dave Liddle explains the repair process for Ford transmissions. If you need more information call Dave. That’s all for now. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call. Respectfully, Pictures from the Mumm Brother's 1995 Runoffs
SCCA ENTERPRISES, INC. The 1996 racing season is rapidly approaching and several changes have been made to the rules which you may not be aware of. The rules for SR are almost unchanged, but SRF includes the legalization of some items we wanted to allow as a part of continuing car development. For SRF Coming out soon, as tech bulletins, are the recommended breather hose routing between cam cover and air box and details on recommended location of water temp sender for those engines which have no provision for the original sender mounting. Also upcoming are a couple of development items to be allowed, but the details aren't final yet. For both classes: Of interest to anyone owning a car having a chassis number 600 or higher, with a fire system as delivered from Enterprises containing FM 100, is the following information: these cars will be eligible to have their fire bottles refilled at no cost to the owner, other than shipping charges. To become eligible for this program, contact Dave Liddle at SCCA Enterprises for details. This offer will end on April 1, 1996, so act promptly. After that time you will be required to have the FM 100 replaced at your expense. Finally, I recently heard of a steering shaft
failure at the weld where the steering wheel plate is welded to the shaft. This
occurred on an older car, and while I don’t believe it will be a common failure,
it’s probably a good idea to inspect this weld periodically to be safe. 1995 Spec Racer Ford Pro Series Results Spec Racer Pro Series: Round 1 Warren Stilwell and Cameron Earnshaw joined Funk on the podium. From the start, Funk’s Applebee’s-sponsored Spec Racer was a half second a lap faster than the rest, and he steadily stretched his lead. “The only problem I had was with about three laps to go,” said Funk. “I was lapping a couple cars, and one almost took me out. I radioed my crew and they gave me the margin over Warren. I decided to take it easy, and backed off by about a second a lap.” Behind Funk, Stilwell had an equally untroubled run to second, never being seriously challenged for that position. However, the battle for third was closely contested with Santo Spirito constantly filling Earnshaw's mirrors. Earnshaw drove splendidly; he was never able to get more than a second ahead of Santo Spirito, but never put a wheel wrong. With the first four positions static, the fight behind them finished with Hal Holiday fifth followed by David Underwood, Scott Zaneti, Rick Murphy and Bob Boudinot. At the end, as at the start, they were still closely bunched.
Spec Racer Pro Series: Round 2 A three-foot wide patch of coolant right through the apex of Turns Two through 10 sprayed from Simaras’ car over the hilly circuit, making the track surface slicker than a Zamboni pass on an ice rink. Along came eventual race winner Warren Stilwell (Stilwell Racing/Spec Racer) followed by the rest of the Spec Racer field. Stilwell hit the slippery stuff and it was exit stage right. Neil Tilbor (Pro Spec/Tilbor Marketing/SR) was next, followed by car after car. “I hit that stuff and I was off like right now,” said Stilwell. “I did a half-moon and looked in my mirrors and everyone behind me was off, I caught a gear in the grass and headed back out to the track.” Neil Tilbor made contact with wall, but was able to continue. “I smacked the wall hard,” said Tilbor. “I got the car moving and just a second later another car came by and whacked the wall right where I had been sitting. I was amazed that when I got back to the track I was running in fourth or fifth!” Unfortunately, several other Spec Racer pilots weren’t so lucky. John Santo Spirito (Santo Spirito/SR), Bob Boudinot (Computer Discount/SR), and John Collier (Standfast Nitrogen Gas Die/SR) all landed in the wall with authority and ended their day. A full-course yellow was called and the pace car circulated the field while course crews cleaned the track and emergency crews attended to the casualties in the wall. Action at Turn Two had started right from the drop of the green, when John Hollansworth plugged his KHR/Butch Harris/American Freedom/SR ride into the wall on the first lap of the race. On that restart, Stilwell had it all going his way, as Tilbor, Leo Capaldi (Autostuff/Valvoline/SR), Collier, Boudinot and Gary Lippert (Checker Board Autosports/SR) all fought for position behind him. On the restart after the track clearing coolant incident, Stilwell once again jumped to the point. Tilbor tucked in behind while Lippert, Jeff Mitchell ((D Equipment/SR) and Robert Mumm (Auto Stuff/Donnybrooke Mtr. Racing/SR) fought for third. Mumm made his move on Mitchell and then set his guns for Lippert. On the last lap, Lippert lost it at Turn Nine and tagged the wall, while Mumm went on for the podium finish. “I was gaining on him (Lippert) rapidly,” said Mumm. “I had a good draft and perfect spacing. I went around him going into Turn Nine. I felt a tap on my rear and I almost looped it; but when I checked my mirror, he was spinning off course.” After a couple of fires that melted much of Mumm’s electrical system at Phoenix, a podium finish was just what the doctor ordered. Mitchell hung on for fourth, while Mick Robinson (Robinson Motor Sport/SR) moved up to take over the number five spot. - Dee Duncan
Spec Racer Pro Series: Season Review
“My season started out a little rocky,” said the soft-spoken champion. “We had a few problems getting the chassis dialed in, and with these cars balance is paramount. My dad, who is my crew, came up with the perfect set-up by the second race and we were on our way after that.” Stilwell finished four of the five series races in the top three. He posted wins at Mosport Park and at Road Atlanta in two of the more trying races on the docket. At Mosport, a three-foot-wide patch of coolant leaked from the back of a fellow competitor’s car making the track slicker than an ice rink. Stilwell, along with just about the entire field went sliding off track in the slippery stuff. It was extraordinary car control that brought him the victory. Likewise, the monsoon that was the SCCA pro racing weekend at Road Atlanta proved to be no problem for Stilwell, as he claimed a cool two-second victory over the rest of the field and clinched his second Spec Racer Pro title in the process. He successfully defended his 1994 National Championship at the Runoffs at Mid-Ohio, marking him one of the most successful drivers around. The season finale at Sebring was the only blemish on his otherwise perfect season, when a mysterious gremlin all but turned his engine off several times during the race. “It was the weirdest thing,” said the new champ. “We changed everything we could think of to change on the car. It would run great and then just stumble and die. I was glad that the championship was already decided.”
Robert Mumm (Barry Mumm/AutoStuff/Donnybrooke/SRF) took the only win not posted by Stilwell and Funk in the finale at Sebring. His goal at the race was to finish ahead of arch rival Neil Tilbor’s (Pro Spec/Tilbor Marketing/SRF) mount, and he did it in absolutely convincing fashion at one of the most exciting races of the season. Funk’s car was gasping for air with the temp pegged when Mumm blew by him with a last lap pass with just two or three turns left before the checker. “I knew I had to finish ahead of Neil in order to wrap up third place in the championship points standings,” said Mumm. “I felt that I had the fastest car out there and I almost got by Neil on two or three occasions. When we saw the tell-tale wisps of vapor coming out of Funk’s car we knew it was just a matter of time.” As Mumm and Tilbor headed for the checker Mumm just inched by to take the win. Neil Tilbor (a.k.a. Mr. Second Place) had another good season, getting onto the podium at three of the five races, with a second-place finish at each. Tilbor missed the top three in final points, for the second year in a row, despite scoring at least two second-place finishes during the season. John Hollansworth (Elite Autosport/Butch Harris/SRF) finished fifth in season points with a trio of sixth-place finishes at the final three races of the season. Mick Robinson (Robinson Racing/SRF) missed the first race of the season but finished two races in the top five and edged Scott Zanetti for the sixth place in season points. Zanetti ran cars in both the pro Spec Racer Ford and Shelby Pro Series. Richard Doty, Rodney Thompson and Jim Lewis all came on strong to round out the top 10 with just three points separating them. The Spec Racer Pro ranks remain strong, with a total of 63 different drivers contesting the series in 1995. This gives the Spec Racer Pro Series one of the best participation records in SCCA pro racing and a strong schedule of perhaps as many as eight races should make the ‘96 calendar an even more exciting one. 1995 Spec Racer Pro Series Results Miscellany from 1995 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rev. 5/30/98 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Feedback | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| I welcome your comments or ideas on this
information. Feel free to drop me a line via “Comments for the
Bro’s”. Barry |
||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Warren Stilwell (Stilwell Racing/ Maaco/SRF) notched
another almost picture-perfect season in Spec Racer Ford pro competition as he scored both
his second consecutive pro racing and National championships.
Chris Funk (Applebee’s/SRF) was Stilwell’s
closest competition. He took wins at the season opener at Phoenix and at his home track of
Topeka on a blistering hot weekend. Funk is probably still kicking himself for missing the
second series event at Mosport Park-he finished just eight points behind Stilwell and was
on the podium in the finale at Sebring in addition to his two victories.