Racing specs

[ahall]

Hello,

 

I'm new to the group and quite excited. I've been racing my Caterham in the UK for the past 2 years in their spec series. I started in the Academy and then raced in Roadsport. I've shipped my car over and have upgraded it to full Supersport spec. So total HP is around 140, it now has the widetrack suspension and I'm running the Avon CR500s. Everything has been factory spec because I had my hands tied by the Caterham group on what could be done to the car.

 

My question is how well will I compete in the US now? I'm in Houston, and plan on making the Cinco de Mayo race my first event. I've noticed there are RX7s and Miatas in the group. Also, there are a few Caterhams. Anyone willing to give me ideas on how these guys are set up? I know some CPU adjustments can up the HP, have people done this? Are people running slicks? I have the BMW limited slip diff. that Caterham rolled out this year, and the standard 5-speed gear box. Are people running sequential gear boxes like from the R300? Which models are people running?

 

Last note, the SCCA updated their Caterham specs this year which basically allowed all the ratios and displacement that my car has - so how much can we as racers deviate?

 

Thanks for the help guys!

 

Aaron

[powderbrake]

Hello ahall, and welcome to USA7s.

 

I don't have a Caterham, so I'm no help, but I am sure that those who do will be offering answers to your questions. Don't hesitate to ask anything, this is VERY considerate and gentlemanly forum, where all makes are supported, and none are denigrated.

 

I wish you much success in your racing efforts here in the USA.

[larry svaton]

Arron, I have two EP caterhams and my son has one. I live in Alvin so not that far from where you are. Feel free to call me any time and I will be glad to help with all your questions. If you need to get a SCCA log book and annual tech, let me know and I will do that.

Larry Svaton

cp 281-381-5804

larrysvaton@Hotmail.com

[James A]

Aaron,

My son and I run a Caterham out of Houston in E Production. Do you have an SCCA Log Book yet for your car and an annual Tech? If not, let's get those done quickly as the race you speak of is coming un in 4 weeks or so. All of the E Production cars are running slicks, CR500s will not be particularly competitive with what you typically see in E Production. Since you are on CR500s I assume you have a radial tire set up on your car and I would recommend Hoosier race radials, catalog number 43543 as a very competitive tire in S80 compound. Remember you must run 13" wheels no wider than 7" per the new homologation specs.

The big thing right now is to get your annual tech and Log book so you can race. I sent a PM to you with contact information and will help you get these things done.

Jim

[Martin H]

Hi Aaron - welcome to the forum!

 

I'm another British expat, although in my case I ran in the Graduates several years ago. Unfortunately the addition of two kids has meant I haven't been able to replace the Caterham since I moved to the US, but I do try to get out to see any races in the Dallas area. There's normally an SCCA event in the spring at Eagles Canyon (where I met Jim and his extremely quick son last year), but it doesn't seem to be on the schedule this year. However do let me know if you find your way to a race near Dallas, and my son and I will come and give you some support!

 

Best of luck getting ready for the race.

 

Martin

[James A]

Hi Martin, yea, Eagle's Canyon is off of the rotation until they fix the surface, it has gotten so rough it is bouncing cars off the track. I hate that it is not on the schedule as it is a really fun track!

We will be at the last race at TWS on May 23 and 24 in College Station and that is a Majors Race and I expect a very big turn out for it.

Again Aaron, just let me know if I can help getting your annual tech or log book.

Jim