Getting Started in the Series
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Thanks
for your interest in the Factory Five Challenge Car and Series. 2007 will
be the eighth season of racing for this rapidly growing series. Today
there are over 250 Challenge cars on tracks and at races around the
country. We’ve put this section together to help you get to know the car
and the series and maybe “dip your toe” in the Challenge Series waters. |
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number of ways to learn more about the cars and the series. |
Over the years we have learned a
lot about these cars and what it takes to make them competitive. We have
finally compiled all the information into a concise document that will
help you prepare a competitive car. While this document can not possibly
contain everything, it is an excellent starting point. Please remember,
when changing anything, make small changes, document changes, and most
importantly, make only one change at a time. Click
HERE to view our race car
set-up hints.
Here is more information that will answer your
questions and guide you though the process of getting started in the FFR
Challenge Series. It covers subjects from getting your license and car
maintenance, all the way to what it takes to get faster once you're
racing!
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HDPE Driving Schools with NASA
NASA has a dedicated and professional driving instruction program
aimed at both teaching the basics of competitive driving as well as
a full competition licensing program. |
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On-line Racer Forum
The best person to ask questions is someone who is a customer and
racer. Speak to customers via the FFROG on-line racer forum. |
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Arrive
and Drive Racing with Marcus Motorsports
Marcus Motorsports offers a fleet of
“Arrive and Drive” racers. The team from Marcus has raced at
the 24 hours of Daytona, American LeMans, and a full spectrum of
SCCA racing. They offer a complete, ready-to-race service
including garage, pit support, transport and vehicle rental… All you
do is show up! |
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Building your own or buying a completed
Race Car
The bulk of our
focus is on customers who choose to build their own vehicles.
This link will provide valuable resources for locating parts and
services to complete your car. If
you are interested in buying a
ready-to-race vehicle there are a number of qualified race shops who
provide this service. |
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Order an Assembly Manual
If you’re
considering building your own Challenge Series car, we recommend
purchasing an assembly manual. The assembly manual will walk you
through all the steps of building a Challenge car, plus the cost of
the manual is refundable with the purchase of a race car kit. |
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Contact NASA for a
race/event near you |
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Contact a race
series coordinator |
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Racing Adventures
Racing Adventures is a traveling driving school. They have a
fleet (16) of Spec Racers and they visit racetracks around the
country. Racing Adventures offers one and two day driving schools
and use FFR Challenge cars exclusively. |
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 NASA:
National Auto Sport Association
Growing by leaps and bounds and making all the right moves, NASA
fills the void left by a crowded SCCA. Under the leadership of
Jerry Kunzman, NASA offers schools and licensing programs aimed at
the amateur racer and racing series for the developing
professional. Call NASA at 510-232-NASA or check out
www.nasaproracing.com. |
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Racing Reference Material and Links
If you’re contemplating a Challenge racer it means you have
more than just performance driving on your mind. You, my friend, have the
dreaded and highly infectious WTWR (wheel-to-wheel racing) virus in your
blood. There is presently no cure, however the treatment program is
highly effective (and can be expensive). Your best hope is to read all
you can about this disease that is affecting you. These are our picks for
some of the best books and source material available on the subject.
There are many more great books and sources, these are just some of our
personal favorites to get you started. |
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Engineer to Win, Tune to Win, Prepare to Win (three books)
Carroll Smith. All pause in the presence of greatness… Carroll
Smith is the Yoda to all aspiring racers. Check out MotorBooks
International or look up Aero Publications.
The Unfair Advantage
Lime Rocks’ favorite son
Mark Donohue and the techniques that helped get him to the podium so
many times. You’ll also understand why so many loved him. Bentley
Publishers, Cambridge, MA |
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Miller, Cars and Biography
Harry Aminius Miller was one of the greatest figures in the history of
automotive racing. His innovations and contribution to engine and car
design were decades ahead of everyone else. This book chronicles his
incredible life. It should be required reading for racers who need to
appreciate the giants who have come before us and who have given us this
legacy to continue.
A Twist of the Wrist
By Keith Code. Explains the core principles and skills needed to master
motorcycle racing. The concepts of two-wheeled vehicles are at times
opposed those of cars, but those differences also help to cement the
understandings of the importance of chassis balance, suspension and
smoothness. California Superbike School, 800-530-3350. |
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Dave Borden’s 1996 blue
roadster and his 2000 silver Challenge car. Dan Lawson (#21) leads
spec Miata (toast) and an SCCS car (not toast). |
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