August Minutes
Posted: August 11th, 2015, 10:19 am
The FV Ad Hoc Committee met on August 5
Members attending: Barret Hendricks, Stevan Davis, John Petillo, Phillip Holcomb, Alex Bertolucci, Dietmar Bauerle
Guest(s): Fred Clark, Bill Johnson
There having been a lot of discussion on both Apex and the Interchange about the adoption of a spec tire for FV ( again), the Committee had a long discussion regarding past experiences on this topic and the lack of results it produced. In light of things that happened in the past, we decided that we will begin a serious discussion AFTER we receive a formal request from the CRB. This can not happen until the membership submits multiple requests to the CRB for consideration of a spec tire . Both Apex and the Interchange carry information on who to contact and what should be the gist of a member’s request. There is no need to go into elaborate reasons for a specific tire, just a formal request to have a spec tire considered. From there, the CRB will determine if it is appropriate to forward the request to the FSRC who would forward it to the Ad Hoc Committee for our recommendation. No matter what is decided, it will eventually go out for membership vote before any adoption or rules change.
There is concern by several Committee members that a spec tire will slow down the FV cars ,and with the current run groupings in certain regions, present a bigger hazard than what we have now with the speed and braking differentials.
We understand and accept that this is a very “hot” topic in an attempt to try to bring down costs, have something that lasts more than a few sessions, and in the long run might bring back some cars that have been sitting idle for one reason or another.
Several engine builders have submitted orders for German pistons and steps have been taken to place an order for 150 pistons from Germany. Unfortunately, K/S can no longer supply cylinders so that leaves us with the AA brand cylinder as the only alternative. We are waiting for the K/S contact to let us know the shipping costs and then the order will be placed. In the meantime, a Committee member has received a sample of the new AA piston with a 2.5mm ring groove. These pistons have been in the works for several months and have finally arrived for consideration. For the most part, these pistons match the original K/S and Mahle. They are a bit heavier over “stock” by about 6 grams and the wrist pin is also heavier by about the same. One area of concern is the fit of the wrist pin into the piston. It seems loose on one end but satisfactory on the other end. It also seems as if the AA wrist pins might be a little smaller in diameter than the pins supplied with K/S or Mahle pistons.
We have been told that these pistons are now available to anyone wishing to purchase them.
The promotional video that was authorized by the Committee has moved beyond the first cut and a second cut is now available. The film crew has been asked to add some additional footage to include more driver interviews and driver interactions before a final version is made available. We are hoping that this can be done either on the east coast in the coming weeks or wait for another opportunity later this year on the west coast. What has been produced is professionally done and we hope that it will eventually generate interest in FV when it is completed.
No other items were presented or discussed.
Next meeting scheduled for September 2.
Members attending: Barret Hendricks, Stevan Davis, John Petillo, Phillip Holcomb, Alex Bertolucci, Dietmar Bauerle
Guest(s): Fred Clark, Bill Johnson
There having been a lot of discussion on both Apex and the Interchange about the adoption of a spec tire for FV ( again), the Committee had a long discussion regarding past experiences on this topic and the lack of results it produced. In light of things that happened in the past, we decided that we will begin a serious discussion AFTER we receive a formal request from the CRB. This can not happen until the membership submits multiple requests to the CRB for consideration of a spec tire . Both Apex and the Interchange carry information on who to contact and what should be the gist of a member’s request. There is no need to go into elaborate reasons for a specific tire, just a formal request to have a spec tire considered. From there, the CRB will determine if it is appropriate to forward the request to the FSRC who would forward it to the Ad Hoc Committee for our recommendation. No matter what is decided, it will eventually go out for membership vote before any adoption or rules change.
There is concern by several Committee members that a spec tire will slow down the FV cars ,and with the current run groupings in certain regions, present a bigger hazard than what we have now with the speed and braking differentials.
We understand and accept that this is a very “hot” topic in an attempt to try to bring down costs, have something that lasts more than a few sessions, and in the long run might bring back some cars that have been sitting idle for one reason or another.
Several engine builders have submitted orders for German pistons and steps have been taken to place an order for 150 pistons from Germany. Unfortunately, K/S can no longer supply cylinders so that leaves us with the AA brand cylinder as the only alternative. We are waiting for the K/S contact to let us know the shipping costs and then the order will be placed. In the meantime, a Committee member has received a sample of the new AA piston with a 2.5mm ring groove. These pistons have been in the works for several months and have finally arrived for consideration. For the most part, these pistons match the original K/S and Mahle. They are a bit heavier over “stock” by about 6 grams and the wrist pin is also heavier by about the same. One area of concern is the fit of the wrist pin into the piston. It seems loose on one end but satisfactory on the other end. It also seems as if the AA wrist pins might be a little smaller in diameter than the pins supplied with K/S or Mahle pistons.
We have been told that these pistons are now available to anyone wishing to purchase them.
The promotional video that was authorized by the Committee has moved beyond the first cut and a second cut is now available. The film crew has been asked to add some additional footage to include more driver interviews and driver interactions before a final version is made available. We are hoping that this can be done either on the east coast in the coming weeks or wait for another opportunity later this year on the west coast. What has been produced is professionally done and we hope that it will eventually generate interest in FV when it is completed.
No other items were presented or discussed.
Next meeting scheduled for September 2.