|
Home
> Race Cars > Formula Mazda
THE CHASSIS
The chassis is a strong, proven design with well-mannered handling characteristics. Its predictable
feedback makes it an easy car to drive, inspiring confidence for novices and pros alike. Double wishbone
and rocker arm suspension members are attached to the chassis with shear plates. This ensures relatively
quick and easy damage repairs, often accomplished in the pits between track sessions.
THE ENGINE
It is no secret that the key to the Formula Mazda's affordability is the low maintenance powerplant.
The legendary Mazda 13B rotary not only produces an effortless 180hp, but does so with bullet-proof
reliability. It's not unusual for the sealed and rev-limited motors to remain in cars for over three
seasons without a rebuild.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dry Weight ....1140 lbs
- Minimum Wt. with Driver ....1350 lbs.
- Engine ....Mazda 13B rotary
- Wheelbase ....95 in.
- Horsepower ....180
- RPM Limit ....6800
The Standard Formula Mazda (as well as the Pro FM) is a “spec formula car” which means that all of the
cars are and must remain the same. So, competitors race to determine who is the best driver on a given day
– not who can spend the most money. Although the motor is sealed, drivers can make minor adjustments in other
areas. Changes can be made to the ride heights, toes, cambers, casters, wing angles, gear ratios, and tire
pressures.
THE SMILE APPEAL
Although the Standard FM is not the latest and greatest in technology, it offers the same feel and excitement
as some of the more expensive and time-consuming racecars with top speeds at 150 mph, 2 “G”’s in the corners,
and 0-60 in under 4 seconds.
THE DRIVER
Lots of drivers “step up” to Formula Mazda after racing other types of race cars. However, many start out in
the Standard Formula Mazda without ever having any previous racing experience.
THE CLASS
The Standard Formula Mazda was the 3rd largest National Class in SCCA Southwest Division in 2003 (out of
24 classes). The Standard FM is eligible to participate in the following SCCA racing events:
- SCCA Schools
- SCCA Regional Races
- SCCA National Races
- SCCA Runoffs
There are also other local racing sanctioning bodies in which the Standard Formula Mazda can participate.
They are as follows:
- COMMA is a small club similar to SCCA that is based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
They run all of their races at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit (
www.hallettracing.com) which is 30
miles west of Tulsa. The race weekends provide you with about 10 practice sessions and two races.
COMMA offers a very relaxed atmosphere and plenty of track time for your money. Hallett is the home
track to several FM’s.
- NASA is a fairly new organization to Texas. NASA sanctions races each year at Motorsport Ranch and TWS.
Check out the NASA website at www.nasatx.com
- No Problem Raceway is a 200 acre, multi-use motorsports park located 55 miles southwest
of New Orleans in Assumption Parish on Highway 996 and offers the Grand Bayou Road Racing Series. No
Problem is the home track to a growing number of FM’s. Check out their website at:
www.noproblemraceway.com
Or, if you’re not interested in racing, but just want to own and drive a Formula Mazda,
you have the following options:
- Motorsport Ranch - Motorsport Ranch is a Sports Car Country Club. It is a 1.7 mile
road course located 15 minutes South of Fort Worth on Highway 377. It is open most weekends to members
for driving their race cars, go karts, motorcycles, or sports cars in a controlled, safe, environment at
high speeds. For membership info, go to their website at
www.motorsportranch.com.
- Texas World Speedway Motorsports Club offers both driver education and lapping
events on the 1.8 and the 2.9 mile road courses. Driver education events are structured for new and
intermediate drivers who want to learn to drive to their fullest potential. For more info go to
www.texasworldspeedway.com and click
on “Motorsports Club”.
|