VanDiemen FF2004 - Page 2

edmse · 23 Jan 2004, 22:55 (Ref:848793)

Hi all,

Just had a look at this thread and wanted to assure everybody that as far as I know all the Van Diemen Zetec converts that I have seen and been involved with and seen have all the correct components (steel brake calipers and dampers etc.). I see that GolddustMini seems very negative towards these cars and I respect his opinion, but please remember that the last year FF1600 was a major championship was 1992 and the formula would have eventually become an historic category the way it was going. I can just about remember watching Pre-74 FF1600 in the early 80's and thinking that those cars were ancient!

Now there is a new class structure, what is wrong with injecting some new blood into the formula? It even seems that many people are convinced that the newer cars are no quicker anyway and there is some substance to this when you study lap times over the years and consider that at least 4 of the successful drivers in these newer cars, were also regular winners in older cars.

On a different subject I have lots of experience of the 1997 Ray which was not built purely as a FF1600 car but was instead more of a Zetec design. My team ran a semi 'works' Ray FF1600 that year and we worked hard at developing the car, with shared information with Ted Hawkins (who ran Didier Stoessel). After a problematic start the car became very quick (wins and Silverstone Nat lap record), but it was always more of a Zetec car adapated to FF1600.

Well thats my input for a while, if I get a chance I might pop back, but if not have fun in 2004.

Cheers,

Ed Moore

STEVE MAGILL · 23 Jan 2004, 23:03 (Ref:848798)

Have you just wrote a book

BrettFrancis · 23 Jan 2004, 23:47 (Ref:848848)

Quote:

Originally posted by ZetecNo9
Brett

The Kent Mygales SJ01 have been winning down under this year haven't they?

Not sure what makes you say this. The only National race won by a Mygale this year was the last round, and only then because.... err.. ahhhh... someone.... ahem..... spun out of a comfortable lead on the last racing lap....

Now before we all start bagging this individual, let's just say that he was trying hard, and I.. err.. he didn't think the curb would be as slippery as it was.

Let us never speak of it again.

mattray · 24 Jan 2004, 20:54 (Ref:849575)

But it wasn't designed as a Zetec First ED which is the point people are making, the Zetec was derived from this design true, but this was the first Pushrod car Bert made and made as a kent.

but as you say the newer Van Diemen conversions arent any faster, you got the record at Silverstone and I have it at Combe both of us in a kent 97 Ray. its all about the nut behind the wheel as you say.

Scott Moyse · 25 Jan 2004, 14:44 (Ref:850014)

with regard to the old cars (1600) losing to the converted zetezs! The Walter Hayes trophy I believe there were post '96-97 cars on the grid and Joey Foster beat them all from the back of the grid in a reynard from the 80's!!!! but then so he should with his knowledge from the main series and the fact that he'd driven the car a few years previously.