Monoposto in the UK

All

Thinking of competing in the monoposto series next year so looking for peoples thoughts etc.

What class is best ?

What is the racing like ?

What's the best car ?

What are the costs like ?

Cheers for any info

You could do worse than a 600cc Jedi Formula Honda, I believe Andy Roberts (who posts here sometimes) may be able to help you there! With that you could do F Honda, Monoposto and probably the Single Seater series that runs on Silverstone Stowe. It would be competitive in the 600 class, which tends to race alongside the 1200s at most meetings. The 1200s are generally a bit quicker in the right hands but I'm sure you'd have just as much fun in a 600.

Monoposto is a great championship, before moving to Formula Renault I ran a 5 car team in mono, running 4 Formula opel cars and one formula ford, we won the championship in 2001. It is great stuff but getting more competitive and expensive, good to go for a Formula Vauxhall car, loads of mods permitted and great fast learning car, tons of second parts available too.

Good luck.

jensen

:beer: :

Flat Out & Broke,
Mono is an excellent series to get into.
I run a jedi chassis thus have the choice of over 30 races in a year (mono + formula honda + BARC SS). You dont have to do all of them as its a sort of pay and play type scenario. But of course if you want to win the series/championship then you need to compete in as many as possible. Normally points from 10 out of 15 races count towards the end result.

In answer to your questions though:

What class is best ? Personally I think mono1200

What is the racing like ? Very close and good fun. Not too *****y as everyone tries to help eachother where possible.


What's the best car ?
Again, Im biased, but a jedi chassis. There are a few on the market at the moment for around the 8k mark (ready to race). Parts are not too expensive and still supplied by the factory (many older cars do not have factory support anymore although there are parts around). The cars are easy to work on and engines are cheap and quite easy to get hold of. You dont need much modifications to the engines either (normally just a clutch upgrade). Call the factory and have a chat (they wont be there tomorrow as they are testing at Snetterton). Phone John Corbyn on 01933440774.


What are the costs like ?
Expect a good car from between 5 & 10k depending on what you go for and in what condition. You can realistically run from about 5k per year if careful.

Look at www.monoposto.co.uk as there is a adverts section.

The next Mono meeting is at Brands on the 1/2nd Nov if you want to pop along.

Hope the above is of some help.
Rgds
Jonathan

I have a friend who races in it too, he loves it, he does 2.0 class with our sportsman friend Jonnie Comtec.

My F Honda 600 will also be for sale after this weekend's meeting at Snetterton.
8 races this year, 7 wins, 1 second, 7 poles, 6 fastest laps, 2 lap records.
PM me if you want to know more.

Monoposto is fantastic.
I race in the 2000 class in an F3 Reynard fitted with a VW road going engine. Its fun, cheap (I spend £2000-3000 a year), not too many nutters, affordable cars and very quick.
There are not many club series where you can lap Mallory in 44 secs on that budget!
I don’t know if you have any experience but if you don’t...
Depending on what your aspirations are you can’t go wrong with a FF1600 as a learner car. My first rule when buying a racecar is one day you got to sell it. Fact.
You will always get a good re sale on these as it has a wide range of options to race.
I wouldn’t buy a bike car. Not saying that are not good but that’s my personal opinion.
Mono 2000 engines SHOULD all be standard road going units so they can be maintained quite cheaply. My VW has been fantastic. The fist year in 2000cc we just found the engine in a scrap yard, dry sumped it, bolted it into a car and went racing.
Come along to a meeting and speak to people. I’m not sure I’ll be at Brands (its too cold in November):D
Or look at the website etc..

Good luck whatever you do.


:rotate:

Originally posted by Lola
Mono 2000 engines SHOULD all be standard road going units

Very funny my friend, very funny.

And I bet I know which cars your are talking about - mind you think most of them aren't in Mono this year?

all I know is I was in the 1600 class at SPA, and another car that had dropped behind me out of la-source (excuse spelling) suddenly came from about 3 car lengths backs (I was already on full throttle) and just beazed past me like I wasn't moving, and my engine is no slouch.

you work it out, I'll leave that one dangling saying that my podium position was taken on that lap

Flat Out: I have got two Jedi Formula Honda 600's for sale if your interested. 1 is £8k and took 3 wins, 1 pole, 9 podiums and 2 lap records in 2002 and the other car is £7k and has only done 3 races as it was bought as a spare car. Both are in excellent condition and I used the first car to qualify 5th in the last Mono race at Mallory beating most of the 1200 cars!

If your interested drop us an email at andy@andyroberts.uk.com and I'll give you my mobile number and we can have a chat if you like.

darcym

You reckon their is a lot of cheating or engine bending ? I was told it is a very well policed to keep it a level lo cost field. It evens has it own scruit ? Do they check engines etc through the year ?

Hmmm, in Mono 1800 last year. We were at a track and I was in my Zetec (in Mono 1800). I was running under the lap record, then a 1600 car came up behind me and just drove past me on the straight. Supposedly his 110hp against my 150hp!

I also saw a couple of Formula Vauxhall Lotuses with blown engines. Close inspection showed that the internals of their engines did not much match my own FVL engine.

There were a few upset people last year. However this year it seems to be running well with minimal 'invisible modifications'.

Flat out, no idea. I only did 1 race.

It was VERY well run, very friendly good racing can't fault it. As Jonathanc says the cars don't look like there is anything amiss. there where a couple of cars out there that did go like the wind, the ammount of times I diced with a car and got past him on the back twists and then he just flew past me on the straight was annoying.

Give it a go, if you don't like it you can always race elseswhere. I found it great fun and well orginised.

Yeah this is the series im hoping to do, good value for money imo, just got to save up a bit more for a FVL car.

BTW, Is john lord still racing in the series?

With respect, if you need to save to buy an FVL you are going to find it very difficult to run it.

Perhaps you should start out in Mono 1600 with an older FVJ or similar?

All

Not many racers / people from monoposto replying on here. Do they all write elswhere. Just looking for more ideas from them.

What sort of ideas you after?

I raced in Mono2000 and also Mono 1600 with my SoM car. Really good fun and quite sociable. Highlight is the Spa race in July.
If you get a FF1600 you can race in many places. I race the FF1600 on the ACB10's with a standard kent engine, I think some mono 1600's can have a mod to the engine and some race on slicks or wets. ACB10's will keep your costs down.

I competed in Mono last year in Mono 1800 and won the championship with my Vauxhall junior. The car is now for sale if your interested. The championship is a fantastic starting ground for anyone wishing to race single seaters.

Mr Daly is right. To be competative in mono 1600 you dont need slicks, modified engines etc.
For a first car a 1600 is ideal. They are not too expensive to run and simple to mantain.
For 4 seasons i ran a very old Lola T642E FF1600, rebuilt my own engines, mantained the car my self and was championship runner up twice!
You will always sell a FF1600 and with such a variety of championships to enter you will always have options.

see the user RMR on 10/10ths he has a good RF89 for sale.

Flat Out & Broke

Sorry for the tardy reply but I have been working abroad.

Every one will have their own thoughts as to which category in Monoposto is the best depending on their own level of experience, talent, racing ambition, technical ability, budget etc and as usual, you pays your money and you takes your chance. There is no right answer but I have found it to be an excellent club series to be part of and I would recommend it to anyone.

I have not run in that many races but everyone is very friendly and helpful, and appear to be tolerant of a novices mistakes, lack of pace etc.

Its the ideal series for a novice but don't think that means that the series is full of novices, on the contrary there are some excellent racers taking part with years of club racing experience behind them. The racing can be very competitive and entertaining (at least from my position "spectating" from the back of the grid!). What I suspect this means is that, as experience and confidence is gained, you can still enjoy racing in Mono without thinking that you have to spend more money on changing categories or buying the latest car etc. Mono is therefore a category that the clubman can enjoy over many years and this makes the initial investment in a car etc even better VFM.

I was in a similar position to you about a year ago and chose to race in Mono 1800 as I think it offers just about the best value for my (very limited) budget that is possible. I bought a 16 Valve Vauxhall Junior - the car and a trailer, spares and some pit equipment cost me 5 grand and I know of similar deals available today. The car has been completely reliable, (is faster than I am but extremely good fun to drive!), running costs are very low, parts are easily available and second hand F Ford Zetec tyres for it can be picked up for 10 pound each from the national F Ford teams (30-40 laps old). If I had to make the same decision again, I would have no hesitation – my car has allowed virtually “turn key” racing.

The Mono 1800 category is not that well supported, unfortunately, but older FF 2000's, F Ford Zetecs and 16 Valve Formula Vauxhall Juniors can all run in it. Buying a F Ford 2000 may mean that you can also enter URS/ Classic F Ford 2000 or the 750 MC's F4 series and if you buy a Zetec car then this is also eligible for F4 and the N & S championships etc, however eligibility for a number of championships may be the reason that these types of cars tend to be that much more expensive to buy than an FVJ in the first place (the same is also true of FF 1600 cars, I reckon).

Be careful about Buying Jedi 600's – I am not 100% sure but I think that the category is being deleted from Monoposto in 2004 due to lack of support. If you do buy a 600 car, then it will need a different engine to be competitive. Check the Monoposto web site to make sure of the details.

Talk to Dermot Healy at dermothealy@btinternet.com - he has usually got a few cars for sale and has an excellent knowledge of costs etc. Drop me an e-mail if you want to chat or look over an FVJ in the E Mids area.

Regards

Andy

PS remember that all Mono cars are also eligible for the SEMSEC series and the BARC-SEC's Single Seater championships. The latter, in particular, is excellent value for money for a novice seeking confidence building seat time - practice and 2 races for GBP100 at Silverstone Stowe.

PPS

I should be out in te BARC-SEC's Single Seater Series at Silverstone Stowe on sunday if anyone wants to chat. Obviously not a Monoposto Racing Club race but several of the Mono runners will probably be out.

Andy

Hoping to run in mono to a small degree next year. The Dallara I'm after has a VW spiess engine which has just been rebuilt. I will have to change the head and mybe other engine parts to get it back to road car status.

If you are there Lola, what did you have to do to your Reynard with the VW engine to allow it to run in the 2000.

I am hoping to just have to change the head which is a high compression one with a special cam. Its only an 8 valve engine, and do you think any thing else might have to go down the drain!

This is the only problem running in mono, new engine (rebuilt) just fitted and it may have to come out! provided I don't have to do to much I might have the car.

gadgit.

Originally posted by gadgit

I am hoping to just have to change the head which is a high compression one with a special cam. Its only an 8 valve engine, and do you think any thing else might have to go down the drain!



Surely the F3 has different pistons/crank etc?

Anyway, it would likely be cheaper to sell the engine to an ARP guy and fit an old road engine wouldn't it?

Originally posted by andy97
Flat Out & Broke

remember that all Mono cars are also eligible for the SEMSEC series and the BARC-SEC's Single Seater championships. The latter, in particular, is excellent value for money for a novice seeking confidence building seat time - practice and 2 races for GBP100 at Silverstone Stowe.

They are also eligible for BARC Midlands' Plum Pudding Meeting at Mallory Park on Boxing day - 1 practice 2 races 100GBP. Please contact BARC Midlands via the main BARC website for entry forms!

I dont think you will get away with what you are attempting. An F3 has special pistons etc.
Mine was just a scrap yard special when i ran it last year.

I bought an 1995 VW 16v engine. Took the sump off my F3 Brabham vw and fitted it to the road engine. Fitted carbs and an oil pump.

That was pretty much it last year and it ran very well.
Remember when converting a car from injection to carbs to change the fuel pump. Carbs dont like the sort of pressures injection systems run at!
If you fit an 8v VW 2.0l you can fitt the F3 oil pump too wich makes it easy.
The 16v block is very similar to an 8v so all engine mounts fit.... simple

Trouble is people keep telling me that the car will be worthless without the race engine!

If I can modify it, for mono and keep the parts, and save the mapping from the race set up, I can revert it back at any time.

The engine has only just been rebuilt at a cost of £1k and is probably only worth the cost of the rebuild. Apparently the 16 valve engine won't just drop in as does the 8 valve.
The only other question I have at this stage is does the air restriction on the intake still apply for mono.

gadgit.

Nope... gotta change to carbs.
I have moth balled my Brabham and ECU. Apparently the mechanical injection is worth as much as the engine!
The 16v just dropped in the Reynard. All engine mounts are the same.
But I did find the crank is about 2mm longer on the 16v so i put a spacer shim between the bell housing and gearbox.
As for the engine only worth £1k!!... if your selling it for that i'll buy it!

Are there no cars in the mono 2000 with fuel injection. Do they all have to have carbs fitted to run. I would have thought that most of the standard engines would have been fuel injection especialy the 16 valve VW.

Do you still run with the air restrictor 25 mil.

What was tha BHP with the Brabham engine, and what is it with the 16 valve VW engine with the carbs.

What type of carbs have you got on the car, and from what? and how much were they.

All good stuff this, for me.

I'm thinking of coming to Mallory on Boxing day Lola, are you going, as I'd like to have a chat with you there, and all the other crowd, to get clued up.

Good news is I'm looking to have the Dallara as all is going well with the deal and any info is good info from you lot.

gadgit.

Have just bought a Formula Renault to enter monoposto 2000 for next season, roll on March. If you are about to spend some hard earned cash on sorting out your engine situation I really would check with the Monoposto club first. The 2003 technical regs are on their website and there are phone numbers and contact details. The club have been very helpful to me so far so try them first www.monoposto.freeserve.co.uk
Have fun
Ogri

Gadgit

I run in Mono 1800 (occasionally) so cannot answer all of your questions but one or two of the Mono guys are running at Silverstone's Stowe Circuit on Sunday in the BARC-SEC's Single Seater races (£100 for practice and 2 races, & free spectator entry)so come along and chat. The guy that helps me out, has converted several F3 cars to Mono regs and will definately be able to answer all of your questions.

Andy

I am looking for a team to run me in Monoposto 2000 next year, does anyone know of any teams that will be doing this series ?

Kickstart

Andy 97.

I'll try and get there on sunday, I presume you mean this weekend!
Be nice to meet some of you like minded people.

gadgit.

Thanks Kickstart,

Been on to the regulations, and it is much clearer now. It would seem that fuel injection is allowed, and that the car could be changed to carbs it you wanted to.

Now this seems funny to me as my local expert seems to think that in most cases a pair of carbs could be tuned to produce more power than a fuel injection system provided the bloke new what he was doing. Is that right?

The VW spiess engine in the Dallara at the moment knocks out 170bhp. with F3 air restrictor.

With the head replaced with a normal 8 valve and the air restrictor in place you would be lucky to get 130bhp even with a bit of fiddling. you just can't get enough air into it for the fuel. some people on here are talking about getting nearly 200bhp from a 2 ltr engine. How can you do that?

When the restrictor on the air intake is removed then I assume this is what allows all hell to brake loose and up goes the bhp.

Is it the case that some cars have more bhp now than they did when they were made and racing in there respective groups.

Would 130bhp be enough for the mono race 2000.

gadgit.

Another fun friday night looking after my baby daughter...As to your questions about horsepower lots of people seem to quote 200bhp in mono 2000. I do not know if this is actually correct or merely what they would like to have. Once you remove the restrictor, have the injection system set up properly ( i think a re-chip is fine) and have the most effective exhaust you can have fitted I have been told by two teams that might be running me next year that I should see about 200bhp from my 8v renault engine. Well the dyno test will reveal all.
I suspect that to be competitive you will need more than 130bhp, i would estimate about 160bhp. Once you set up the engine, put it on a rolling road or preferably get it set up with the benefit of a rolling road,and you will soon know but even with my limited knowledge of engines, once you have removed the restrictor the power should increase a fair amount.
Being fairly close to snetterton there should be someone who knows what they are doing to help you.
Good luck

I do except that they want the engines to be easy to look after and reliable but as mine is only 170bhp as it stands is just seems a shame to rip it all out because they think its to powerful, and then put another engine in, remove the air restrictor, and end up with more than I started with?

gadgit.

welcome to wonderful world of motoracing...

Any idea of the calender for next yr?

Not as yrt. But any doubts about engines you MUST ask Mono club. Imagine the cost of building a car to find its not leagal.
Still not sure about the new head on the ARP engine. Dont sound legal to me.
My Brabham put out around 160 ish BHP. The mono engine (standar road on carbs) is a little over 180 bhp.

I race in Mono in the 2000 class and I live next to snet its a good fast Championship well run but I recomend you call the Mono Tecnical man from the web site as I am sure you will have to use a standard motor and Carbs

Yes, this seems to be the case. I note that on the mono site they are considering fuel injection as a possible alternative to the carbs. It does seem that at the moment most of the engine will have to go.

Having spoken to mono it may be that the block may be the only part that I can use. It could be that the block and pistons will be ok as they are Omega pistons, flat top as are the standard pistons which are not performance enhancing. The head will need to be replaced with a standard 8 valve unit. It seems that mono are ok with replacements as long as they are a standard design.

They just want to keep things even in the races which is good. Perhaps they should consider a H/power limit, but how would they police it!

I just don't want to rip the heart out of the car, but still end up with more power due to the air restrictor not being used. This is so silly.

I'll take the advice from mono and have a year learning the car, and join as a supporter for a bit, and perhaps be able to sneak in at the back of next year.

Living so close to Snetterton, Comtec, can you get on the track if no one is on it for a back hander, If so I'll join you!

gadgit.

Your joking ! we maybe can get a cheap deal to run at Hethel for a day,(Lotus test track)just up the road from Snet.
I am sure it will be better if you just fit a standard engine and then sell the F3 motor,Most Mono F3 cars are built this way.
Good Luck

Interesting thread - interesting ideas as to HP requirements for Mono 2000. Consider the following:

2.0 Vauxhall XE engine in Astra trim gives 150 HP; it's long been known that dumping the injection system and replacing with carbs gives an easy thirtyish or so more. Maybe 10 more with a dry sump and proper exhaust system so that adds up to 190. I think most FVL runners would say a typical FVL makes 180-190, guess a really good one might make 200.

I have had 1.8 Golfs in both 8V and 16V guise - as they came from VAG thease made 115 and 139 HP respectively. So that extra 8 valves gives you another 20% or so. I suspect a 2.0 in mono trim probably makes similar power to the Vauhall, perhaps a bit less.

Now to the point: we have a suggestion back in the thread that a 2.0 Renault 8v is going to give 200 HP. Doesn't stack up to me. Only other thing I heard about that lump was that it was a dog and that was from a guy who at one time held one of the Formula Renault lap records.

We also have the guy who is going to dump his illegal F3 VW lump and put in a Mono legal 8V. Do so by all means but looks like to me you are going to be running at a serious power disadvantage unless you are a)very good b) got a very good chassis - particularly since there are already some experienced guys out there who qualify on both counts and have competetive engines.

Monoposto is a great series and driving these cars fabulous fun - but to those of you are new to the series (and I'm hardly an expert having only done a half dozen or so races) there is more than enough of a learning curve to get on the pace without watching everyone else disappear into the distance even on the drag race bits. No disrespect to anyone but if you believe motor x will give y amounts of horsepower then there is no end of people out there who will happily take your money trying to prove it to you - be careful.

Question to those of you have bothered to read so far - I have a hankering to run an F3 chassis in Mono rather than my current FVL. It's probbaly going to be a Ralt or Reynard 883 or something like that - anyone give me any pointers as to what engines fit what and how they compare with the Vauxhall in terms of power and anything to avoid?

Thanks and regards

Schomosport

Hi there Schomosport,
It was me who talked about power from the Renault engine. The Renault engine in BARC trim gives 160 - 165 bhp. That is with a CAT, on injectors etc. Even despite this the BARC Renault boys seem to be quicker (from the lap times I have seen this year) than Monoposto 2000. Some of that has to be down to the difference in ride height, but I am hoping that the Renault is capable of going at least as quickly as a vauxhall Lotus. To be really competitive the renault will need more horsepower and I would guess perhaps 20 more bhp.
Ulimately I think with equal drivers the quickest car would have to be an F3 chassis with a 190 - 200bhp vauxhall engine, but these chassis's do take some expertise to properly set up. Hopefully you would get some decent set up info from the seller.
Look forward to seeing you next season.

Kickstart

Forgot to ask you schomosport,
did you run an airbox this year and do you think that they make any difference and if so what sort of horsepower ?

Kickstart

I have driven a BARC Renault in a single seater race which included Vauxhall Lotus cars. I can confirm that in BARC trim the Renault suffers a speed shortage which is recovered through corners. I don't know of anyone who has embarked on a tuning programme for the 8V Renault, but in BARC form it has an enormous life which suggests that there could well be room for enhancement. Having run 6 BARC Renaults over the years I can oppose the evidence that the engine is a dog and suggest that the fact that it is underutilised should not be confused with capabilities until put to the test. It needs to be born in mind that the lap times produced by BARC Renaults are achieved with an inlet restrictor, limited chipping of the ECU,as kickstart said, a cat and very important fixed ratios. This is one of the greatest limiting factor on certain circuits. In fact, I can confirm that the specified ratios are not ideal for any circuit in this country and positively dreadful for some.

I agree about the FR route. 200bhp dont sound right. Im not sure the regs allow FR car to be tuned as they are already race engines.. consult the club.
The VW 8v aint a bad way to go out and learn A 16v transplant may be quite tricky for some. Its the fiddly little bits that take the time. An 8v would be so so easy.
I know all about putting a 16v in a F3. done it!

Lola - tell us more about putting the 16V into the F3 car, which chassis, which engine and how difficult ?

Kickstart

Just respectfully bringing to the attention of all you eager monoposti that I've got Mono cars available for hire..or sale. Ideal for Boxing Day Mallory meeting. Qualify & 2 races.

Quite keen to avoid the joys of Christmas so even clearing gravel from sidepods at Mallory in the rain seems preferable. Details 07703-162409

The power of the 2ltr engine we ran in 03 was 172bhp and it only lacked a bit on the top end tracks such as Snet and Spa.But saying that if you slip streem the faster cars you can still win with 172,so I do not think that you can get 200 or more Bhp from a 2ltr motor as per the Mono rules !

Comtec, was your 172 bhp from an 8 valve, and if so was it in BARC trim? I assumed up to recently that Mono rules allowed engine modifications above those of the car's parent formula. I take it that that isn't the case.

Think it was a Zetec Bob.

The "Renault" part of Comtec Renault fooled me!

It was a Scholar 2 Ltr Zetec twin cam totaly standard ,with twin 45 Webers MBE ignition pack small flywheel and cluch and a dry sump.it has benn a very good motor as it never missed a beat all season and the 2 Ltr motor is better for missed shifts ie piston to valve clearance.

Have spoken to a engineer today about the prospect of the Dallara I previously spoke about.

Bad news! Cost of just buying all the parts for a standard head replacement is £1k plus about the same to have it all fitted. £2000!
If I did replace the whole lot the work could be near £3000! and this is only for an 8 valve VW engine, as it seems the 16 valve will not go in without major work being done first. Apparently, the Dallara was built round the 8 valve system. Anyone who's seen the 16 valve will know the head is the other way round (would you believe it)
Plus of course the price of the car £7500, plus a trailer, plus all the race wear etc etc. Can't get me head round this at the moment, and it would appear buying a car ready to go will be far cheaper!

Don't get me wrong, I did not think this would be cheap, but did not think it would rattle up to £11000 ish to get all the bits and bobs.

Might have to change me thinking for a season. Trouble is, if I buy the car and don't do the work for mono, apart from the odd area, I will have limitations on where I can run it! and then who's going to buy it when i'm done.

Any suggestions!!!!!!

Gadgit.

why not get a Vauxhall Lotus car ! on the Monoposto web site there are about 3 good ones for sale,or biuld a Van Diemen 2LTR car yourself, if you do it right you could come in at 10K ?

I think you would save yourself a lot of money by buying a mono legal car to start with. There are lots of Vauxhall lotus's for sale and even some already converted F3 cars on the mono website.

Gadgit

You can buy a F Vauxhall Junior for £4500-£5000 and run it in Mono 1800 and save yourself a fortune (I know where there are at least 2 available and maybe more). The cars are great fun to drive and very cheap to run; you can pick up barely worn F Ford Zetec Tyres for £10 each from the national F Ford teams (40 laps old) and parts are easily available.

Unfortunately Mono 1800 is not the most popular of the Monoposto categories at the moment but it only needs one or two people more to come out to play in FVJs or F Ford Zetecs and it could provide a foundation for the category to really take off.

Get in touch if you want to find out more.

Does anyone know the likely calendar for next season ?

Afetr the shock of the F3 head rebuild cost, thinking of taking another route. Been thinking that as my son and me are both novices, we could start in the Jedi 600 series for the first year as by comparison they appear to be far cheaper to run. The 600 class (honda) seem to have the most reliable engines and they don't cost £2000 for a head and carb rebuild. More like 2-£300 for a engine from an old bike seems more appealing all of a sudden.

What are the pitfalls of this type of car!

What do you all think of this idea for the first year, seems I can get a car ready for mono will little fuss!

Gadgit.

Kickstart where roughly in cheshire are you and what do you race ?

Gadgit
If doing Mono the 600 class is no longer but in the new untuned and with a wieght of 370Kg as 400Kg for the 1000cc the 600 could do well at some rounds if not all. It is a good cheap way to start.

Does anyone know if the club will be running a race at Spa next season ?

Gadgit
I would thoroughly recommend Formula Honda, particularly if you are a novice. We, that is my son driving and me doing the hard bit, have done it for 2 years and I'm hooked.
The cars are pretty cheap to buy, secondhand, very cheap to run, you're quite right about engines from bike breakers, and they are quick. Also easy for a diy mechanic.
600cc may not sound much, but 100bhp in around 300 kg saw 133mph at Snetterton and lap times generally comparable to Formula Ford Zetec. They also sound tremendous.
I see you are talking about Monoposto, but there is also the Formula Honda championship, full status national for next year, so there are plenty of races to do.
A simple annual rebuild to do valve seats and shells if oil pressure has dropped is all that's necessary, and reliability has been very good in the 2 years we've been racing.
SPBRacing is correct about a quick 600 beating 1000 cars, we've done it regularly.
We can probably fix you up with a run at Donington or Mallory if you're interested.
Let me know if I can help further.

I'd endorse everything Old Ropey says. The FH's hold their heads up in most company, within reason. Last September the corner speeds were very close to the Palmer Audis and the faster 1000cc Jedis'lap times would have put them well up the Palmer Audi grid.
All that on a 1/10th of the budget.

any body know the formula honda calendar for 2004?

Louis not yet there's a wee note on its way
Mike

Stick to mono for a learning year. Buy a FVL or FVJ which come at very good money. You can buy an FVL off the mono site for £5500!!!
To run the engine and car is almost road car technology. Dead simple.
Mono is a great learner series. WEveryone is willing to help out and muck in if you have a problem. I recomend it. Ask mr Comtec what he thinks of it!

If you fancy doing mono next year I would personally steer clear of the 1200 class. The new minimum weight limits will mean smaller grids for this particular class as a large number of cars are jedi chassis vehicles (well under the new 400kg limit, approx avg. 385kg) and not many will want to participate if it means having to add balast and slow them down. Especially so when they can go and race in their own series (Formula Honda) without the weight problems.

Also Ive found with a class made up of very different cars (performance) it is very difficult to gauge your driving ability as you improve especially against those with bottomless pockets to invest in their cars and engines.

Good luck in whatever you do next year.
May be worth going to the AutoSport show to get some more ideas.

The new Monoposto/750 car from Comtec will be at the Autosport show, So will the old Championship winning car, on the 750 club stand.

Its a pity that the Monoposto 2000 class winning car has to be displayed on the 750 MC stand but I do realise that the Mono club does not have the same funds available as 750. I also realise the cars can be built to either Mono or F4 regs, but I just hope that the literature/signage that accompanies the cars gives more than a passing nod to Monoposto!

Are the Mono 2000 engine regs staying the same for '04, does anyone know?

I don't really care but I'm just building up a new Zetec motor and I don't want to buy the wrong bits..

jonathanc who in mono1200 other than a jedi has a bottomless pocket to spend on the engine as all the engines I know where either standard or very old tunes ones with a few years on them like mine.
Sad to hear you may not be in mono next year as I like racing different cars with different engines. I also think 400KG is good middle ground for all cars. MHO.

SPB

Slightly confusing forms of comments from some about the mono 1000 series. The question is will there be enough cars running in this to make it a good championship. I don't want to get the car and have no other cars in the series running. I'm happy to see some father and son teams as this is what we are hoping to do together. I'm sure I'll be quicker than my son, and he thinks he will be faster than me?

What a great idea to take up within the family.

Any idea how many people will be racing Jedi's in 2004!

Gadgit.

Gadgit

I know off 3-4 Speads & 3-4 OMS. The Jedi's People are all still trying to make thier minds up. Most i know will pick and mix thru the year.
Hope this helps you.

SPB

The car will sit on the 750 stand as it raced in 03 with Primrose Mono logos on as well as 750.I am trying like hell to get the new car ready and on a stand in full Mono livery.

how can 400kgs be a good middle ground when the cars that made up a substantial part of this years grid weigh in at about 385kgs with driver. That must mean the rest of them are well over 400kgs. If thats the case then i thought u built a car to the regs not changed the regs to meet the car.

Umbop
I am not going to get into that debate. Just say look at all the cars in UK and take the middle ground. As people have said you have to move with the times & rules. You can't please all the people all the time. I am going to leave it at that.

SPB

The best way is to get all the cars at the beginning of the year and set the wieght as to that of the heaviest driver and car combo, then all the races will be fair as in Karts and horses.

"The best way is to get all the cars at the beginning of the year and set the wieght as to that of the heaviest driver and car combo, then all the races will be fair as in Karts and horses"

Sorry Comtec respect what you say but can't agree - I'm already running 2 batteries and 18kg lead to make Mono 2000's 560kg. I only weigh 10.5 stone - where am I to put all that extra ballast if I have to meet weight limits set to accomodate significantly heavier drivers/cars?

Sorry, getting off the thread a bit methinks...

I have to run 2 batteries as well and some ballast and I am about 90kilos,so it not a prob to put lead in the car and you can put it where you need,I do agree that we dont want the limit much higher,but you will find that any cars that are way off 560kg will never be on the pace no matter what we do!

Very amused to read in MN that one of the writers most hoped for events in 2004 is for someone to be beat Jonathan Lewis (aka Comtec Renault). Who is going to take up the gauntlet ?

Jim Blockley beat me fair and square at Angelsea in 03, and I know about 3 new class A cars that will be very fast in 04, I will just have to try beat them !but thats the fun of Mono and 750 F4.check out www.j-lewis.com and get a free Andrew Kitson print.They make ace dart boards..

Originally posted by JohnMiller
Are the Mono 2000 engine regs staying the same for '04, does anyone know?

I don't really care but I'm just building up a new Zetec motor and I don't want to buy the wrong bits..

John

As far as I know the engine regs and weights for Mono 2000, 1800 and 1600 are exactly the same as they have been for the last couple of years. What car will you be running?

Comtec Renault, which new fast 2000 cars do you know that will be running in mono next season ? P.S website very impressive.

I think 2 98-99 Dallaras with Toyota power will be out with Andy uttley and Phill More, so I have been told they will be fast so will Robin Dawe in his Dallara, I will do only 6 races in Mono in 04 but i can do 11 in 750 due to date clashes, so 750 hear I come.

Comtec Renault
How about another FF1600 relay race? See new thread.
diz

How do you know the dates clash when no program has been advertised ?

Inside source if so please share the dates.

SPB

Originally posted by andy97
John

As far as I know the engine regs and weights for Mono 2000, 1800 and 1600 are exactly the same as they have been for the last couple of years. What car will you be running?

Just picked up a very low mileage Swift 95 in Zetec trim. Planning a two-litre with US wings and narrow FF1600 bodywork. Best point for me is that the spares are pretty much the same as for my SC94 FF1600 and the car should be lightning in a straight line.

SBP I have the Toca dates and the 750 dates,as we have 3 750 cars to run this season and the rest of the weekends only 11 in total from March I think it will be impossible for me to do the whole Championsip again ! also I want to try and win the 750 Championship back to back with the Mono.Comtec has to do the 750 races so I will just go along with my car ,but I will do all none toca/750 clashing Mono I can,hope that explains that one.

Hey Mr Miller
Comtec has a complete less gearbox Swift Renault sport car that we are stripping for parts,

1700 or 2 litre? I'll come and see you at the show next Friday.
Cheers.

Comtec Renault

Thanks for that I was hoping you had the mono calendar.

I hope you have a good 2004.One thing its going to be busy for you and your team. Hope to see you in a few Mono also try and catch you at the show.

SPB

Old 2 ltr car like the one I ran for the Cooks,on the button ,but I nicked the 5 speed box off it for my car,it belongs to Westley Barber but I am sure he wants to break it up and get some money so call my Mobile at the show and i will meet you.

I'll be out again this year in my Reynard 883 VW.
Hopefully a bit quicker this year.( If i can get some new rubber!!)
I have led a lap this year in mono at Oulton ( the first)...:)
but you blasted past me on the straight if you remember mr Comtec :(

Comtec,
I may be able to shift the Rebault kit parts of that car into the BARC Renault boys.
Give me ring on 07909 931677

Hi
Just to let you know the first two mono dates are on the website at www.monoposto.co.uk The rest should be confirmed very soon, keep your eye on our site!

Thanks Douglas for the info. Can i assume given the first 2 dates are part of the MG meetings that we may be joining them for the rest of their meetings ? Is there any chance of a race at Donnington - simply the best circuit in my view ?

Originally posted by Comtec Renault
I nicked the 5 speed box off it for my car

750MC F4 regs, 2004:

"5.9.1 ... The gearbox must not contain more than FOUR forward gears.."

Still doing F4 then? It is a much better calendar..

Hi John
yes I am doing 11 races in 750 and 6 in Monoposto, I have a 5 speed gearbox with LSD and 2 ltr motor for mono and a 4 speed LD200 and free diff with 1.8 motor for the 750 Championship. Go and see the new car on the 750 stand at the Autosport show this week."I think you might like it!I am very much looking forward to doing the 750 Championship with a 4 car team.My brother Chris in my old car,John Roberts in his Blue replica of mine,and a new driver Pierre Moncheur in his new Comtec Mygale ( yes we have biult a Mygale in US 2ltr trim but with many of the good parts from a US Van Diemen car should be interesting!)And me in my car,rock on March.

Switching back ends between races. Committed and with plenty mechanics/time. I am still quite impressed.
I thought about building up a cheap SJ02 for F4 but was put off by it not being eligible for Mono until 2006 and then my new Swift came along.
Having decided against a Mono 2000 spec I am either going to build it up for F4 or as a spare FF1600. I doubt whether the 1800 motor is much down on bhp compared to the 2 litre and the F4 version would still be Ok for Mono in reality?

As I understand you can run a 5 speed gearbox 2 litre can in the 750 MC championship F4 in the invitation class. I really hope that is correct as the 750MC has by far the better veunues this year, eg Cadwell, twice at Donnington and a double header at Brands. Roll on March

F4 has an invitation class in case entries are low or Vaus want to enter but I can't see them letting something in which will win outright can you?

More F4 regs:

(Class I)

5.3 Single seater, rear engined racing cars based on use of specified VW-Audi parts

JohnMiller, I suspect that you are correct, in that they will welcome racers in the invitation class provided that they were not capable of winning outright. Short of running an F3000 car in F4, i strongly suspect my more "mature" style of driving will mean that even in my F Renault i will not pose any sort of challenge to the likes of Comtec Renault.

Originally posted by JohnMiller
F4 has an invitation class in case entries are low or Vaus want to enter but I can't see them letting something in which will win outright can you?

John, Do you know if 750 MC will allow F Vauxhall Juniors in to its invitation class? I have asked them to include 16V cars in the same class as the F4 Zetecs but, to date, the response has been that will put it to the F4 Committee but are not keen to allow yet another different chassis/ engine combination in to the series.

I, however, would have thought that it would be worthwhile to try to get regs sorted that allow as many existing/ available formula cars to race against each other rather than try to invent classes for new engine combinations that are otherwise unproven and require modifications to existing chassis (the VW/Audi engine idea - FPA excepted).

I am biased, obviously, as I have an FVJ. I already take part in some Mono and BARC-SEC races but would like to be able to pick and choose races around my Midlands home rather than travel too far.

Andy

PS where are the F4 regs - the ones on the web seem to me to be based around 2002 rules

Andy
I have an idea, buy an FF1600 and do the star of midlands and mono 1600, the calendar this year means that you can do both championships.

What do you think?

Good idea DALY! When are the SOM dates?

Or buy a Zetec for similar cash to the FVJ 16v and still do Mono 1800 and also do F4, Class E?

Andy, I've no idea what they will allow in, ask Robin Knight at the 750MC. I would think that it might depend on numbers though...

www.750mc.co.uk
click on regulations
click on F4
full regs and calender for 2004

much better tracks than Mono, disappointingly for Mono runners.

DALY, JohnMiller

I had thought of getting a FF1600 or Zetec car, as suggested, but they are usually dearer than an FVJ, probably because thay are not as popular to run and can only enter a limited number of championships - Mono, SEMSEC & BARC-SEC Single Seaters. I knew what I was buying in to and FVJs suits my budget/ time; I would just now like to spread the word about them because there are a few cars about, very cheap (& mine has been amazingly reliable), and it would be useful, from my own selfish point of view, to have the maximum choice of races to be able to enter on my doorstep!

Regional F Libre anyone?

A VW engine in F4 hmmmmmm...
And Cadwell a better venue??????????
Cadwell with 25 other single seaters isnt what i call fun. Must admit its nice to drive round on your own but open wheels have no place there racing one another.... in my opinion.

:) here she is at the Nec on the 750 Club stand.

Comtec, the car looks great. One question for you given that you do both the mono and 750 MC championship do you have to swap transponders as both series specify different transponders ? If not which transponder do you use as I plan to do some of the 750 rounds this season and want to avoid having to buy 2 transponders if possible.
Out of interest how much slower is the 750 spec car compaired with the car in mono 2000 trim ?

Kickstart
The transponder i have is a MST red one that I paid about 85 odd pounds for! I got it from the 750 club web site.it works ok in both championships its the type you wire into the car then forget it"just write the number on the back of your MSA license then when you are filling out your entry forms you will be ok.Also I have it as far up the front of the car as poss so if you have a close finish you should win it by a nose. As for 750 v Mono power wise its not that much,I ran in some Mono races last year with 40mm webbers and the 1.8 motor but with big chokes and jets,Then I got a full spec 2ltr Zetec with 45 Webbers and its not a big kick in the back like you might think!.I thing a well driven 750 spec car can win some Mono races on tight tracks.

I have spocken to Wez and he wants us to sell the 95 swift renault so if anyone wants a cheap 750 or Mono car less gearbox call, offers, Swap, we just want it out of the workshop.
01953 789853

Sorry but the above Swift has sold,it went on last night and sold by 10am this morning,

Here are the first pic,s of the Mygalle 2002 car that we are converting to 750 F4 spec,We have modifed all the hubs to take centre lock Mag rims and had to mod the chassie to take the Zetec motor with twin 40 Webbers,We will have the car finished in about 2 weeks I will post more pics then,I know its not a Mono but its similer,and in 2 years it can run with them

Try again

And again

If you race in Mono you get to race on great tracks like Spa-Francorchamps too!
Here is your painting Jonathan.
Winning last July ahead of Robin Dawe and Jim Blockley.

I think the packed grandstands are a bit of poetic licence Andrew!

NoNoNoNoNo well Ok just a bit but it was very busy as it was the 24hr fun cup.And I did ask Andrew to make it so that my kids think there dad was good once!

Nothing like a bit of artistic licence! Always looks better with people in the stands anyway but the position of the cars and action on the track is as it was.

Fantastic picture Andrew. I was there in 2002 and the crowds were quite large in the evening.

They were in the Bar on sat night, god I was p---t 4.45am when I went to bed,The best race of the year.

Made a change from 'The Stag' then!

Ok I have been to the Stag once

Ive been with you to the Stag way more than once

I think he meant once this week Mackmot!

You Bluddy liar Mackmot I dont no what your on about,I have seen your dad bite a birds bum in there though!

:angel: Stop Press Comtec Racing have just signed a 2 year old Alien to race in the 2017 Monoposto Championship,Commenting on the signing Team boss Jonathan lewis said"Well MClaren will sign a foetus if given half the chance so why not be the first team to sign a Alien".

Ive seen him bite birds bums in lots of places

:eek: :eek: Scoop First Pics of ALIEN

looks far to human to me!!!

Thats what they want us to think.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: We think this may be the Dad

Looks like wes when you've had far to much to drink:rolleyes: :beer: :beer:

:laugh: :laugh: You just never can tell who they are

the one on the left looks like an old bloke off emerdale or it could be you

That one in the middle is called Legend isnt it.

My dad called me an alien when I popped out, now you think the same of Morgan. You two are just plain nasty.

Wayne you are an Alien and your dad and I are just being modern dads in telling you so you dont feel odd like the other boys and girls,thats why you have your 18 toe,s and your so f///g big

I think the one in the middle might be Olivers dad Carl.

Here is the Mygalle with the body going on yesterday,we should have her on the track in mid Feb,Puddy wants Mono I want quad shock we will see!

Here is an idea for you ComtecRenault,why not make sure that you destroy the suspension in a series of harmless but crowd pleasing crashes, then you could try both systems and keep everybody happy...
Are you going to Goodwood on the 28/02 for the 750MC test day ?

Id go with mono if I were you. Puddy is your engineer and knows best, he has been making winning mygale monos for years. If you were getting my dad to do it I'd let him do whatever radical idea he has next.

Yes good idea kikstart but one floor to that plan is that I dont want to smash it up and knowing my luck I will spat my self.As for your idea Wayne , well lets just say "ask your old man about his anti droop device in the 1987 Champion of Oulton race with Miles Johnston,the poor bloke could not see straight for about two houres after he drove it hahaha.Just got back from work heres the latest pic with more body on.

Here is the latest shot of the Mygalle and for sale the one and only Pillet F3 brand new rolling chassie only ever tested,perfect for Mono 750 or classic F3 call 07989565989 or E mail lewisslowley@aol.com offers.

sorry here is the Mygalle,above is the Pillet

oi. stop advertising or i'll bin the thread.

The Mygale looks damn good, is that flip paint or is it just the lights?

Sorry just put the F3 on for a mate, Driving Spanner I do not no what flip paint is,all I can tell you is that its the same as the Sauber F1 car,Jason at JLF painted my helmet with it last year and he told me the code,it is the muts nuts!

I think by flip paint he means that pearlescent type stuff like on John's F3000.

Ok then yes it is a type of flip paint

Hey ComtecRenault,
I am in the process of trying to persuade my wife that we should buy a motorhome to make life more pleasant and enjoy some family trips and if the motorhome happened to be unused when I was going racing I suppose I could use it then....
At the moment my wife thinks that any spare money would be far better spent buying a bigger house, but hey thats what marital negotiations are all about.
I thought that by buying a Motorhome magazine and leaving it lying about may start to ease the decision. Finally the beloved opens the magazine MMM Feb2004 to immediately see your picture and story about you new RV. Oh dear, she thought that the story was some deliberate guise on my part and I am back to square one.
Kickstart

P.S hope you enjoy the motorhome - keep repeating to myself - I am not jealous

Hi kikstart
I have not seen MMM feb yet, it must be in, I have used it once last year for the Mallory 750 race then to Brands for the Mono race,its Fab ,my wife did not want one at all but we borrowed my brothers for the Mono race at Spa last year and luckily for me she fell in love with the idea.We will use it as much as poss this season,I just got one of those Turbo boosters from Belgium,she can top 100mph now but you can not stop it! You need to have a good go at her and try one She will love it.Good Luck

I have pearlescent paint on my mono too.
But its a b@g~?$ to repair if you dink it.

looks good is it a Reynard,and did you do Oulton last year!

yes i did. Remember how i beat you into the first corner on the first start!.....
But then you passed me as we finished the lap... boo hoo

its a Reynard 883 F3 with a VW 16v engine.

That was some start, I thought I got away well,but you shot past(have you got traction control )haha

The Reynard produces some amazing starts but when you have a bad one.... you really suffer.
It has a hill climb 9/31 diff. So low down its amazing but you do lose out on high end gear ratios.

Will you be at silverstone on the 13th of March!

I hope so. Just got to sort out the money side of it.
As for starts i neally hit you at Castle Combe last year. From 6yh on the grid i was 2nd at the end of the first lap. You bulked me a bit on the run up to quarry.

Nononono well maybe I was just determined to beat Andy Uttley,and I new I had to keep him in the pressure zone so he would fall,and bugger me he did!

She,s nearly ready to go for her exhaust and looking mighty fine.

Hey Comtec, I understand that you will be racing mono and F4 this year. Which championship are you going to try and win ?
I suspect that we will meet a number of times this year as I am doing my favourite tracks with the F4 and the mono clubs. If you look a long way back behind you on the grid you should see my black Tatuus. Roll on Donnington on the 20th March.

Where is she going for the exhaust? will it be a Competition Fabrication job, one of Nicks specials?

She,s off to Nick P he has done all four cars so far and he does such a good job,his latest 04 one on my Van Diemen and soon this Mygalle are the mutts nuts,Kickstart I will start both and see what comes last year I did not think I would do all the Mono, It would be nice to try and win the 750 back to back with the Mono but you never no what will hapen.
also I must give the team 100% this year so my fun will take second base.

Comtec are you sponsored by RedBull or is that just to look good? The car looks great - you want to sell it!!

Yes we have had Red bull for 4 years now but just in a small way,but for 04 we will push the brand more.

We had to make an exhaust for the Reynard.
So we thought with an empty sidepod why not use it....
So we put the silencer in there.

Thats cool Lola,I like that idea,I fancy putting chimneys on like F1.
Here is a pi of the new baby finished at Comtec with her proud parents.hehehe

here is Adrian Kidds new Van Diemen 750 F4 in build near Snetterton

The new baby looks fantastic!
If we had a little more time we were thinking of doing that. Our silencer is a little large anyway. It only puts out @103db.........
and 90db when the noise is checked from the rear or the car..:rolleyes:

You can just see the old style exhaust on my car,my new one has a much better one I will post a pic of that when I get it back.

Believe me the new car looks fantastic up close. The blue paint will look incredible on a bright sunny day. You can't get an idea from these shots on the PC. Thanks for showing us yesterday Comtec. Can't wait to hear of the reaction to your Renault signing!

Comtec, It's good to see that years of experience means your exhausts now stay on the car. I had to duck at that FF1600 Relay Race at Croft many moons ago.

See thread FF1600 Relay Races etc

Bluddy hell diz I had forgoten all about that race,I was **** in ff1600 just to heavy for the things and no tallent,I never new malc was so nevous about me in his car but then I would be, do you remember my first ff1600 my old PRS I loved that car,it started the whole thing off for me,it also broke me many times,Dave Manners ran me for a bit ,he was a good laff.arar the good old days

Hey Lola,

So good to see someone else operating a Mono out of a swanky workshop. Does yours leak as well?

Does anyone know who will be running in Mono 2000 this season ? It would be great to have a full grid.

That’s right schomosport. It’s the Bennett motorsport centre of excellence. We doubled the size of our operation two years ago..... by building a shed.
The car is placed on castor wheels so the car may be moved over to work on each side. The rear and front wings have to removed too as the garage is so small.

Who going to the AGM and dinner dance on sat!

I'll be at the AGM on the afternoon but not the dinner and dance. You going?

Yes I am going to both...