suspension & brakesFV ferrous rotor no longer required to be smooth; may have up to three pad cleaning grooves per side.
As printed in Fastrack
In FV, GCR section 9.1.1.C.4.D, change as follows: "Any ferrous alloy, unvented rotor may be used, but must have a maximum diameter of 11.75 in. and a minimum thickness of 0.20 in. The otherwise smooth rotor may not be cross-drilled and may have a maximum of three pad cleaning grooves per side."
wordingFV connecting rod rules add Brian Crower part #BC6417 and Newland Group #4M113077 as allowed replacements.
As printed in Fastrack
In FV, GCR section 9.1.1.C.5.C.6, change as follows: "Crower part #SP93280B and, BrianCrower, Inc. part #BC6417, and Newland Group part #4M113077 are allowed as direct replacement connecting rods but must meet the same minimum weight requirement as the OEM part."
E&O clarification of connecting rod center-to-center length
In FV, GCR section 9.1.1.C.5.C.6, add the following: "Connecting rods with bolts and small end bushing minimum weight = 425.0 grams, and center-to-center rod length = 130 + 0.10 millimeters or -0.25 millimeters. Crower part #SP93280B, BrianCrower, Inc. part #BC6417, and Newland Group part #4M113077 are allowed as direct replacement connecting rods but must meet the same minimum weight and center-to-center rod length requirements as the OEM part."
Update direct replacement connecting rod information
wordingFV connecting rod suppliers clarified: Crower SP93280B and BrianCrower BC6417 allowed as direct replacements.
As printed in Fastrack
In FV, GCR section 9.1.1.C.5.C.6, change as follows: "Crower part #SP93280B and Brian Crower Racing Rods BrianCrower, Inc. part #TBD BC6417 are allowed as direct replacement connecting rods but must meet the same minimum weight requirement as the OEM part."
wordingFV allows Crower SP93280B and Brian Crower Racing Rods as direct replacement connecting rods, must meet OEM minimum weight.
As printed in Fastrack
In FV, GCR section 9.1.1.C.5.C.6, add the following: "Crower part #SP93280B and Brian Crower Racing Rods part #TBD is are allowed as a direct replacement connecting rods but must meet the same minimum weight requirement as the OEM part."
Support for Recommended Item - 4 bolt wheels in FV
tyres & wheelsFV allows non-spec Hoosier tires in Regional races until 2020-01-01, when spec tires become required.
As printed in Fastrack
In GCR section 9.1.1.C.3.D, correct wording as follows: “The following tires are required: The following tires are required in all U.S. Majors Tour and Hoosier Super Tour events and the National Championship Runoffs: Fronts: Hoosier #43337 FVS 21.0 x 5.0 x 15 Rears Hoosier #43353 FVS 22.5 x 5.5 x 15 Rain tires are open for 2019. Effective 1/1/2020, the following rain tire is required:
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Hoosier #44266 22.5 x 5.0 x 15 Hoosier WET (rain)” “SCCA Regional Races only - Competitors may run any Hoosier branded FV tire until 1/1/2020 at which time the above designated tires will be required.”
Request to Allow Rear Tires on the Front of Formula Vee
tyres & wheelsFV allows rear tires on front of car; mandates Hoosier #43337 fronts and #43353 rears, plus #44266 rain tire from 2020-01-01.
As printed in Fastrack
In GCR section 9.1.1.C.3.D, add the following: “The following tires are required in all U.S. Majors Tour and Hoosier Super Tour events and the National Championship Runoffs: Fronts Hoosier #43337 FVS 21.0 x 5.0 x 15 Rears Hoosier #43353 FVS
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22.5 x 5.5 x 15 “Rear tires may be used on the front of the car. Tires shall be the same size and design for the right and left sides of the front axle and the same size and design for the right and left sides of the rear axle.” Rain tires are open for 2019. Effective 1/1/2020, the following rain tire is required: Hoosier #44266 22.5 x 5.0 x 15 Hoosier WET (rain) SCCA Regional Races only - Competitors may run any Hoosier branded FV tire until 1/1/2020 at which time the above designated tires will be required.”
wordingFV wheels clarified: 15" x 4J standard or 15" x 4.5J steel VW, 5-bolt pattern, same track dimensions.
As printed in Fastrack
In FV, GCR section 9.1.1.C.3.C, add the following: "Wheels shall be standard fifteen (15) inch X 4J as used on the 1200cc and 1300cc VW sedan as defined herein, or any steel fifteen (15) inch X 4.5J VW wheel with the same 5-bolt pattern as the standard fifteen (15) inch X 4J wheel within the track dimensions of C.2."
wordingFV exhaust outlet location tightened to 1–4 inches behind rearmost body part.
As printed in Fastrack
In FV, GCR section 9.1.1.C.5.D.1, make changes as follows: "Replacement of standard exhaust system with any exhaust system, provided that the closest part of the opening from which exhaust gases exit is no closer than an absolute minimum of one (1) inch behind the rearmost part of the body and the farthest part of the opening is no farther than an absolute maximum of four (4) inches behind the rearmost part of the body."
tyres & wheelsFV wheels now permit 15-inch 4.5J steel wheels within C.2 track dimensions, adding to standard 4J options.
As printed in Fastrack
In FV, GCR section 9.1.1.C.3.C., add the following: "Wheels shall be standard fifteen (15) inch X 4J as used on the 1200cc and 1300cc VW sedan as defined herein, or any steel fifteen (15) inch X 4.5J wheel within the track dimensions of C.2."
aeroFV exhaust opening can now extend to 4 inches behind body rear, previously 3 inches maximum.
As printed in Fastrack
In GCR section 9.1.1.C.5.D.1, make changes as follows: "Replacement of standard exhaust system with any exhaust system, provided that the closest part of the opening from which exhaust gases exit terminating is no closer than one (1) inch behind the rearmost part of the body and the farthest part of the opening is no farther than to four (3 4) inches behind the rearmost part of the body."
wordingFV front track maximum 52.500" and rear track 49.125"-50.750" no longer prohibits spacers.
As printed in Fastrack
In GCR section 9.1.1.C.2, make changes as follows: “Track, front: Standard VW – maximum 52.500” (no spacers allowed) Track, rear: 49.125” minimum, 50.750” maximum (no spacers allowed)”
Request to clarify Disc Brake rules bearing retainer & weights
In GCR section 9.1.1.C.4.D, make changes as follows: “Front and/or rear brake drums and backing plate assemblies may be replaced with a disc brake conversion assembly as an option. The front spindle/steering knuckle, rear axle, axle tube, bearing housing and bearing retainer/seal assembly must remain per GCR part 9.1.1. A spacer plate or a portion of the rear caliper support may be fitted beneath the bearing retainer to replace the backing plate dimension. If the caliper bracket is attached to the inboard side of the rear axle tube bearing casting with the bearing cap retainer bolts, the casting area around the bolts may be surfaced to achieve an adequate contact surface. Any ferrous alloy,
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unvented rotor may be used, but must have a maximum diameter of 11.75 in. and a minimum thickness of 0.20 in. The otherwise smooth rotor may have a maximum of three pad cleaning grooves per side. Any ferrous or aluminum alloy caliper and caliper support may be used. The caliper must have no more than four pistons and weigh a minimum of 1.65 lbs. Brake pads are free. Any hub assembly may be used as long as it can be fitted with part 9.1.1. wheels. The required minimum weight for the complete disc brake assembly is 16.5 lbs. The A assembly includes the following components: hub assembly; rotor hat; disc - the disc (which may be in two pieces); any hat-to-disc mounting hardware; calipers; bearings (front), for the front; pads; caliper bracket; assembly hardware, (not including the brake assembly to spindle hardware for the front or the brake assembly to axle housing hardware for the rear); and lugs or studs with nuts.”
wordingFV intake manifold horizontal tube measurement locations clarified between 1.500" and 8.000" on short side.
As printed in Fastrack
In GCR section 9.1.1.C.5.D.20.b, clarify the measurement location as follows: “Horizontal tube: The O.D. of the horizontal tube shall be measured at four different locations on each side of the down tube. The area to be measured on each side of the down tube is defined as being between the bend and a point that is 1.500” and 8.000” from the center of the down tube connection on the short side, and between 1.500” and 8.500” from the center of the down tube connection on the long side, all measurements to be within the 17.75” bend-to-bend distance as noted below.”
The Road Racing Competition Committee appreciates your letter regarding whether the Formula Vee fan shroud rule is still in effect and how it is to be checked. GCR section 9.1.1.C.9.C states as follows: "The rear bodywork must have the ability to enclose the original Volkswagen fan shroud mounted in its stock location (see illustration in Section C.12)." The fan shroud rule therefore is still in effect, and the rule indicates how it is checked. When checked at events, a fan shroud from a 36 or 40 HP engine is appropriately placed onto the Formula Vee engine and the bodywork must fit over the shroud. A template produced to fit outside the body to test for compliance is not an approved method under the rule.
The Road Racing Competition Committee does not recommend this change. The advisory committee has carefully researched and reconsidered the author's request to allow competitors to polish transmission internal parts in FV, and the findings are similar to those regarding the author's prior letter #37100 submitted in October 2024. The RRCC therefore reiterates its previous determination: "Polishing that is not required to effectively clean a part and is not performed by the original manufacturer or called out in the service manual for a part constitutes a modification of the part, and the rules state that components of the powertrain (such as components within the transmission) may not be modified unless specifically authorized by the rules." Whether some competitors have polished their transmissions and tech inspectors have elected not to inspect transmissions at the Runoffs in the past does not constitute a reason to now allow this modification. To do so would be unfair to competitors
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who have chosen not to polish their transmissions in accordance with the GCR's FV rules, as they would need to incur significant costs to make this modification. Regarding the author's questions, the RRCC has determined the following: 1) tech inspectors have the ability to recognize the difference between a worn part and a polished part; 2) tech inspectors may have the tools to disassemble a transmission on site, but disassembly is not required to determine whether its components have been polished; 3) if a transmission is disassembled, an appropriately cleaned part should look like a new gear, which to a trained eye does not look like a polished gear.
Thank you for your letter. The GCR does not support the modifications to the beam described. The FV rules, GCR section 9.1.1.C.1.B, say that "Formula Vee is a Restricted Class. Therefore, any allowable modifications, changes, or additions are as stated herein. There are no exceptions. IF IN DOUBT, DON’T." The FV rules further state in that section that "[n]o component of the engine, powertrain, front suspension, brakes shall be altered, modified, or substituted unless specifically authorized." The Club Racing Board believes the modifications described fall into this category, whereas the relocation of the steering box as done on the Citation is specifically authorized by GCR section 9.1.1.C.3.A.4.
Thank you for your letter. Due to the number of letters received on the subject of tires in Formula Vee and the variety of opinions expressed, the Club Racing Board is preparing to conduct a survey to gain a deeper understanding of the interests and desires of the Formula Vee community on the subject. Please look for a forthcoming e-mail from the SCCA with the survey.
Thank you for your letter. Polishing that is not required to effectively clean a part and is not performed by the original manufacturer or called out in the service manual for a part constitutes a modification of the part, and the rules state that components of the powertrain (such as components within the transmission) may not be modified unless specifically authorized by the rules.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend this change. Please see the responses to letters #34847 and #34719 in the November 2023 Fastrack.
Thank you for your letter regarding the response to letter #34797 in the October 2023 Fastrack. The statement in GCR section 9.1.1.C.1.B that mass-produced rear axle components may be substituted only if they are of the same material and dimensionally identical to the original VW components is not in conflict with the provision in GCR section 9.1.1.C.10.G permitting non-standard replacement wheel bearings. The "rear axle components" referenced in section 9.1.1.C.1.B include the bearings that support the axle, which are considered axle bearings, while the "wheel bearings" referenced in section 9.1.1.C.10.G are those on the front axles that support the hub and wheel. Please see the response to letter #35150 in this Fastrack's Technical Bulletin clarifying the meaning of the term used in section 9.1.1.C.10.G.
Thank you for your letter. There has been much discussion and consideration put into the rain light rule for F/SR to be implemented on 1/1/2024. Please see the response to letter #34719 in the current Fastrack. Please note that if you and your corner marshal partners were viewing from slightly above or to the side, perhaps you had a different vantage than that of the competitors, who are roughly at eye level with the rain lights of the cars ahead and being directly behind would be looking through their full water plumes. The committee reviewed numerous in-car videos during rain races leading up to this decision and had input from competitors as well. The committee noted that cars close behind, but slightly off to the side, often have a clearer view of the rain light than did the competitors directly behind.
Thank you for your letter. While the rain lights from Lifeline and Cartek that meet FIA Standard 8874-2019, Technical List No. 76, do list a 700 mA current draw, the existing standard of a "15-watt bulb" that many competitors still use represents a current draw of 1250 mA. The 700 mA is therefore a significant reduction in current draw in comparison. Other peripheral items such as data collection, video, and communication devices that competitors have added and have become accustomed to are not directly related to the analysis, because the FV rules permit the use of secondary batteries "to run video cameras/recorders, communications equipment and/or gauges and data acquisition systems." See GCR section 9.1.1.C.11.B. This provision was adopted several years ago to support the addition of such additional peripheral power draws specifically because FVs run total loss electrical systems. In considering the new F/SR rain light rule for 2024, a number of videos from SCCA races were reviewed
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as were direct comments from competitors and, with safety being paramount, the FIA 2019 standard was ultimately selected, because it was believed to be a well researched and well thought-out standard based on the rigors of open wheel and sports prototype racing. Cost was a concern as was an understanding that many competitors are still running the older lights, meaning that a significant number of people will need to upgrade to a brighter rain light. However, a quick Internet search shows that the Cartek rain light that meets the SCCA 2024 F/SR rain light rule can be found for as low as $168 shipped, while the referenced Afterburner rain light that does not meet the FIA 2019 standard can be found for $110 shipped. Others’ experiences may vary. The bottom line is that the decision to go to the FIA 2019 standard was based on safety concerns and consistency in what fellow competitors are able to see, and the $58 difference in cost for what is likely a one-time purchase does not seem excessive in that regard. While low-cost LED truck and trailer lights may appear to be bright, they may not have a sufficient brightness level when viewed at an angle, which is an important factor when racing in close quarters. Again, adopting the FIA 2019 standard covers this concern.
Thank you for your letter. GCR section 9.1.1.C.1.B states that "Mass-produced, direct replacement components may be substituted for the following as long as they are of the same material and dimensionally identical to the original VW components they replace," and that section further states that this pertains to "VW transmission components" and "Rear axle components." As such, transmission/transaxle components that are made using ceramic materials (or any other material not used in the original component), either in part or whole, are not permitted to be used in the FV class. Likewise, any transmission or rear axle components not dimensionally identical to the original VW component are not permitted to be used in the FV class.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board appreciates your comments. Please see the response to letter #31448 in the December 2021 Fastrack Technical Bulletin.
Rule Change Request 9.1.1.C Formula Vee (FV) 5.C.6
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend this change. A splitter is commonly understood to be a horizontal, single-plane device, which does not meet the Technical Glossary definition of a wing. The Club Racing Board has seen no evidence of a need to define a splitter in Formula Vee.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend restricting the weight and material of the hub assembly at this time. The disc brake rule permits the use of any hub assembly as long as it can be fitted with a wheel allowed by the Formula Vee rules. The rule already allows the use of two-piston calipers and two-piece rear brakes. Please see GCR section 9.1.1.C.4.D. The type of wheel used does not determine the disc brake components permitted. Please see the response to letter #28955, November 2020 Board of Directors Minutes.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board has recommended allowing the 4-bolt pattern wheels from the 1967-1973 Type 1 to permit competitors to run an off-the-shelf VW Beetle 4-bolt disc brake single-piece hub/rotor with an off-the-shelf single piston floating design that meets the caliper minimum weight rule and is in line with the price range envisioned during consideration of the FV disc brake proposal. The process of referring this recommendation to the Board of Directors allows ample time for competitors to provide comments both for and against the proposed change, which achieves the same overall goal as a WDYT. The Club Racing Board does not plan to allow the use of the existing 4-bolt drums, which are wider than the 5- bolt drums and would not permit competitors to comply with the existing track-width limitations.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board appreciates your comments.
Allow 4-bolt pattern wheels from 1967-1973 Type 1
#28955 from Formula/Sports Racing Committee · Recommended to the Board · Minutes (2020-07 Fastrack)
In GCR section 9.1.1.C.3.C, make changes as follows: "Wheels shall be standard fifteen (15) inch X 4J as used on the 1200cc and 1300cc VW sedan as defined herein or 1967-1973 Type 1, or any steel fifteen (15) inch X 4.5J VW wheel with the same 5-bolt pattern as the standard fifteen (15) inch X 4J wheel or 4-bolt pattern of the 1967-1973 Type 1, all within the track dimensions of C.2. Wheels may be balanced only by the use of standard automotive balance weights (adhesive or clip on). Hub cap clips shall be removed."
Thank you for your letter. The disc brake system referenced is already permitted in FV, and the prohibition of wheel spacers was previously removed. Please see the response to letter #26674 in the May 2019 Fastrack Technical Bulletin.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend this change because there is no evidence of a supply problem with the VW steering box and the WDYT provided no indication that a majority of competitors would be in favor of allowing aftermarket steering racks.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend this change. Cars with 4.0” wheels may increase track consistent with the allowances in GCR section 9.1.1.C.3.A. Cars with disc brake kits that were designed without accounting for these allowances and cars with drum brakes that have not utilized the allowances may use spacers to increase track consistent with the dimensions in GCR section 9.1.1.C.2. Please see the response to letter #26674, Technical Bulletin.
Thank you for your letter. The Club Racing Board does not recommend this change. Please see the response to letter #24977, November 2018 Fastrack Technical Bulletin.