1. What is the Focus Challenge?
The Focus Challenge is a system
whose goal ultimately is the creation of
a standardized points-based handicap system which allows
everything from
the stock base model SPI's to fully built dedicated race
cars to
"compete" against each other in time trials
for fun. At this point,
there is no wheel-to-wheel component, but one is planned
for in the
future.
The current system is being beta
tested and developed around a single
reference track (Streets of Willow Springs), but the goal
is to develop
a multiplier for any other track, which should allow the
base system to
be customized based on the specific track. This should
allow the Focus
Challenge to become a national event, and allow drivers
nationally to
"compete" without even ever having driven on
the same tracks. This also
will encourage Focus drivers in areas where there might
not be much of a
Focus presence at local events, to get out there, set
some local records
and participate.
No doubt, to get to the "national
competition" point, there will need to
be serious issues to work out and it will never be perfect.
But the
true goal here is "fun", and we will succeed
at accomplishing this.
2. How did the Focus Challenge
get started?
Focus Challenge was started to
allow a small, but rapidly growing, track
enthusiast group, some friendly time trial-based competition
at local
tracks. Early on, it was discovered that people all across
the nation
were anxious to join in on the fun, and a more formal
and publicly
scrutinized system was put into development.
3. What are some long term
goals?
The long term ultimate goals of
the Focus Challenge are to ingrain the
importance of proper sport car driving techniques, without
the reliance
on high horsepower engines. And doing so with a reliable,
inexpensive
and widely available platform such as the Ford Focus.
Many drivers will
no doubt use the skills and confidence built during this
series to move
up to much higher speed and truly competitive events.
Another goal is the creation of
a Spec Focus series allowing
wheel-to-wheel racing, much like the spec RX-7 and Spec
Miata series.
But because of the relative recent release of the Focus,
the cost of
used vehicles is not to a point yet that would entice
potential racers
to participate. This will no doubt change with the coming
years, but in
the meantime we are focusing on the time trial events.
4. How does the event work?
Although lap times from the entire day of the event are used, there will be a dedicated Focus Challenge session which will ensure that each driver has at least 3 unobstructed laps on a clean track.
At a specified time, officials announce the beginning of the Focus Challenge session. At this time all Challenge drivers will stage in groups of five.
Each car will then be sent out with a 15-20 second space in between cars. Each driver will then take (1) warm-up lap, (3) hot laps, then (1) cool down lap before returning to the pits. This will ensure each driver has at least 3 solid traffic-free laps. After this group of 5 has finished, the next group will be sent out.
5. What do I need to participate?
The most important item is a helmet with a Snell rating of 95 or newer. Other than that, you just need a safe, road-worthy vehicle. Here is a tech inspection sheet showing the major areas you will want to check on.
http://www.redlinetrackevents.com/tech.html
6.
How does this relate to the Honda Challenge events? Or how about Spec Miata racing ?
Besides sharing a similar name to the Honda Challenge, there are very few similarities. The Honda Challenge series events are full blown wheel-to-wheel racing events, catering primarily to dedicated race cars. The Focus Challenge is a time trial based system, primarily designed for everyday street cars. A wheel-to-wheel component is planned for, but is not in the immediate future.
Spec Miata racing is based on defined racing components to allow drivers to race using similarly equipped and powered vehicles. The Focus Challenge attempts to use a handicap based system to compensate for various modifications, which allows individuals the freedom to choose upgrade paths without the need to worry about spec components.
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