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These FAQ's are courtesy of
the Formula
Vee Association of Australia website
You need
either an approved 3 layer fireproof suit or
a 2 layer fireproof suit with protective
underwear, a fireproof balaclava, approved racing boots and
fireproof socks, fireproof gloves, and an
approved helmet complying to Australian
standards 1698. A typical motor racing
starter kit, including suit, boots, socks,
underwear, gloves, and balaclava, start from
about $1200. Motorbike helmets are accepted
and start at as little as $180, however many
competitors opt for a specific motor racing
helmet starting at about $600. All attire
must comply with standards laid down by the
FIA which is the world controlling body for
motorsport.
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Yes, you need a minimum of
a CAMS NC license to race a Formula Vee in
circuit races in all states. To obtain the
CAMS NC license, you need to go to a CAMS
lecture to learn basic safety rules such as
flags, have a medical exam by a nominated
CAMS appointed doctor, attend a one day driving
observation day in your race car or similar,
then pay your money. Contact your state CAMS
office for more information and lecture
bookings or visit the CAMS website
www.cams.com.au. At this time, a CAMS
NC license is around $400/year. The medical
exam will typically cost about $100
depending on which doctor (Cams nominated
only).
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This varies greatly
depending on how often you want to race, and
how competitive you want to be. A typical
social racer, who competes in a 6-round
state series will likely spend $3000-$5000
per year in maintenance costs, which
includes tyre purchases, engine rebuilds,
crash fixes, race petrol, entry fees,
license fees, and accommodation costs.
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Yes, old Vee's can be
competitive. The class has remained
basically unchanged since its inception, so
provided an older car has been updated as
rules have changed over the years, then it
can potentially run at the front of the
field. Its common for cars that are 15 to 20
years old to win races.
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This is
entirely up the owner. The VW engines are very
reliable and are typically rebuilt when a small drop-off in power
is noticed rather than for reliability. Most racers
will only rebuild an engine once at the
beginning of the season . Serious competitors
will typically rebuild the engine at the
beginning of the season, then once
mid-season as well. A standard 'freshen-up'
rebuild could cost anything between $800 and
$1500 depending on what work needs to be
done, and whether a dyno run is included or
not.
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Originally
only 1200cc. It has been decided to allow the
1600cc VW engine in some states. However it is up
to each state to nominate which engines will
be allowed to run in their state races. In
2004, at this stage, only NSW and SA will
run races for 1600cc Vee's, along with
1200cc Vee's. All other states will only
allow 1200cc Vee's. In 2005, Victoria will
also allow 1600cc Vee's to run. 1200cc Vee's will continue to
run in all states indefinitely as the 1600cc
engine is phased in.
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At
Baskerville and Symmons Plains, Vees use the
short gearbox (slower diff) and top speed of
a Formula Vee is around 160KPH. However,
absolute top speed of Vee's
depends on the gearbox used and the track.
With the long gearbox (faster diff) installed at fast
tracks such as Phillip Island in Victoria,
or Eastern Creek in NSW, speeds of in excess
of 180kph can be reached.
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Formula Vee's typically
race at all permanent motor racing circuits
around Australia each year. Checkout out the
Tracks page for tracks that
Vee's have raced at and information such as
lap records.
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Yes, you must be a member
of your state Formula Vee association to
race a Formula Vee. Contact your state secretary to request
a membership application form.
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Entry fees depending on
the state, track, and event in which you are
competing. The fees typically range from
$150 to $300 per race meeting.
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Contact your state secretary for more
information and membership application
forms.
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Yes, there are several
Formula Vee manufacturers in Australia at
this time whom can make you a brand new
Formula Vee. Jacer, Mako, Borland, and
Stinger all make Formula Vee's. Checkout out
the Links page.
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Formula Vee
uses a specified Dunlop or American racer tyre only. These tyres will be available from
your states nominated
dunlop motorsport dealer for dunlops or
thru your Association.
A
typical racer will get between 4 and 6 race
meetings per set of tyres. This means that
the average racer competing in a 6-round
state series will be able to do a full
season of racing on one set of tyres. A more
serious racer who will race more often, and
wishes to have softer rubber on hand may use
2 sets of tyres for a full season of racing.
Tyres currently cost around $1200 per set
for dunlops and slightly less for American
Racers.
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Either drum brakes from the
1200cc or 1300cc VW. or disk
brakes of any make are allowed, provided
that they utilise single piston calipers,
non cross drilled and non ventilated rotors,
and comply with the minimum weight per
assembly. Older drum brake cars can be
upgraded to disk brakes.
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Yes, many
car owners lease their cars out for practice
days, license driver observation days, race
meetings, and even full seasons of racing.
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Racing usually starts in
February/March and can go right through to
the end of November or even December each
year. Most states run a state circuit series
consisting of 6 rounds that count towards
the years state championship. There are
usually 2 or 3 other multi-club meetings in
some states that Vee's are invited to also,
plus there is the
National Formula Vee Challenge held each
year. Most states also run a hill-climb
series each year which Vee's can compete.
Check out the
state calendars.
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Some tracks hold weekly or
less regular "open practice" days in which
any car can compete. Often, cars of all
types including sedans and open wheelers are
on the track at the same time. Cost for
these days is typically $100-$200 depending
on the track. Contact your local track for
more information. Most race meeting
organisers also organise a Friday practice
day at the track of the event immediately
before the race meeting weekend for racers
who want to get some track familiarisation
without having to prepare their car and pit
crew for a separate day of driving. These
Friday practice days typically incur an
extra cost on top of the meeting entry fee.
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You need to be 16 years of
age to hold a minimum CAMS NC license, which is
required to race a Formula Vee in Australia.
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