Testing an FF1600 car in 2024 is just one of the topics covered in this week’s edition of the Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup. I also have tips on mastering the corner entry phase on a racetrack, a revolutionary new hand-control system for disabled drivers and speaking openly about battling depression.
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
On-Track
The corner entry phase on a race track is critical for lap time however, many novice racing drivers are not taught how to do this correctly. By understanding the friction circle, or how much grip your tyres have when you brake and turn at the same time, you can start to master your speed through the corners.
The video above is an exert of a lesson from Master Your Tyres, the flagship online course teaching drivers (and engineers!) about how to get more grip from their tyres (or tires!)
Learn more at: https://www.tyrecourse.com (or https://www.tirecourse.com !)
As a part-time brewer, Richard Westbrook is familiar with going up against the Guinnesses and Carlings of the world. As a racer for JDC-Miller MotorSports, he’s becoming familiar with going up against the big boys such as Penske and his former team, Cadillac. Westbrook explains to RACER about the parallels between craft beer and racing.
In this video from Baseline Driver Training, they dive into the challenging Throttle blip it is a technique used during gear shifts in a race car with a sequential gearbox when the driver uses the left foot for braking. Throttle blipping involves a brief tap on the throttle pedal to quickly increase the engine’s RPM at the moment the gear is shifted.
Robert Wickens has collaborated with Bosch Motorsport to adapt Bosch electronic braking control technology developed in the hybrid-powered Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) cars that race in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship to the Hyundai he races in the Michelin Pilot Challenge. More importantly, the new system could be utilized in GTP cars – and conceivably in nearly any racing car.
“We’re taking the next step of innovation with an electronic braking system that is hand controlled,” said Jacob Bergenske, director, Bosch Motorsport North America. “The platform is based off our proven performance in the LMDh electronic braking system, but it’s an innovation on top of that which we are super happy to collaborate with Robert on. We’re at the beginning or the dawn of a new generation, and of course we still have more potential to release. This system is about providing opportunity and parity across the field, for people who are not able to race at the top level of racing. Robert is here to prove that.”
What are the differences between a NASCAR and single-seater? In the video above, Maximus Motorsport discusses the key differences as a racing driver.
Off-Track
Lewis Hamilton has been praised by a leading mental health charity for speaking openly about battling depression.
“We are grateful to Lewis Hamilton for being so open and sharing his experience with depression, and the impact that racism has had on him over many years,” Joe Levenson, head of media at mental health charity Mind told Autosport. “Speaking up and speaking out can help to normalise conversations and challenge the stigma that so often surrounds mental health. At Mind, we know that when public figures speak openly about their mental health, it can have a powerful impact. Our research has shown that one in five people have started a conversation about their mental health after hearing a celebrity or someone in the public eye share their experience.”
For more information about depression, please visit Mind’s website.
Race Car & Series Developments
Italiaracing’s Mattia Tremolada has tested several single-seater cars in the name of motorsport journalism, and this summer he took that to the next level by going wheel-to-wheel with FF1600’s top talents in Britain and Formula Scout has all the details.
“FF1600 occupies an ecosystem almost completely overlooked by motorsport insiders elsewhere in Europe, who focus on the FIA’s series when structuring their training and racing en route to F1. F4 and GB3 fit that bill in the British Isles, but their popularity has – unlike in other nations – not pushed a category that is in many ways “old school” into non-existence. The cars in FF1600 are built on a tubular chassis, with grooved tyres and a four-speed H-pattern gearbox with clutch. Visually what distuinguishes them from the carbon fibre creations of F4 and higher categories is the lack of front or rear wing. That creates a very different challenge, but enables incredibly close racing and helps the category to continue churning out talent.”
Feeder Series reports that after experiencing record demand for entries in 2024, the Formula Winter Series will split into two. The resulting new winter series will feature Spanish F4 teams and personnel, and it will run alongside a new Eurocup-3 winter championship. Check out all the details at the Feeder Series website.
SpeedCafe reports on the bold plans that are in the works for the Australian Rally Championship as it eyes its new era outside of Motorsport Australia’s direct control. “We want to focus on enhancing the event experience, not just for competitors but for spectators,” Adrian Coppin explained.
2025 Series Calendars & News
- Paul Ricard Replaces Portimao on 2025 24H Series Calendar
- Formula Race Promotions Announces 2025 Schedule
- FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JS F4 series unveil 2025 schedules
- Jakobsen wins Nordic 4 title as series strengthens FR1.6 tie-up for 2025
Track Days
NXT Gen Cup, the world’s first 100% electric junior touring car cup, offers an open test day for junior drivers at Gelleråsen Arena in Sweden on October 6th.
“This is a great opportunity for young drivers to get a first test of electric racing with support from our team of engineers and mechanics at the iconic Gelleråsen Arena circuit,” said Fredrik Lestrup, NXT Gen Cup founder.
A limited number of places is available for the test day which features six sessions from 08:00 to 17:00 during the day at a cost of 4.000 SEK + tax. More details can be found here.
ERA Racing School is holding a track event at Circuit Zolder on October 21st for an empowering day of speed, skill, and community with the ERA Experiences Women’s Driving Event!
“Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a complete beginner, this event is all about welcoming and empowering women in motorsport. Start the day with a session in our professional racing simulator, then take the wheel of our fully electric formula racecars Meet like-minded women, connect, and enjoy a fun, inclusive atmosphere where motorsport is for everyone.”
More information on the event can be found here.
The Miami International Autodrome has added four new circuit configurations that will allow the track to be used year-round without the need for road closures.
Inner loops that have been made possible via hairpins and a new section before the original Turn 11 and after Turn 16 that links up with the rest of the track. The four new layouts range from a 19-turn 2.8-mile configuration to a 1.43-mile short loop that features 13 corners and will allow the track to host competitive race events at other times of the year as well as private track events.
RACER has all the details.
Grassroots Motorsports has all the details on what it takes to secure a license to race at the Nürburgring.
Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park will hold its second annual MiataCon on October 25-26. Last year’s event brought together over 400 Mazda Miata participants and thousands of spectators from across the nation.
This year, MiataCon’s turnout is anticipated to be even higher with organizers pulling together more than $20,000 in contingency. There will be prizes from not only Lime Rock Park but also SCDA, Hoosier, Lime Rock Drivers Club and Mazda.
Racing Opportunities
Want to go endurance racing? Grassroots Motorsports explains everything you need to know. “These early sanctioning bodies were–and remain–hyperfocused on access above all else. Barriers to entry and costs are minimal, yet somehow they’ve also nurtured a culture where good racing and a safe approach also thrive.”
You can read the article here.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a former lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
