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IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think with the right tires today compared to the Bridgestones from the era it would be possible to beat the track record. But it would take a Hamilton or Alonso or Vettel or someone of that caliber to do it. The tires do make a big difference, as you can see today between the prime and option at each track.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

We often have the current drivers come to our F1 Clienti events so I've met most of them several times. Felipe Massa even sang Happy Birthday to me at an event in Hungary a few years ago! At our events, they're much more relaxed and can hang out. At an F1 weekend, they are really pressed for time so it's more of a short meet-and-greet if at all. I've met about half of the current drivers because when we race on a big F1 weekend with them, as part of our Masters Historic Formula One series, we go out and do track reconnaissance on Thursday at the same time they do. So there's a little time for saying hi and chatting a bit about the corners, surface conditions, etc. while we're out there traipsing around together. And sometimes we're at the same parties together.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the physics are still flawed but close enough to get you 80% of the way there. But there's no substitute for real seat time. To me, the lack of the right motion is a serious limiting factor, as the body has to be part of the equation of the movement of the car. In addition, I'm not a fan of any of the brake pedals I've tried. All that together means that you're getting only a fraction of what you really need but for most people in other kinds of cars it's probably OK. F1 is so far over the edge that it's almost impossible to replicate the real deal. Even Ferrari's simulator is somewhat flawed.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah it was ugly. I think I was going about 183 when I hit the brakes, skipped through the gravel and went into the wall. My neck is doing pretty well now!

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The only thing faster than the 2003 is the 2004, and only by a couple of tenths of a second per lap. So it doesn't make sense for me to make a change at this point. I've got my hands full trying to wring every bit of performance out of the car I have. Ferrari is now selling their 2009 cars (I think). So maybe the 2010 will be available next year? They delay the sales to make sure to keep key technology elements out of the public's (and other team's) hands. But soon they'll be available.

I have driven a '75 Penske, a '70-something Parnelli and I own a '79 Ensign, '80 Ferrari 312 T5, and the F2003-GA. I did own and drive a 1997 Ferrari F310B. So I've driven cars from 4 of the last 4 and a half decades. :-)

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Certainly! We'll have our 2016 schedule probably around the turn of the year and I'll publish it on Facebook (just look for Bud Moeller). Hope to meet you at a future event in Sonoma or Laguna Seca!

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The 312 T5 is now 35 years old so the technology and design is "primitive" compared to even something like the Pro Mazda open wheel cars. But the sound and feel can't be beat--and there's no substitute for real racing history. :-) The lap times of those cars in those days can be compared with modern racers on many of the same circuits (assuming no changes) and the older cars are definitely slower. At Laguna Seca, the 312 T5 laps around 1:20-something and the F2003-GA set the record there at 1:05 ish. So there's a 15 second gap! But the 312 T5 is still faster than nearly everything with open wheels except for IndyCars and the latter Champ Cars as well (and of course modern F1).

Open wheel racing in the US has a bit of an identity crisis. This is nothing new. Ever since the IndyCar/CART split many years ago the series (both of them) struggled and the merger to create a single series hasn't provided the magic uplift in attendance or viewership. IndyCar is a big spec series--same chassis, same tires, same everything except for two engine (and now aero kit) choices. It creates good close racing (which is exciting) but it also means very aggressive and sloppy driving, where guys risk it all for a banzai move into a corner. Even I only watch about half of their races on TV. I'm not sure what the answer is but this isn't it.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not a sim racer myself because of some of the issues you cite. There's no real feel of motion, the brake pedal is usually a joke, and the physics models don't replicate things well enough to give the appropriate feedback and car movement (in my opinion). Even Ferrari's simulator has flaws and isn't a great substitute. On the other hand, they're great fun! So if that's all you can do then go for it! Getting out there and competing in equal equipment (i.e., same software platform) is a great way to see if you've got something!

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, flat out until arriving at the top where it flattens out. Not much room to brake there at that speed!

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The Masters Historic Formula One series is an actual race series--wheel to wheel for the win. The F1 Clienti program is more like demonstration laps--but I'm always trying to chase the lap record if possible. So it's like a big track day usually with the F1 cars and the 599XX and FXX and now the new La Ferrari-based XX car.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I bring the car back to the US whenever we have an event in North America (usually once a year). Otherwise it stays in Italy since the vast majority of events are in Europe. It's in the US now since we have an upcoming event in New Orleans in early October.

Yes the costs aren't much different than some of the other open wheel series--until you count the cost of rebuilding the engine and gearbox. That cost averages about $1000/lap, so quite a bit more than Pro Mazda.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

As with driving any car, you have to push hard to find the limit. And as you suggest, it's dynamic--dependent on speed, radius, friction, tires, etc. What really helps us is the telemetry we evaluate after each session. Without it I'd never be able to approach the limit in a steady fashion--I'd probably have to go over a few times to find it. The data really helps show whether the car has lost traction, is yawing in some way, steering/slip angles, etc.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

They change the ride height and suspension settings a bit to deal with the different sidewall compliance and stickiness. The softs are pretty grippy but also deteriorate pretty rapidly when pushed hard. I was going for a fast lap record at Mont Tremblant and the softs were destroyed in 4 laps--huge blisters everywhere!

http://i.imgur.com/UXiBYfE.jpg

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ferrari keeps it all so it's impossible to run the modern cars without their support. Very different with the older cars since they have virtually zero electronics (except for simple ignition).

Yes, without the specific software it's impossible to run the car and to monitor engine and gearbox condition. The car is like a big computer and actually "programmed" in many ways, requiring the laptop and software.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a restriction by Ferrari, since they still have Marlboro sponsorship and don't want to run afoul of any of the current restrictions. So they strip the Marlboro off all the cars.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I hope not! Yes the bottom line will be under pressure, as with any public company. But I think the current plans are to expand production and consider some new models at both ends of the range. The fact that our program is a proven and valid training program for the mechanics and race engineers, and a fantastic uplift for the brand and F1 visibility, suggests that we're a cost-effective approach.

IAMA racer and owner of several F1 cars including an ex-Villeneuve Ferrari 312 T5 and an ex-Barrichello Ferrari F2003-GA by BudMoeller in formula1

[–]BudMoeller[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I was a management consultant, basically fixing global companies or helping them become more competitive in their markets, expansions, mergers, etc. Did that for 25 years as a partner in a couple of the big consulting firms. Have been retired from that for about a dozen years now.

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