The Spec Racer Ford Gen3 (SRF3) provides affordable and exciting wheel-to-wheel racing with an emphasis on driver skill. The race cars originally started as Sports Renaults in 1984, were upgraded to Spec Racer Fords (SRF) in 1994. In 2015 the 3rd generation upgrade for the Spec Racer Ford (referred to as Gen3) began competition. Intended as a low cost sports racing class they are still very affordable and have now evolved into SCCA’s largest class with over 900 cars built. The equivalency of cars is achieved by using a strict set of rules, specification parts and sealed components, including the engine, transmission and shocks. The strict rules eliminates the need for a motorsport arms race, as each competitor doesn’t need to have the latest go fast part to keep at the front of the pack resulting in a true specification (Spec) class. Since the cars are so equal it is possible to simply rent a car and still win the race.

The car is a closed wheel, open cockpit sports racer with a steel tube frame chassis and three-piece fiberglass bodywork loosely resembling a 1960s and 1970s CanAm car. The car uses a combination of Renault, Ford, Subaru and custom SCCA Enterprises components. The modular nature of components allows for fast repairs with a minimum number of parts. An example is the uprights that are interchangeable front left to rear right and front right to rear left.

Motor & Transmission

The mid rear mounted engine and 5 speed manual transmission are specification sealed by SCCA Enterprises with each motor tuned to within a few horsepower making the performance even for competitors and reducing the cost of getting a hot motor by switching and modifying heads like other classes. The motor is a 1.6 litre inline 4-cylinder Ford Sigma engine with a 16-valve DOHC head producing 135 horsepower and 118 lb-ft torque.

Weight

The SRF3 includes a 7.75 US gallon (29 Litre) fuel cell allowing approximately an hour of run time at race speeds. The cars have a minimum weight of 1560 lbs (707 kgs) with driver. The central seating position and ballast locations are fixed to ensure no advantages are given by changing the static weight distribution. However the car uses an adjustable pedal rack to accommodate drivers of various heights and sizes.

Suspension & Adjustment

The SRF3 uses solid bushings and spherical bearings with Rocker arm suspension linked to single adjustable sealed Penske or Koni shocks with a coil over shock spec spring rate. The rules are very strict with no performance enhancing modifications allowed making it a true specification car. However, the car is adjustable for ride height, castor, camber, toe, rebound and sway bars on all 4 corners allowing the driver to tune the car to their driving style and track conditions within prescribed limits.

Brakes and Tyres

The brake system also uses specification parts with custom Wilwood vented and slotted brake rotors, floating calipers, Hawk Performance brake pads and a cockpit adjustable brake bias. The SRF3 has a 92 inch Wheelbase. Since 2016, Hoosier provides racing slicks and wet weather tyres used by all competitors, with a custom compound developed for the SRF3.

Safety

Safety is also well covered by the SRF3 with ample crush zones and centrally located driver with a full tube frame chassis and roll over hoops. Drivers equipment includes 6 point harness, Helmet, Head & neck restraints, full fire retardant clothing (shoes, socks, underwear, drivers suit and gloves) plus arm restraints in case of a crash or rollover. The cars also include a fully integrated fire suppression system. The SRF3 has an excellent track record with zero fatalities.

Parts availability and trackside support

Built and marketed by SCCA Enterprises over 900 cars have been built and delivered. The Spec Racer Ford and Gen3 have tremendous trackside support with a network of Customer Service Representative (CSR) throughout the United States that attend local and national SCCA events to provide help, spare parts, preparation and even rental cars for drivers. This level of track side support means you don’t have to scrounge for spare parts and your race weekend won't be ruined because you can’t find a specific part for the car, even at the more remote tracks.

Customization

So with all the specification items on the car how can you customize it to you? Allowable customizations include instrumentation, data acquisition, steering wheel, radios and an option for a custom Butler seat to suite your height and frame. Of course you also get to pick your driver gear and paint scheme, although there are some mandatory sponsor decals based on suppliers for the series.

Popularity

The class is very popular in SCCA often with the highest or second highest car count per event. The low operating cost and minimum maintenance issues allow for both teams and privateers to compete. The large fields combined with matching performance of the cars ensure that there is always someone to race whether you are in the front or back of the grid. This makes the class a good place for beginners and hard fought competition at the front to win. The other great thing about SRF is the community always willing to help a fellow competitor and providing lots of new tips for new racers.

What are you waiting for?

Spec Racer Ford Generation 2

The SRF Gen2 cars are still eligible for competition as a region only class in 2018. The Gen2 is heavier (1670 lbs / 756 kgs), uses the less powerful 1.9ltr Ford CVH motor (105 hp, 115 lb-ft torque) and different final drive ratio.