Getting Started
We are close to finalizing the introduction of this new formula, with approximately ten cars near completion.
We have conducted considerable testing with the prototype vehicle on all three track types it was designed for: road courses, paved short-track ovals, and dirt short-track ovals. As with any new product, we anticipated initial performance issues to resolve.
For this reason, our initial focus was not on recording videos or scoring lap times. Ultimately, we encountered few problems and instead used the track time for experimentation and fine-tuning.
The second car, which we are preparing to test, features the larger ZX14 engine (pre-2012 engines are 1352cc,
while later engines are 1441cc), along with bigger brakes and a wider rear wing. We are also planning to add data acquisition capabilities.
As soon as testing for this latest car is complete, we will add more information and videos to this page.
We see numerous scenarios for bringing Formula RPD to the market. One idea is to offer a rent-to-own plan, where a buyer can lease the car initially and apply the payments toward the ultimate purchase. These lease cars
will be fully assembled and turn-key, ready to race.
The rental fee and purchase price may need to be individually negotiated, as several factors are involved: the driver's racing experience, who transports the car to the track, how tire costs are handled, and who performs the maintenance and race prep (including their level of experience).
We anticipate the cost for the first ten cars will be approximately $50,000 each, with a per-race rental fee around $2,500. A crash damage deposit will be required, and any unused portion can be applied to the purchase cost.
The rent-to-own program will represent a significant capital investment for us, but it will be a tremendous bargain for the first ten buyers, as we will be selling the cars for far less than their actual value.
Another possibility is to form a partnership with an existing race car or chassis manufacturer. This approach would focus on building race-ready cars for direct purchase. Naturally, it is best to have inventory on hand rather than relying on a build-to-order model.
A partnership with an established manufacturer would present immediate opportunities for cost savings due to economies of scale, along with the use of existing processes, shop space, and personnel. This would likely lead to significantly lower production costs.
We have not yet established a final price for a turnkey car—which is what the rental cars will be—but it may be expensive under current conditions. This factors in the higher costs of a small-shop startup and short production runs.
Ultimately, we would like to see the car retail for no more than $60,000.
As with any production line, the cost of the first 10 cars will be higher than the next 50, which will be higher than the next 100. Each increase in volume will see a substantial reduction in cost, which will then be reflected in a lower retail price.
This leaves an obvious question: in what geographical area will the first season of races be located?
We can form our own sanctioning body (a club, an association, or a league), but we would prefer to work with an established sanctioning authority. We are actively investigating that route. The primary question is, what would be the best area?
This racing class needs to start in an area where racing is popular and there are plenty of racetracks.
We are currently located in Southern California, which is not such an area. This creates a challenge, but not an insurmountable one.
We are open to suggestions on this issue.
Obviously, if someone is enthusiastic about joining this class but lives in Florida while all the races are within a 100-mile radius of Indianapolis, that driver faces a decision.
