First Test

2007-10-22T14:39:00.001+10:00

All Aerodynamically designed. This body was built BEFORE the chassis. The Rapier was designed as the name suggests, to cut the air like the light and agile rapier blade it was named after.

Airbag technology allows the driver to change the setup while driving. i.e. adjust from under or oversteer to a more neutral setup

chassis is very strong with maximum driver safety.

Seat is adjustable front to back up and angle, as well as adjustable steering column, up/down and front/back. Suitable for tall and short drivers.

OUR FIRST TEST

Our first test was very successful. At no time did the car want to spit me off the track, it was forgiving and allowed me to do more than I thought it would first time. I can't imagine what this is like to a typical monoshock car. All four wheels on the track means more grip and more confidence in a driver.

My lap times were ok for the front of the mid-field, but I haven't run for a while.

Then Paul Manteit (3rd 1200cc in 2007 Nationals) jumped in the Rapier was producing front pack times immediately. Still a way to go as we keep trying to remove (yes remove) some of the grip to get a better time.

Here is some video

I am very happy with the car, and its only a prototype as yet. It could be the best weapon in Formula Vee or at least one of the best. I'll post some times up here when the adjustments make the car speed relevant... Paul wouldn't have won a race at these speeds, but probably top 5. Pretty amazing to roll a car off the bench and into a racing standard within a couple of hours. Can't wait to see where the next few hours of testing takes us. I'd say we will be at the front with a front running driver within the next couple of tests. Now there's some pressure on me, I've been without a car since February 2005.... fairly rusty...

If you want a lot of technical info, best contact John Alder at Volks Engineering direct as he designed it.

Not sure how many orders John has at the moment. If you want to order a car, best speak to him about waiting times etc. also.

John's contact number is Australia 07 3841 7005 or email him at johnbeeb@optusnet.com.au

Have a great day

Scott

scott@scottandrew.com.au

Building a new car from scratch

2006-06-23T11:38:00.000+10:00

Building a new Formula Vee would be difficult, you could order a chassis from a manufacturer, and build it yourself. Its part of the category strengths.
But if you want to have one made from scratch there are so many options, so much work to do to make the moulds, the design is endless.

So every race meeting I watch knowing the greatest car ever designed is going to be mine. he new Rapier is a 1600cc design, and a lot more torque than the old 1200cc I had. It is advanced, and should allow me to play at the front of the field.

It sounds corny, and I hope its the best car, but I want to race people. So I hope its not really bad, or really good and doesn't push me. To have a race where you did your best, it doesn't matter if I came 1st or 9th, as long as I battled with the best on even ground.

My new car is being built by a guy I'd call a genius. Every car he works on goes so much faster. However, the main difference between competitors is always the organic component, and the Formula Vee racing category is so close mechanically, that you really have to push yourself to stay at the front.

When we have the car finished, I think I'll be a very happy boy. Then I'll need partners (sponsors) that I can help make money enough to help me go racing.

Rapier 1600cc Formula Vee

First Test

Building a new car from scratch