A while back I mentioned the race series V8 Masters out of South Africa.
https://www.facebook.com/V8Masters
I messaged the owner and builder of the cars about 2 weeks ago and we have been talking about making his series international. I would be the US contact and importer and would have the cars built out and delivered to the owner and all that goodness or the owner could choose to build the car out himself/herself.
Here's my problem. I know the cars are very nice, very well built cars. I have no doubt there would be a market for them if the price is right (what we're currently working on). I need help figuring out what class or series they can run in before we have enough for a stand alone series.
Some details...
1250 kilograms (2755.77 lbs)
Dry sump 347 cid stroked SBF ~450 hp
5-speed
Pushrod suspension front and rear
IRS
Wilwood front and rear brakes
What do you guys think?
Pix...
https://www.facebook.com/V8Masters/photos_stream
Specs look fairly similar to TA-2, other than the suspension. TA-2 seems to be growing right now, so the pricing and classing could be a tough proposition.
Looks cool, though, and I hope it can be figured out!!!
FINALLY a mustang I would own 
Just a guess but they might fit into Super Unlimited class in NASA maybe a Perfromance touring class as well, but would have to dive into the classing rules to be sure.
Unit price?
Have a sub class within a class
I'm just curious (I have no idea), but since you are selling cars with the likeness of a mustang, how does that work?
Its one thing to make a mustang silhouette and drape it over a tube chassis, in my head its a bit different to produce cars for sale. Like I said, just curious!
aussiesmg wrote:
Unit price?
Have a sub class within a class
Don't have a price yet. That's what we're working up at the moment. The overall goal is to have a class all it's own, yes. I think starting out in another class in order to get some of the cars sold and out on the track is a good idea, then when the interest and car numbers grow, break off into our own stand alone class.
HiTempguy wrote:
I'm just curious (I have no idea), but since you are selling cars with the likeness of a mustang, how does that work?
Its one thing to make a mustang silhouette and drape it over a tube chassis, in my head its a bit different to produce cars for sale. Like I said, just curious!
Good question. These are silhouette cars, but I see what you're saying. He has had no problems in South Africa where the series is running, but I may have to do some investigating for here in the States. Not something I had thought of. Thanks!
Since you asked what we think.... :)
I think there is an over abundance of race series vying for marketing dollars. There's been talk about the Aussie V8 supercars coming to the US but not quite sure how that panned out.
That said, give it a try and see if you can make it work. Just remember the old saying - "The best way to make a small fortune in racing is to start with a big fortune."
They would likely be allowed in NASA's American Iron X but are grossly underpowered for that class. When you introduce a tube chassis, slicks and so on on a full blown race car - you find yourself in the deep end of the pool with the big boys. Spec is the way to go... unless these things are a lot more expensive than a Factory Five Spec racer. Then... possibly reconsider the market you are trying to barnstorm.
NASA seems hospitable to new ideas. The guys in Mid-Atlantic have a well run org that sees big turnouts so a call to Chris Cobetto might be a good starting point.
I don't know of any class that would let you run oil lines inside one of the roll structure tubes as is done on the cars in the pictures.
tr8todd wrote:
I don't know of any class that would let you run oil lines inside one of the roll structure tubes as is done on the cars in the pictures.
Are there rules that specifically disallow it? Once they allow welds at the corners it should be legal otherwise...
I'm not sure about the oil line either. I'll have to see. I forwarded all the rules and regulations for TA/TA2 and Super Touring and Super Unlimited to the builder to see what he thought. Supposed to have a meeting on Friday with those involved with the series and see what their thoughts on the expansion of the series are. I'll keep you guys informed. Thanks for the responses so far.
Ok,
Here's the latest. The guys in South Africa want to go ahead with trying for a US market/series. We are still trying to figure out what existing series they will be competitive in (Super Unlimited most likely, but with an engine change). We are talking about price point and all that at the moment. I do know that used turn key cars will sell for $40k plus shipping and import. We are also looking to get 2 cars here for SEMA in Nov. If any of you have any more input, I'd REALLY appreciate it.
I think you need someone to run them in SU to see how they do and generate interest. That's a full season of racing money just to try and convince people to buy them, and really you'd have to get permission to run in SU first.
Ok, understood... Would it make more sense to just go ahead full on and get with NASA to bring the whole series over here? Just bring over their rulebook and everything and have NASA approve it?
Made a facebook page...
https://www.facebook.com/V8MastersUS
