CLUB PROFILE

The aim of the Club is to organise low cost single seater racing for the club racer. With this in mind we promote classes for the competitor who is broadly a 'Do it Yourself' man or woman. To control casts the Monoposto Championship is for cars which are at least four years old*. Broadly, the engine size dictates the class into which a car falls. This is reflected in the class names.
The emphasis in the Monoposto Clubs' championships is on the amateur owner driver. Most of the cars being raced in the Monoposto championships are prepared by their owners and their friends. As a result the club has a reputation for fielding cars which are prepared to a very high standard by their enthusiastic owners.

Depreciation is a crippling cost in many categories of motor racing because the pace of development means that the very latest designs are thought to be essential for success. The Monoposto Racing Club rules are specifically framed to prevent this happening in Monoposto racing. One of the reasons why racing the Monoposto Club way is relatively inexpensive is that competitors do not have to sell their cars at a huge loss at the end of each season in order to invest in the latest equipment. Well prepared cars remain competitive. Frequently, a car may be raced for several seasons or even several decades and show zero depreciation when sold.
One of the great strengths of Monoposto Racing is that it is specially formulated so that owners of a wide range of single seater racing cars can compete and still enjoy close, exciting racing. The class structure is such that a wide variety of cars can compete on equal terms. In Mono2000, Mono1800 and Mono1600, all commercially built cars racing in Monoposto Racing must be built for the 2006 season or earlier. However you can enter a home made or 'one off' car of any age.
The MRC's 1000/1400 classes are championships for motorcycle engined cars . These championships are aimed at those who want to compete in cars which can be bought 'off the shelf' as well as home built ones.*Unlike the other Monoposto classes new cars can be raced in these classes. Despite this change of emphasis, these classes are still firmly focussed on the enthusiast rather than the career driver.

The MRC Classes for 2010.
Mono2000
Mono2000 Classic
Mono1800
Mono1600
Mono1000
Home built chassis.
Providing that a home built chassis meets MSA requirements, and meets the class requirements, it may be run in the relevant Monoposto class.

So What Do They Race in Mono?

I was leaning on the pit wall at Snett when a bloke asked me this very question. As a lifelong motorsport enthusiast, but not a Mono insider, I had a vague idea, but wasn't sure of the detail, so I thought I'd look it up and try to summarise it for my own satisfaction. Also, the Asst. Ed. thought it wasn't a bad idea to get an outsider's perpective on this as the closed season is now upon us, people will be formulating their plans and the Mono 2000 regulations change next year; all good reasons to have something bang up to date. So, after a trawl through the regs and "Startline" here it is.

General Rules

Single-seater racing cars.
Commercially built chassis first produced for the 2006 model year or before.
Standard engines up to 2000cc (engines with variable valve timing are not permitted, even if it's disabled).
Cars must run on pump fuel (100 octane).
Minimum ride height 40mm.
Transmissions, brakes, wheels (min dia 13") and tyres are free.
Home built cars of any age are permitted.
Specific Rules/Exceptions

Mono 1000

For 'bike engined cars such as JKS (Speads), Jedi, tube OMS, Leastone.

Certain post 2006 chassis are permitted (basically space-frames designed for a 'bike engine).
Production motor cycle engine up to 1000cc capacity, tuning is permitted.

Mono 1400

A higher weight limit than Mono 1000, to try to encourage cars originally built with car engines, but converted to 'bike power, Dallara Hayabusa anyone?

Certain post 2006 chassis are permitted (basically space-frames designed for a 'bike engine).
Standard production motor cycle engine and gearbox up to 1400cc capacity. Air filtration is free, "Power Commander" and similar devices are permitted. Clutch basket, plates and springs are free.

Mono 1600

Formula Ford/FF2000 chassis, Formula Vauxhall Junior (8V) and Formula Renault 1700 are popular.

Standard, iron block engines with a single camshaft up to 1750cc capacity, dry sump permitted. FF Kent 1600 engines, when fitted in older chassis, may use the approved Mono camshaft.

Mono 1800

Formula Ford Zetec, FF2000, Formula Vauxhall Junior (16V) and Formula Ireland cars feature.

Engines conforming to the following regulations: FF Zetec 1800 up to year 2005, Formula Vauxhall 2000 (Junior 1600 cc 16 valve), FF2000 as defined in the 1993 MSA yearbook.

Mono 2000

Typically Dallara F3, US FF2000, Formula Renault 2000, 2009 Formula Renault BARC eligible too.

Chassis must have been first produced for 2004 model year or earlier.

Standard production engines up to 2000cc capacity. Dry sump lubrication permitted. Flywheel weight free, material as F3. Throttle Body Fuel Injection, subject to a 40mm per choke size restriction. Ford Zetec engines can have free cam timing (std cam & std pulley).
Engines of manufacture and model as used in FIA international Formula 3 during 2004 or earlier, having a 25 millimetre maximum diameter air restrictor through which all air serving the induction is passed.
Complete cars complying with 2009 Formula Renault BARC Technical Regulations. The chassis may not be used with any other engine, nor the engine used in any other chassis. Transmission, Gear Ratios, Final Drive and Clutch must comply with the above regulations.

Classic 2000

For classic cars such as Formula Vauxhall and older F3 cars, like Reynards and Ralts.

Chassis of aluminium alloy and / or steel construction where the manufacturer's designated model year is 1998 or earlier, or 1999 or earlier in the case of chassis built to comply with the Renault Sport Manual.
Chassis of carbon fibre composite or aluminium alloy construction originally complying, or derived from those originally complying, with FIA Formula 3 and identified by the manufacturer as for the model year 1992 or earlier.
Standard production engines up to 2000cc capacity. Dry sump lubrication permitted. Steel flywheel minimum weight 3.6kg. carburettors or original spec fuel injection.

Engines of manufacture and model as used in FIA international Formula 3 during 1992 or earlier, having a 25 millimetre maximum diameter air restrictor through which all air serving the induction is passed. Engines which comply with the specification contained in the Formula Renault Sport Manual up to and including 1999.
NB This overview is given for guidance purposes only. Please consult the 2010 Technical Regulations or the Monoposto Club for definitive information before making any commitments.

How little it really costs
Car. average purchase price £3,000 - £7,500

Typical cost of a season
* MSA competition licence £ 50
* Annual medical examination £60
* race entries (12 rounds at £200*) £2400 * an average figure, race costs vary. Range £175-250
* fuel for meetings £ 240
* travel to meetings £ 1000
* x 2 sets of second hand tyres £ 80
* Repairs & replacements £500 - £1,500

How many races are there each year ?
There are twelve rounds in the championship, of which the best ten results count for championship points.

Do I have to compete in all twelve rounds ?
No, you can do as many or as few rounds as you like.

If I only want to do one or two races can I compete as a guest ?
Guest drivers are offered a discounted Guest Membership for up to two races, amount refundable against full membership.

I have not raced before, can I start racing Monoposto ?
Single seaters are the ideal way to start racing. Because they are designed to be raced they are responsive and easy to learn to drive on the track. They do not require adaptation before racing. As a beginner, Monoposto Racing will allow you to concentrate on your track craft, rather than worry about your car. That is why so many of the Motor Racing Schools such as Jim Russell and Silverstone Driving Centre teach newcomers in single seaters. The MRC recognises that the greatest expense in racing falls on the newcomer. The club waives the Championship Registration Fee for all bona fide newcomers to the sport.

Isn't single seater racing very expensive ?
Well no form of motor sport is cheap, but surprisingly single seater racing is one of the cheapest forms of circuit racing. 'Pre enjoyed' (!) single seaters are less expensive to buy than cars for most production based formulae. Because single seaters are designed and built as race cars, there is no need to spend money (or time) on expensive one off modifications to prepare the car for circuit use. Unlike sports cars, many single seaters use standard engines, keeping down the need to buy special engine parts. Also there is a thriving trade in second hand tyres and spare parts.

How much will I have to pay for a car ?
How long is a piece of string ?! A basic but reliable Mono1600 car could cost as little as £2500. A good Mono1800 should be available from about £4,250, whilst a complete Formula Vauxhall car for Mono2000 would cost about £6000. But expect to pay £20 000+ for a recent F3 based Mono2000 Dallara.

I have competed in a road car based series, but will I be able to cope with a single seater?
Certainly ! In many ways single seaters are less complicated than road cars to prepare for the circuit. They only have components which are actually needed to race, so you do not need to waste time and effort on non essential items such as complex electrics and extensive enclosed bodywork. Because single seaters are born to race, their handling and performance are totally suited to the track. As a result they are much more satisfying to drive and once you get acclimatised your driving will improve too.

Will I be able to get spare parts?
Apart from the thriving trade in second hand parts in the club, there are a large number of specialists who can supply new parts or repair/recondition used parts. A good place to start looking is on our On Line market place.

Am I too old for Monoposto Racing?
Although the semi professional, single seater formulae are the preserve of mere children, Monoposto competitors vary widely in age. The majority seem to be in their late thirties and forties, but several of our most successful competitors are in their sixties! And, whisper it, one or two are a decade older. Some start racing when they retire!

I am a female racing enthusiast, but I am not sure that Monoposto racing would be suitable for me ?
Well Amanda Whitaker, a past champion 'made it' in style in Monoposto racing and Kat Impey was a race winner in the 2009 season, proving that you don't have to be Macho Man to succeed in Monoposto Racing. Single seaters respond to finesse not brute force.

How do I get started ?
Join the Monoposto Club as either a competing member or a supporter if you don't want to race this year.
You will then need to get a racing licence if you haven't competed in any form of racing before. Details on this can be found on the MSA website.
The Club can help you find a suitable car, and put you in touch with an experienced competitor who can offer advice and encouragement as you prepare for your first race.