Clarification of FA Future
#31011 from Matthew Gendron · No action required · Minutes (2021-09 Fastrack)
Thank you for your letter. Formula Atlantic was originally created as a true formula class, with cars built to a formula or set of
rules, which left open a pathway for constant development and technological improvements. In recent decades, however, as
various pro and semi pro series have developed, core formula classes such as Formula Atlantic have been steadily displaced in
favor of proprietary spec cars. After the pro Formula Atlantic series abandoned the concept of Formula Atlantic as a true formula
class, the SCCA continued to allow purpose-built and ex-pro Formula Atlantic cars to compete in the Formula Atlantic class in the
Road Racing program, but also permitted proprietary spec cars and other classes of cars with similar performance capabilities to
compete in the class. This will be the case for the foreseeable future. The Formula Atlantic preparation rules provide the basic
specifications for cars eligible to compete in the class. Table 1 lists the approved 1615cc engines and associated specifications for
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purpose-built and ex-pro Formula Atlantic cars, while Table 2 (Spec Line Cars) lists other approved chassis and engine
combinations with any exceptions to the basic specifications for the class. The specifications for cars permitted to compete in
Formula Atlantic through the Table 2 spec lines are tightly controlled to avoid having these cars break out of their previously
described performance envelope. The Club Racing Board intends to maintain the class at the current performance level. The
SCCA will welcome other spec open wheel cars from other racing organizations and will attempt to classify them based on their
relative performance and mass. These cars, assuming that they fall within the appropriate envelope of performance and mass,
may be classified in Formula Atlantic once their performance, specifications, and rule sets are established, but the SCCA does not
plan to allow hybrid versions of these cars, i.e., combinations of components from different spec classes.