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| USF1 Set Up Shop | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 28 2009, 03:27 AM (306 Views) | |
| flood1 | May 28 2009, 03:27 AM Post #1 |
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Chief Engineer
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![]() News out of North Carolina is that USF1 (or USGPE?) has begun moving into a 40,000 square foot space that was formerly used by Joe Gibbs' Nascar operation. According to Peter Windsor, the team have purchased their first equipment and are expecting arrival soon. The initial purchase includes three sizes of autoclaves. These will be used to make carbon fibre parts as large as the monocoque and as small as the endplates, etc. Two dozen machine tools have also been ordered. These are likely to be CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines from Hass Automation of Oxnard, California. Owned by Gene Hass, Hass Automation is recognized globally as one of the top machine tool manufacturers. Hass is also co-owner of Stewart-Hass Racing, a Nascar cup team with drivers Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman. And, Hass co-owns one of the most advanced rolling wind tunnels in the world, Windshear, which is conveniently located near the USF1 facilities. Note: Do not confuse Gene Hass with Karl Hass of Newman/Hass fame. There were reports last month that Cosworth would be supplying USF1 with engines, and that appears to be true based on their entry info and the cash deposit they delevered as required by the FIA. But, there have also been reports of offers by other teams, speciffically Mercedes. Well, they will have an engine deal one way or another. There are new reports that Weismann, another California company, would be supplying the gearbox. They have a lot of experience; they supplied the first quick shift "seamless shift" gearbox in F1 to Williams circa 1993. This seems like a long shot to me, they have no current F1 experience, but who knows? They continue to operate in many different arenas of gearbox design and construction, but things have gotten pretty sophisticated in F1. I would suggest some other supplier like Hewland. Because of a predominate Nascar presence in Charlotte, there are multiple technical facilities (other than the four wind tunnels) available to provide service or leasing of equipment and facilities. This includes dynos of all types (engine, gearbox, chassis, etc.), electronic suppliers, composite fabricators, and seven-post machine rigs. The area’s annual sales to the automobile business are between $4 to $6 billion USD. It still seems like a long shot to me, but USF1 have begun the process and are in the “spend” phase of their development. As an American, and a guy who makes his living via technology, I know that the resources are available to design and construct an F1 car in the States. But, as a lifelong student of the sport, I must admit that the task is daunting and not likely to impress, at least not initially. All of this depends on the FIA rules makers, FOTA, and the FOM. That triumvirate holds the keys to all of the teams’ futures, both the newbie minnows and the giants of the sport. This is the one wildcard that USF1, or any F1 team, cannot manage on thier own. |
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| stradlin24 | May 28 2009, 06:50 AM Post #2 |
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Team Boss
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The same Gene Haas who has just done time for fraud |
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| TheCompleteGuitarist | May 28 2009, 11:45 AM Post #3 |
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Driver
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well he's gonna be perfectly at home in F1 then. |
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| u4coffee | May 28 2009, 12:20 PM Post #4 |
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Just Married
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| John | May 28 2009, 01:21 PM Post #5 |
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Team Boss
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Why on earth do you watch F1... why not save yourself the pain and just walk away I find it hard to get behind the influx of new teams while the threat of established teams leaving still stands... I have nothing against the new teams but I am doubtful I shall be as enthusiastic about F1 beyond 2009 if the worst should happen. |
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| TheCompleteGuitarist | May 28 2009, 04:28 PM Post #6 |
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Driver
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Come on John, I love F1, doesn't mean I think everyone involved in the sport is a saint. |
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| John | May 28 2009, 07:00 PM Post #7 |
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Team Boss
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Fair enough....
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| Norbert | May 28 2009, 10:24 PM Post #8 |
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Don't mention saints, they usually turn out to be a perennial pain in the arse!!
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| Red Andy | May 30 2009, 07:57 AM Post #9 |
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What do you mean? RJHSaints is a great poster.
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