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The latest F4 car to
emerge from Bob Long's legendary garage is the Gamma
mk2 . The design intent of this car appears to be
maximum acceleration and straight line speed. The
10” dia wheels reduce rotating inertia (as well as
unsprung weight) and even reduce the frontal area
slightly. Compared to the Gamma mk1 the car is
longer lower lighter and a little bit roomier. Some
of the unique features of this car include the
aluminium drisk brakes that are integrated into the
wheel centres, full inboard front suspension,
centerless steering, aluminium rod stock suspension
members and a rear diffuser. To overcome the smaller
brake radius special two stage master cylinders were
developed. It’s a very tidy package and Bob’s
preparation is immaculate.
The engine is completely
stock except for the dry sump and even comes from
the factory with electronic fuel injection. It runs
on standard pump gas as opposed to alcohol in the
Mk1 and has reasonable fuel economy (about 3 miles/litre).
Bob reported that there were some problems though
and he had to shell out for one single spark plug!
(Tough luck)
Competing in its 3rd season of action the car recorded a
best Mosport lap of 1:26.01 and out paced most of the other
Formula Libra runners. Pretty impressive considering a mere
750cc displacement. In 2009 Bob started 21 races and
completed 20 with 15 wins, 3 second 1 third and 1 fourth (in F4).
Bob finished as Formula Four and Formula Libre Champion in 2009
This year there was a second similar car driven by Jim Morton
that had the season’s best time for a F4 at Mosport
of 1:25.9.
NOV/09
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