US F4: Series launch faces possible delay

The launch date for the FIA F4 United States Championship could be delayed as SCCA Pro Racing division, Crawford Composites, and Honda continue to work towards the final chassis and engine package for the new series.

Based on the proven European junior open-wheel series, the F4 United States Championship is currently set to debut in May with five triple-header events. Each domestic version of the FIA F4 formula chooses its preferred package from different chassis constructors, engine suppliers, and tire manufacturers.

Under the direction of SCCA Pro Racing president Derrick Walker, crash testing of the carbon-fiber Crawford chassis, and locking in power output by the Honda K20 C1 2.0-liter engine prepared by Honda Performance Development, remain as the primary tasks left to accomplish.

"It's a ground-up, brand-new series, and the car itself, from Max Crawford, has most of the parts made, he's going through the FIA homologated crash test procedure, and there's still some work needing to be done," Walker told RACER.

"You crash test pieces individually, make improvements as necessary, and then, when they've all passed, you go back with everything completed for final approval. That is happening as we speak, and nobody sees this as a major obstacle to overcome.

"And the original idea for the Honda engine, which comes turbocharged in its production form, is preferred to run it without the turbo by the FIA. Honda did that, looked at the power output, and decided there's more tests to be done without the turbo before they decide whether it will need a turbo to hit the power targets for the car. That decision should be made around the same time the chassis [crash] testing is complete."

In the interest of launching the F4 United States Championship with as many cars as possible, Walker says the May 27-28 launch at Lime Rock Park could be shifted to align with bulk chassis and engine deliveries for the Pirelli-shod series.

"Right now, if everything went according to plan, there's 25-30 cars to be delivered," he said. "For us, starting the season, the most important thing is to have as many cars in the hands of team owners to be there for the first race. If it meant moving a race date to accommodate as many as we can, then we'd consider doing that.

"We're not saying it's something we're going to do, but once we get the order commitments, get the production schedule, we'll look at the racing schedule and make any moves that are needed if it's in the best interest of our team owners. We have 22 deposits on cars, and in the range of 33 cars ordered for the series, for driving schools, and so on."

Walker reiterated his preference for the series' current racing schedule to go forward as planned, but placed a higher priority on having a strong open to the championship in North America, regardless which date it takes place.

"We don't want to leave anybody out to start the season," he added. "It doesn't mean they can't join he championship later, but our interest is to have all the cars we can right there for the first race."