Formula Kentucky is known for its dedication to a singular project; designing, manufacturing, and racing an open-wheeled style race car. Most of our members join for either their passion for cars and automotive racing, or to better their engineering skills. Within the team lies a few of our members who participate in SCCA events so they can have some friendly competition on the weekends. We would like to highlight our members who participate in SCCA, especially since one of our team sponsors is CKRSCCA! Read their stories below

 

Mike Snowden: 1997 Mazda Miata

He's had the Miata for several years and in that time has swapped in a ‘03 VVT Miata engine that’s tuned for E85 fuel using an aftermarket ECU. All the grip comes from Miata-specific Xidas suspension and 275 Hoosier slicks on wide wheels. Aside from that, the rest of the major modifications include a custom front splitter and rear spoiler, a racing seat, seat harnesses, and a roll bar. 

Mike has been with the SCCA for 6 years now and it has always been a special experience for him, to say the least. “I originally started because it was a great place for my Dad and me to learn better car control, which in turn helped us become better drivers on the road”. Since then he has gained so many friends from all over the country and has had so many wonderful experiences. All his time with SCCA has really helped him gain experience in competitive driving, vehicle dynamics, and getting the privilege to drive FK03 and 04. With all his SCCA experience, as well as being a senior member of the team, he has the unique opportunity to design and set up the courses that we run for team test days in Orange lot. And when he’s not busy being the test day safety person he still gets to occasionally drive the formula car. 
 

Jude Ward: 1995 Mazda Miata Kart 

A Miata with the original 1.8L engine while getting as much weight savings as you can! All panels except the hood were removed to reduce weight all while maintaining the ability to drive it home on the street. Additionally, this Miata drove on full Avon slick racing tires, although a bit old, to get some additional grip on track. “A big thanks goes out to CKRSCCA member Dustin Libby for letting us send this machine through the corners at autocross!”

“SCCA has presented the team with many opportunities to not only test the Formula Car itself, but also our skills as drivers in personal vehicles.” Being able to run autocross through CKRSCCA has enabled Jude to gain a better idea of how competition will be, as well as gain experience through the ups and downs in his own driving skills. Not only does CKRSCCA affect his driving ability, but also the bonding between teammates on the team who have also gone through friendly competition and banter both before and after race day. 
 

Billy Floyd: 1990 Mazda Miata 1.6 Liter 

Billy’s love for SCCA materialized over the past few years, It all started with his friends always wanting him to go and autocross. After several years he warmed up to it. But what made him stick to it was the friends we made along the way to the finish line. His car is unique to him as he got it for himself for his high school graduation. He has done plenty of upgrades: rollbar, wheels, tires, plaid interior, and a custom exhaust. “For me personally SCCA has Impacted my life on Formula Kentucky. It helped me to begin to understand the basics of driving through the autocross experience. It has taught me to be humble. There's a lot to learn from this, It puts into perspective the physics behind a race car and how important vehicle dynamics is for driver feel.”

 

John Psyck: 2017 Ford Focus ST

John only recently started racing at his local SCCA chapter, but got hooked after his first event. “It’s a great opportunity to really drive my car hard, and the emphasis that autocross puts on tight cornering has made me feel much more confident and in-tune with my car.” The car that he drives at events also happens to be his daily driver, and his only form of transportation besides a motorcycle. It’s a modified example, but with no regards to a specific class of competition- something he plans on changing in the future. 

As far as his relation between SCCA and the Formula SAE team goes, the autocross experience transitioned John very well from not racing at all, to being a primary driver for the racecar that we build here at the University of Kentucky. “It’s really amazing how similar the racing at competition is to what we have with our local chapter- and I look forward to getting all the practice I can get!”
 

Ethan Kammer: 1990 Mazda Miata (Co-Driver to Billy Floyd)

“For me SCCA is the thing that was able to fill a major hole in my life. Ever since I was little I have wanted to race something. I’ve raced go-karts, four wheelers, and even RC cars trying to find something that I enjoyed.” All of which he did but finally getting to race in a full size car is what he's always searched for. “The enjoyment you get from sending a stock miata through cones without a care is amazing and gives such a great feeling.” 

For Ethan, he may not own the car but he thinks that’s what makes it even more special. It brought him closer with other people like himself and even better since it is fellow UK students and Formula Kentucky members. So they just all get to go do what we love with such a great community of people surrounding them.

 

Adam Reynolds: ‘95 Mazda Miata Kart (Co-Driver to Jude Ward) 

“SCCA is a great way to meet more enthusiasts and hone your driving skills. It also lets you see a variety of different vehicles and platforms that people are passionate about!”

The Miata that Jude and Adam shared might not be powerful, but it’s extremely lightweight and has incredible grip from the racing slicks. SCCA has given Adam more time to hang out with his teammates and take a break from the sometimes stressful work of classes and FSAE.