[Mark Worthington]

I've been sitting on the sidelines reading this thread. I'm sorry but of late there are some ridiculous statements in here, some of which portray the RF car in a manner which is not deserved. Now, to be sure, there are a few things about the RF design that are goofy, such as the slow steering, the marginally OK (for a GT40) PBR brakes, and the factory transaxle mounting. And yes, the RF design is primarily for street use, as evidenced by the best-in-class air conditioning system and the presence of polyurethane bushings at one end of each of the suspension links.

I will guarantee you that every GT40 replica built will require suspension tuning before it can really come alive on a race track. Do some reading about the development of the GTD chassis. I find it peculiar that anyone would recommend an RCR for track work, yet, as none have been completed and tested to date. Yes, they will be built and they will eventually make good track cars, but not without teething pains, tuning, and development. And the suggestion to sell an RF and buy a SPF or CAV instead is just preposterous. There aren't any SPFs in the hands of owners from which to make an informed judgement, and the early CAVs have a number of known problems which have been fixed through development.

Development. That's what Ross is doing when he's racing his RF. There are also a number of RFs that have successfully hit the track. I recall Hershal's experience letting Bob Bondurant drive his RF, with extremely positive feedback on its handling characteristics, with the steering slowness being the only reservation that Bondurant expressed after his extended track session.

As for a "review" of an RF, I suggest that someone who has a lot of experience building and driving a lot of different types of GT40 replicas could give a more comprehensive and even-handed review. I'd like to hear what Frank Catt or Paul Thompson has to say when they drive an RF, because those guys have wrenched on and driven a lot of GT40s. They will also tell you that no two GTDs are the same, because each has been set up differently, and achieved a different level of development for its intended use.

Guys, the RF is/was a damn good car, and the more I read build threads where the builder has to stop and shop for or fabricate a part, the more I appreciate the fact that I have an RF. Mine will be primarily a street car but tuning the suspension for good all-around performance will be one of the pleasures of ownership.