Transforming the Lynx RS into a Touring Car

The ongoing Ford Lynx Cup series has generated a lot of interest in the Ford Lynx Touring Cars that are used in the exciting and very competitive races held at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

The series uses identically prepared Ford Lynx LS sedans modified into touring cars that meet safety standards set by local motor sports authorities while achieving improved track performance.

The Ford Lynx Cup, organized by the Tuason Racing School and sponsored by Ford and Addict Mobile, in conjunction with the C! Top Driver Challenge, has been established to discover new and young motor sports talents and provide them with a relatively inexpensive venue for developing their skills in a one-make series. The use of identically-prepared Ford Lynx Touring cars makes it more a test of driving skills and not on who can spend more in car preparation.

Racing champion JP Tuason of the Tuason Racing School says, "The cars are built to exact specifications. This is necessary in order to ensure that all the drivers have identically prepared cars and that no one will enjoy a technological advantage over another."

Still the races have generated interest in expanding the Ford Lynx Cup to a one-make series for private teams and race enthusiasts. So how can one transform a stock Ford Lynx LS into a proper racing car?

JP Tuason of the Tuason Racing School says it takes about two weeks to transform a stock Lynx into a touring car. "In truth, the touring and road versions are very close. The basic car is an excellent platform to begin with. It’s an easy car to drive on the track," he adds.

The TRS has modified the nine race-red Ford Lynx Touring Cars used in this year’s FLC. The Metallic Blue pace car being used in the FLC has also been given similar modifications except for the retention of standard seats. The excellent paint job has been done by Paintworks.

The first phase of the transformation of the Ford Lynx Sedan involves lightening the car. All the standard seats are removed as well as the carpet, various trim, and upholstery. Then a Nodalo 6-point roll cage using 2-inch tubes is fitted and welded into the cabin.

The stock suspension is also removed and replaced with H&R Sports Springs and Koni Adjustable Shock Absorbers. The front wheels are adjusted with a small amount of negative camber.

The Lynx is fitted with a body kit consisting of an air dam, side skirts and rear spoiler from Options Unlimited. A Ford RS Top Mount Strut is added to aid with body rigidity and stability.

Bucket-type Racing Seats are then installed along with matching four-point safety harnesses. Normally only the driver’s seat is installed but a second seat for a race instructor is added when the Touring Car is used for Circuit Car Classes regularly held by TRS for those interested in learning how to race on the track.

The showroom stock 1.6-liter Ford engine remains unchanged save for the use of K&N Air Filter and a hidden air scoop to help the engine breathe better.

For safety, a 2-kg Fire Extinguisher is mounted within easy reach of the driver.

In last year’s FLC, the Lynx Touring Cars rode on Goodyear Fulda Extremo tires. This year, Eagle F1s which are softer and have more grip are used making the FLC competition cars a full second faster on the Batangas Racing Circuit.

After all the modifications the Touring Cars are lighter by as much as 250 kilograms than the when it first rolled out of the world class Ford assembly plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Says Tuason, "The touring cars are faster by six to seven seconds on track than a normal road going Ford Lynx. This is because of the upgrades and lightening that have been carried out on the touring cars."

However, while the Touring Car is still street legal, the excellent ride comfort of the LS sedan has been compromised by the suspension system upgrades.

"Compared to the road car, the ride of the touring cars is stiffer because of the upgraded suspension and the presence of the roll cage. On the track, they are more stable at high speed, there is less body roll and their handling is much more precise," says Tuason.

Are drivers allowed to make changes to the car set-up during the Ford Lynx Cup races to suit driving styles?

Tuason says, "Drivers in the Advanced Series are allowed to make adjustments with the shock absorbers and tire pressures but that’s about all they can do."