Thanks Don, coming from you it means a lot.
RealG; I cannot tell you why they wrapped the exhaust like they did. I do know that there was no supercharging or turbos in F3000. I also know that some of the F3000 series / locations had noise regulations (example: Suzuka, Japan). Perhaps it was needed to add the muffler and still have it exit out the rear with best weight and aero management. Or perhaps it had to do with optimal tuning and back pressure (?). I even pulled up the F3000 regulations and could not find anything specific to its design.
Looking at all the F3000 images I can find, many were done this way but some were not:
Here is some information on the F3000 series (courtesy of Wikipedia):
F3000: The Formula 3000 International Championship was a motor racing series created by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in 1985 to become the final preparatory step for drivers hoping to enter Formula One. Formula Two had become too expensive, and was dominated by works-run cars with factory engines; the hope was that Formula 3000 would offer quicker, cheaper, more open racing. The series began as an open specification, then tires were standardized from 1986 onwards, followed by engines and chassis in 1996. The series ran annually until 2004, and was replaced in 2005 by the GP2 Series.
ENGINES: Formula 3000 was so named because the engines used were limited to 3000cc maximum capacity. Initially, the Cosworth DFV was a popular choice, having been made obsolete in Formula One by the adoption of 1.5 litre turbocharged engines. The rules permitted any 90-degree V8 engine, fitted with a rev-limiter to keep power output under control. As well as the Cosworth, a Honda engine based on an Indy V8 by John Judd also appeared; a rumoured Lamborghini V8 never raced. In later years, a Mugen-Honda V8 became the unit of choice, eclipsing the DFV; Cosworth responded with the brand new AC engine.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine displacement: 3.0 L (183 cu in) DOHC V8
Gearbox: 6-speed paddle shift gearbox (must have reverse)
Weight: 545 kg (1,202 lb) (including driver)
Power output: 463 hp (345 kW)
Fuel: 102 RON unleaded
Fuel delivery: Fuel injection
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Width: 1,476 mm (58 in)
Wheelbase: 3,000 mm (118 in)
Steering: Non-assisted rack and pinion
F3000 CHAMPIONS: Some may be surprised by the list of names that were F3000 champions, these names included the likes of Roberto Moreno, Jean Alesi, Christian Fitapaldi, Ricardo Zonta, Juan Pablo Montoya, Nick Heidfeld, Mark Blundell, Kenny Brack, David Coulthard, and Sebastian Bourdias, etc.
LOLA in F3000: In 1985, Lola made a "false start" with a car based on their significantly larger Indycar chassis; from 1986 they returned with a bespoke F3000 design. Lola enjoyed significant success for the next few years, competing with Ralt and Reynard, although Reynard effectively wiped the others out of the market. In 1996 the International Formula 3000 Championship became a one-make series, and Lola was awarded the contract by the FIA to build the Lola T96/50 chassis for all teams competing in the championship. The contract which was renewed in 1999 (Lola B99/50) and 2002 (Lola B02/50) before International F3000 was replaced by GP2 and Lola lost the bid to build the new chassis.
If anyone knows the reason for the reverse wrapped exhaust, please let us all know.