NeoTuri

iTrader: (2)

Re: SCCA Auto-X

For anyone who is aware of the participation levels in SM2 (or rather lack thereof), action may be taken if this trend continues. I would have to consider some options if such a thing were to happen and fell victim to the same fate as BP.

If you currently race an FC or FD, what would you do?

Fault Bucket

I'd write a letter to the SMAC/SEB in support of the existing SM/SM2 being scrapped and replaced with classes based on weight (light/heavy) or by driven wheels.

Failing that, if the car was already well along in prep I'd probably go XP. If less prepped I'd fall back to the appropriate SP class.

brio125

i'd be sad and try to get teh car back in BSP, only to be beat by the faster awd turbo cars with 340 horse power. darn those stupid things, the class just isn't fair! how do you expect a 18 year old turboed rwd car to hold its own against a new, awd, better turbo, better brakes, better electronics car? it just doesn't make sense.

aaahhh... but then again i do have a rotary!!!!!

SPICcnmGT

It would probably push my urge to quit AutoXing and do track days only over the limit. The FD is not going to be competitive in ASP, especially against the new Z06, so that isn't even worth trying to drop back down to, and XP, wow that will get expensive, like SM2 isn't.

HeavyFoot86

I know you said FC and FD guys, but this thread needs replies. I'd be screwed. I can't fall back to a street prepared class. I'd have to go all out with it and really get my *** kicked. I'm already behind in SM2 with no mods other than the Vortech, I can't even afford r-compounds yet. I'd probably not autocross anymore, or just co-drive my brother's Conquest Tsi in ESP. Or buy something cheap like an old sentra or stock miata or find a NA FC.

NeoTuri

iTrader: (2)

I mentioned FC and FD cars since SM2 is likely the last safe place for cars which may be sporting bolt-on mods not legal in Street Prepared. Most cars in SM are not anywhere close to fully prepared vehicles anyway.

It's hard to imagine how NA FC's could hold up against Miatas, and turbo FCs don't stand a chance against a mildly prepared WRX STi in BSP.

To my knowledge, FD's max out at 350-400whp under SP rules, while a stock '06 Z06 comes in with ~450whp, and is accompanied by the Elise/Exige along with the 911 GT2/GT3. Ouch.

Bruceman

iTrader: (5)

Being an FB owner it would **** me off if SM2 went away.
I like the idea of being able to bolt any rotary in, or port your 12A to get some brap, and go have fun. The most available engine out there is a 6-port 13B S4 engine, just bolt on a turbo and have double the 12A power. I could bolt a standard port 12A back in but then my suspension is would not be legal for CSP.

Fortunately in this area there is another healthy autocross series (Detroit Council of Sports Car Clubs) that is not SCCA where my car has a class with on average 6 or more cars (24 entries at one event).
SCCA tends to be more suited to newer vehicles otherwise your 20+ year old car is not competitive in its class.

BryanDowns

iTrader: (2)

SM2 isnt a healthy class nationwide?

We have a bunch of SM2 cars here locally...

streldoc

iTrader: (1)

It is good in different areas. The key to keeping the class around is getting 17 (including ladies class) competitors to the Solo 2 Nationals in Topeka, Kansas. We fell below 17 by "1" last year, so now if we are below 17 again we are on the chopping block. Easy fix, IMO. Come on out to the Solo 2 Nationals and bring a co-driver or three.

BTW, there is some working ideas on the Street Modified Advisory
Committee, to changing to light and heavy or driveline types in the future. If you are a member of the SCCA and in favor of this type change, send a email to SEB@scca.com or DGill@scca.com. It helps get changes started by membership input.

Bunchies

iTrader: (1)

We have a guy in the san francisco region running an FD in ASP and he is kicking ***. He managed TTOD last sunday, second place being taken by a an EP RX3. But I don't know how it does on the national level. :p

AMRX7

Sorry, but results in the gravel at Oakland are not that indicative of how FD's should be doing in ASP. Personally, I think a properly prepped FD could do all right in ASP, but will be really hurt by the 4.1 rear end.

-Andy M.

ULLLOSE

iTrader: (1)

Did you read FasTrack?

http://scca.com/_FileLibrary/File/07...solo-final.pdf
The SEB and SMAC are considering conditions under which SM could be merged with SM2, including but not limited to appropriate
weight adjustments.

NeoTuri

iTrader: (2)

Yes, I read it, though, considerations made by the SMAC does not always guarantee action.

ULLLOSE

iTrader: (1)

True.... However keep in mind even if something was done with SM2 it is not like the cars are dead, they will have a place to run just like the BP cars do.

The good news is there is an easy fix. Show up at Natls.

finky

iTrader: (2)

Andy,
Do you think an FD could be competitive in ASP on the 275/35/15s A6s by using the gearing advantage? I thought of that as an option when the tires came out. You could run them on 10" rims I just don't know if it is enough tire.

AMRX7

I think those tires would be great, but can you fit a 15" wheel over the FD brakes? With them, an 8500rpm redline would put you around 70mph which is probably good for a car that should be at about 350-370whp. You could also get the car very low with those tires, though the geometry will be pretty farked up. You'd need very stiff springs IMO.

If you can actually get the wheels on the car, looks like they'd be a better bet than the 285/30 18's.

-Andy M.

NeoTuri

iTrader: (2)

Can 15's clear the brakes? I've not seen that done.

finky

iTrader: (2)

If I have time tomorrow I will try to fit my FC GXL rims on the FD.

NeoTuri

iTrader: (2)

If that works, I'm going to have to seriously think about experimenting 15s.

SpooledupRacing

currently I am in CSP and I figure if I was to ever get to sm2 and then they pulled it I would just drop into what ever class I can be conpetitve in..

Im out to have fun plain and simple!

Bruceman

iTrader: (5)

I'm concerned if they do this then it may be necessary to add weight to a 1st Gen Rx-7.

NeoTuri

iTrader: (2)

Seems like the logical result. I'm guessing many of the lightweight 2-seaters will see a significant weight increase. Just a guess.

...imagine adding 400 lbs to an stock Elise.

Bruceman

iTrader: (5)

That is F'ed up

NeoTuri

iTrader: (2)

If this weekend was any indication of my potential performance at Nationals... I'm going to be there in SM2.