STS2, new SCCA Solo 2 class that FB and FC non-turbo can run in
 

The Solo Events Board met at the SCCA National Convention in Kansas City February 6th through 8th. Attending were SEB Chairman Colan Arnold, board members Chris Dorsey, Mari Clements, Ron Bauer, Andy Hollis, Marcus Merideth, Mark Sipe, and Mark Sirota. Also attending were Tasha Goodale, Howard Duncan and Doug Gill of the National Staff, and BOD liaison Bob Introne.

During this meeting, the SEB discussed and approved the addition of two supplemental classes to National Tour events; STS2 and STU. These classes reflect what the SEB envisions to be the continued growth of the Street Touring category, and are being evaluated in conjunction with evaluation of the feasibility of combining several less-subscribed classes and of restructuring some less-subscribed preparation categories.

Reflecting the success of the ST concept both nationally and regionally, the two supplemental classes were developed as the next logical steps in the progression of this category. Variants of one or both of these classes are already being offered in several regions across the country.

STS2 will follow the STS rule set, but the eligible cars will be restricted to two-seaters with engine displacements of 1.8 liters or less. This class will provide a home for a number of popular vehicles, including the Honda CRX and del Sol, Mazda RX7 (non-turbo, '79-'92) and Miata ('90-'97), Toyota MR2 ('85-'89), as well as other similar vehicles. STS category rules 14.1 to 14.10 apply. Further, as in STS, only original equipment viscous limited slip differentials are legal in STS-2. Excluded vehicles include Lotus (all), Mazda Miata (99+), and Toyota MR2 ('91-'95 and '00+).

STU will follow the STX rule set, but will raise the displacement limit for otherwise STX-legal vehicles to 3.1 liters for forced induction and to unlimited displacement for natural aspiration. To accommodate the greater power of these vehicles, restrictions on wheel width are lifted and the maximum tire width will be increased to 275 for front or rear wheel drive vehicles (but will remain at 245 for AWD vehicles). Other than these limited exceptions, the STX rule set as described in 14.11 applies. This class extends the Street Touring concept to cars including the Audi S4, BMW M3 (E36), Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Neon SRT-4, Ford Mustang, Mazda RX-8, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. 8, Pontiac Firebird, Pontiac GTO, Subaru WRX STi, Volvo S60 R, and Toyota Supra. Excluded vehicles include the E46 M3 and the E39 M5.

In conjunction with the planned evolution of this category and of the sport as a whole, these two supplemental classes will not be considered for full national status until 2007. One or both classes could then potentially be recommended for full national status provided that rules stability is attained, member participation is strong, and the classes continue to reflect the needs of the current enthusiast market.

Rotaries have a 1.7 (or is it 1.8?) displacement adjustment. Even a 12A would be "too big" for a 1.8l cutoff. (Or is there an allowance?)

A L10A/L10B Cosmo would be eligible, though...

If there is an allowance, that'd be kind of odd. In other parts of SCCA, namely Performance Rally, all rotaries are in the "forced induction or otherwise adjusted to 5.1l displacement" class (Group 5), even though all two rotor engines are in the size range for the other class, N/A-only, adjusted displacement to 2.4l (Group 2).

Since the 79-92 non-turbo RX7 was specifically stated in the announcement, I think they would get to run in STS2.

I guess for Solo 2 the SCCA is classing the 12A as 1.2 liters and the 13B as 1.3 liters.

This is true. I'm currently building a car for this class.

Hmmm... Been watching out of the corner of my mind as these classes have developed.

Now I'm trying to figure out the best route to go...

Was gonna build my 88 GTU for Street-Prepared, which considering the blown apex seals and all the suspension work planned, is gonna be a good chunk of change... This situation doesn't change with the new class, but STS2 would still be a cheaper alternative I think...

Or, I could go back to a Miata in STS2... Lighter weight, but slightly less HP... But the GTU has the 4-pot brakes, and from my butt-meter, a slightly lower CG... Course, the suspension work could alleviate that.

I like the idea of keeping the rex cuz not alot of people run them around here, but when you factor in the cost of rebuilding the engine, the Miata could be bought and built for about the same money...

Ideas? Suggestions?? Should I be killed for thinking of getting rid of my 7???