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Recently, the topic of classification has come up again and again. Cars have been classed incorrectly, and honestly I did a bit of it. Most of the time, it's not a big deal. But, yesterday, it became an notable issue. There were a couple of cars, likely a few more, that were classed incorrectly and threw off the results in the Novice class. Since we have many novices going for a season points win, this really has to be addressed.
So, if you are helping a driver class a car, or if you have questions about a car that may be mis-classed, please bring it up. We no longer have a class chief, but the 2010 rule book is in the trailer and available for reference. The book is always the best reference as fellow drivers can be incorrect about vehicle designations (I'm quite guilty of that).
Not everyone will know what car goes with which letter designation, but if you often help new drivers class their cars, you need to be familiar with the basic modifications allowed in each class ... S, ST, SP, SM are the main ones.
I'll offer a few notes of common issues I've noticed, and anyone else is welcome to chime in to offer other assistance ...
Classing the "familiar" - It's easy to try to just put a car in the class you are familiar with. I often forget about the ST classes because I never ran them. You need to know the modifications on the vehicle and look it over before offering the designation you're familiar with.
Assumptions - If you aren't 100% sure of a class, reference the book. This is my biggest problem. Classes change often and if it's not affecting you, you may not be aware. Don't assume that a car is classed the same because of a shared engine/chassis either (i.e. 350Z and G35).
Boosted cars - Many of the current issues we've seen are related to boosted vehicles. So I'll outline a few notes about boosted cars specifically to help ...
- Matt
So, if you are helping a driver class a car, or if you have questions about a car that may be mis-classed, please bring it up. We no longer have a class chief, but the 2010 rule book is in the trailer and available for reference. The book is always the best reference as fellow drivers can be incorrect about vehicle designations (I'm quite guilty of that).
Not everyone will know what car goes with which letter designation, but if you often help new drivers class their cars, you need to be familiar with the basic modifications allowed in each class ... S, ST, SP, SM are the main ones.
I'll offer a few notes of common issues I've noticed, and anyone else is welcome to chime in to offer other assistance ...
Classing the "familiar" - It's easy to try to just put a car in the class you are familiar with. I often forget about the ST classes because I never ran them. You need to know the modifications on the vehicle and look it over before offering the designation you're familiar with.
Assumptions - If you aren't 100% sure of a class, reference the book. This is my biggest problem. Classes change often and if it's not affecting you, you may not be aware. Don't assume that a car is classed the same because of a shared engine/chassis either (i.e. 350Z and G35).
Boosted cars - Many of the current issues we've seen are related to boosted vehicles. So I'll outline a few notes about boosted cars specifically to help ...
ECU Tuning - ECU tuning is allowed in ST, SP and SM, however in ST you are not allowed to increase the boost levels from OE settings in any way, including through tuning. In SP, turbo cars can run more boost via hardware boost control and software, but supercharged cars cannot change pulleys. In SM boost is pretty much open in both categories.
Bypass/Blow-off valves - No changes allowed to bypass/blow-off valves in ST. In SP, bypass valves (recirculated system) may be replaced with an an aftermarket unit, but not with a vent-to-atmosphere (VTA) blow-off valve. The replacement must recirculate like stock. "Hybrid" BPV/BOV valves are allowed. If the stock valve is a VTA unit, it may not be changed.
Emissions - Cats must be in place for ST. Most boosted cars fall in STX and STU, which allows for aftermarket cats, but not removal.
Intake components - ST allows for intake mods up to the "engine inlet," which, according to the SCCA, is the compressor inlet of a turbocharged car. So, intercooler pipes, intercoolers, etc are not allowed in ST. In SP these changes are allowed.
Again, I'm not trying to be a "Rule Nazi" or anything here. This has happened in the past and it's not been a big deal. But, now, with the N class being PAX based it's has become a notable issue and we need help to resolve it. I appreciate your help.Bypass/Blow-off valves - No changes allowed to bypass/blow-off valves in ST. In SP, bypass valves (recirculated system) may be replaced with an an aftermarket unit, but not with a vent-to-atmosphere (VTA) blow-off valve. The replacement must recirculate like stock. "Hybrid" BPV/BOV valves are allowed. If the stock valve is a VTA unit, it may not be changed.
Emissions - Cats must be in place for ST. Most boosted cars fall in STX and STU, which allows for aftermarket cats, but not removal.
Intake components - ST allows for intake mods up to the "engine inlet," which, according to the SCCA, is the compressor inlet of a turbocharged car. So, intercooler pipes, intercoolers, etc are not allowed in ST. In SP these changes are allowed.
- Matt
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