Musclewrench NEW car class questions

[kilgojr]

So I was contacted by a new member to our forum, Musclewrench, who used to autocross with a BMW 2002 "back in the day" as he put it. He is looking to get back into Solo and has a 2010 Nissan Cube. The Cube is not listed in the 2012 Solo Rulebook, but the vehicle is based on the Nissan Versa. In my discussions with Musclewrench, the car has modifications, including lowering springs. The Rollover Rating of the vehicle, as done by the Department of Transportation is 4 stars out of 5, and this is acceptable for the SSF/Rollover Rating.

So the vehicle is within the limits of running as a "safe" vehicle. The owner just wants to know what class to run in. Considering it is based on a Nissan Versa, HS would be the starting category, but according to the owner the following is done:

The engine is stock but here is a list of mods:

air intake
bolt-on cat-back exhaust
strut tower bar
rear sway bar
front and rear lower chassis braces
lowering springs/sport shock and struts
rims (16x7)
drilled rotors and sport pads


The rims were a factory option though the rims I have are not factory rims. The chassis braces are what concern me as I'm afraid that they may be considered something beyond a strut tower bar. The Cube is based on the Nissan Versa. From what I can find on the web, I believe that puts me in H. With the mods, I think I would run in H SP. Is that correct? I've downloaded the 2012 rule proposals but without a complete rule book, I've had to rely on some older data to come up with this stuff.

So, there is no HSP category. What would be an appropriate category, and please let our new member know he is welcome.

[TouringBubble]

Yeah, I think the chassis braces would bump him out of ST classes. Just a shot in the dark would be FSP, as thats where many NA 4-cylinder FWD cars end up. SP classes don't parallel the stock classes.

If the chassis braces are legal in ST, the STF would probably be a good fit.

Also, must I ask ... "Is the strut brace a triangle? If it is, it's in XP."

[SamC]

sounds like STX to me

[bimmertech]

Q prepared.

[rodhx]

chassis braces are not legal in ST

[engled]

Nor are they legal in SP. It looks like P, not goat P.

[nicktcr]

drilled rotors and sport pads

For reals? That's DEFINITELY an XP car...for sure.

[kilgojr]

I actually do feel like it is going to be an XP car, because the X Prepared class is the catch all class. I know the Vans and Pilots used to run XP and so I feel like this is the direction we need to lean toward, I just want some REAL feedback, not, hey someone else to run in my class feedback.

[SamC]

I just want some REAL feedback, not, hey someone else to run in my class feedback.

My bad

[TouringBubble]

Chassis braces seriously not allowed in SP? Would you happen to have the line reference? the Evo doesn't fall in to that having them stock, but I was looking to have mine triangulated at some point, which would be relevant here.

For local events I think he could run in STF with no problems. Just poll the audience here and at the first event. I think locals would like some more cars in that class.

[TouringBubble]

I actually do feel like it is going to be an XP car, because the X Prepared class is the catch all class. I know the Vans and Pilots used to run XP and so I feel like this is the direction we need to lean toward, I just want some REAL feedback, not, hey someone else to run in my class feedback.

The Hondas were race cars though. They were beyond SM rules (no interior, etc.) and truly were Prepared cars. X was the only part of the "catch all." This Cube doesn't sound like that ... it sounds like a perfect example of what an ST car is ... modified street car.

[kilgojr]

My bad

don't worry Sam, I'm just a bit cranky from the past few days.

[seanittner]

Chassis braces seriously not allowed in SP? Would you happen to have the line reference? the Evo doesn't fall in to that having them stock, but I was looking to have mine triangulated at some point, which would be relevant here.

For local events I think he could run in STF with no problems. Just poll the audience here and at the first event. I think locals would like some more cars in that class.

I know in a camaro.. having a strut brace between the two front towers was OK in SP... however, triangulating it to the firewall made it prepared... We have one in Atlanta region, that's how I know. Would never own one myself...

[rodhx]

BTW, the cube cannot possibly run in STF. Note that, like STR, STF is a prescribed class for specific vehicles only. The old "ST" not-otherwise-classified catch-all is in STC.

[rodhx]

Is this person someone who would be running Novice this year? If so it is not as simple as polling the STC guys to see if it is okay to run in the wrong class. Novice is a pax class and I imagine there is a big pax difference between STC and the prepared class the Cube actually belongs in.

IMO, allowing novices to compete with incorrect classing is a dis-service to our most popular program. Running for straight time is one thing...pax is something else entirely.