Any restrictions on vehicle type?

[t-ray]

I haven't attended an autox in like a decade, so I am really not up to speed. I want to take out my current daily to see how it does. Additionally, I am considering purchasing a toy, a Polaris Slingshot. I inquired about it being a valid vehicle in the road rally, and the response was that the liability insurance carrier considers them to be motorcycles, so they are not allowed.

It occurred to me that the same restrictions may apply to autox. I don't know if the same insurance or coverage is used. I assume the best place to ask is here. Are slingshots allowed to participate in the local autox events? If not, I may re-evaluate my choice of toy.

Thanks for the help

[nickrd10bk]

As the SCCA's insurance is the same among the different events they sanction, it will still be classified as a motorcycle and thus not allowed for an autocross.

However, hypothetically, if it were to be legal in an autocross, it would likely end up being classified as an A-Mod which it would be entirely outgunned by the A-Mod vehicles that are basically purpose built karts with hayabusa motors and massive front and rear wings for downforce.

This is the one downside to the slingshot, is the grey area it falls into for classification legally, and arbitrarily by other organizers. I would say, if that open roof roadster feel is something you really enjoy, we live in the golden age of cars, and there are some incredible roadsters on the market, even for lower cost of entry points than the slingshot. Pretty much any Miata is great, and now the BMW Z4 is even getting to a great price point for the amount of car you can get.

I would recommend bringing your current car out to an event, and riding in EVERYONE'S car that you are interested in. From there, you can use your observations and experiences to make a more informed decision on what you'd like to get into. A LOT has changed in 10 years, but primarily the tires. Back in 2013 the S2000 and C5 Corvette were in B Stock class. Now, the S2000 can't hold a candle to the C5 Corvette because tires have gotten a lot better at multitasking and puttting power down. The new miatas have gotten even better handling than the previous generations. I think seeing the current trends may help in your decision.

You can also come out and watch our event, and grab a loaner helmet and ride if you'd rather do that than drive.

Hope to see you soon!

[t-ray]

Thanks for the feedback, it's very helpful. I understand what you're saying about it not being competitive (even if it were allowed), but I'm not worried about that. I'm not considering purchasing a slingshot for autocrossing; the thing just intrigues me. And if I got one, I was definitely interested in how it would do. I may still get one purely for the entertainment factor.

But yes I do still plan on attending/driving. I've got a Focus ST, and I've never driven a FWD in anger before. I'm sure it will be a handful, but fun. I just haven't been able to make the schedule work yet.

[nickrd10bk]

Thanks for the feedback, it's very helpful. I understand what you're saying about it not being competitive (even if it were allowed), but I'm not worried about that. I'm not considering purchasing a slingshot for autocrossing; the thing just intrigues me. And if I got one, I was definitely interested in how it would do. I may still get one purely for the entertainment factor.

But yes I do still plan on attending/driving. I've got a Focus ST, and I've never driven a FWD in anger before. I'm sure it will be a handful, but fun. I just haven't been able to make the schedule work yet.

The Slingshot is neat. I surely hope it is built better than the SXS. I had a 1000XP RZR back in the day, and it was made of glass and paper mâché. I had to pour a lot of money into it so I could finish a ride and not have a twisted driveshaft, broken axle, or worn out differential.

Justin Richardson runs his Focus ST and so far he's won S3 class at all three events I believe. It's unfortunate manufacturers are abandoning cars like that, as I think there is an appetite for fun manual hatchbacks for the everyday folks.

[jglee920]

A buddy of mine works for Polaris, owns a Slingshot and is all about it. He showed me a conversion kit to make it four wheels (which kinda defeats the uniqueness but we all like to tinker). Theoretically, if someone did the conversion would it still be in A-Mod?

[ryan t]

If you get a slingshot, remember it’s legally a motorcycle on the street and a helmet required. I’ve seen tickets and ones impounded for no helmets. Ymmv with the local authorities. Lol.

[rodhx]

If you get a slingshot, remember it’s legally a motorcycle on the street and a helmet required. I’ve seen tickets and ones impounded for no helmets. Ymmv with the local authorities. Lol.

This^^^ A slingshot is a motorcycle, period. Polaris got into some trouble with the Feds when developing it by trying to call it either a motorcycle or a car as it advantaged them. Feds came down with the motorcycle determination.

As a motorcycle it is not eligible for SCCA autocross.

[Justin07]

My brother had a similar question about the slingshot awhile back. The research I found that steered him away was the rollover risk when being drove aggressive on hard surfaces. I can’t post the link here for some reason. But lookup slingshot rollover and a YouTube video or a slingshot doing what appears to be a slalom should pull-up. That combined with the other rules that said 3 wheeled vehicles weren’t allowed for autox was enough for him.
All that said. The focus ST has been a very fun car for me the last 2+ seasons. Would love to have someone else in that class with a similar car.