STR is on the way

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05-29-2009, 07:40 AM
jrj512

STR is on the way

The SEB has approved a new supplemental class as recommended by the STAC, to be added to Appendix A as “Supplemental
Street Touring Class R” (Roadster), for competition in 2010.

The approval comes after considerable member support to expand the ST category to include a class for modern roadsters.

While many cars are eligible, member feedback helped establish the Honda S2000 and Mazda Miata as the class’ performance
targets. Allowances will be tailored for eligible vehicles to establish performance parity.

The class will have the following requirements and restrictions:
- Two seat sports cars
- Engine displacements up to 2.8-liters
- No forced induction

Eligible vehicles will include, but are not limited to:
- All STS eligible vehicles per the requirements and restrictions, plus
- Honda S2000
- Mazda Miata
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Toyota MR2
- Toyota MR2 – Spyder
- BMW Z3 non-M
- BMW Z4 non-M
- Mazda RX-7 non-turbo
- Porsche Boxster
- Porsche 968 (removed)
- Porsche 944 non-turbo
- Pontiac Solstice
- Saturn Sky

Excluded vehicles due to performance potential:
- Lotus cars

Additional class notes include:
- Tire Allowances (add to 14.3):
- AWD – 225mm
- 2WD – 245mm
- Wheel Allowances (add to 14.4):
- AWD – 7.5”
- 2WD – 8.5”
- Catalytic Converters (add to 14.10.E):
- Same as ST, STS allowance.
- Limited Slip Differentials (add to 14.10.K):
- STR: Only standard LSDs allowed OR Allowance same as STX, STU

The class will run with supplemental status in 2010, meaning that no National Champion will be crowned. Should the class
show considerable interest, and meet participation requirements, it may be approved for full National status in future years.

The SEB is seeking input on the following items. Members should send any input on these items to [email protected].

1) OE LSD vs. Aftermarket LSD: All of the target vehicles are available with Limited Slip Differentials (or electronic
equivalents) as standard equipment in some optional configuration. Restricting all cars to OE limited slips would reduce
SCCA Fastrack News June 2009 Page 22
costs. That said, not all factory LSDs are equal and an argument can be made that, for reasons of parity, aftermarket
parts should be allowed.
2) Inclusion of 2006-present Mazda MX-5: Is this car appropriate given the desired performance level of the class?

http://www.scca.com/documents/Fastra...-june-solo.pdf
05-29-2009, 07:40 AM
jrj512

I hope they include the NC.
05-29-2009, 07:53 AM
altiain

If they include the NC, it will probably become the car to have for the class. It is the lightest and best developed chassis that can run the maximum tire size.

Ironically, a bone stock S2000 CR would be illegal for the class, since the car comes with 255/40-17 rear tires.
05-29-2009, 08:50 AM
Miatamoto

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

If they include the NC, it will probably become the car to have for the class. It is the lightest and best developed chassis that can run the maximum tire size.

Ironically, a bone stock S2000 CR would be illegal for the class, since the car comes with 255/40-17 rear tires.

I agree that the NC will be a great car for this class. A good 245 street tire is a lot of grip for this car and with a modified suspension you get rid of the big problems that the stock NC had.

Ironically, nobody forces a CR driver to run 255 tires on the back of the car. A bone stock CR already has a place to play, ask Mr. Maxcy he won the Houston tour in one (great driving Stu!!!). After driving a few well prepped S2000s I think They shouldn't have a problem keeping up with the NC. You just need a very good driver.
05-29-2009, 12:55 PM
modernbeat

I think the 2003 Club Sport Miata will actually be the car to have. The ST allowances improve the power a lot, it's fairly light weight in places that aren't touched by the ST rules and will take a fairly wide tire with a legal fender roll.
05-29-2009, 01:03 PM
jrj512

Quote:

Originally Posted by modernbeat

I think the 2003 Club Sport Miata will actually be the car to have. The ST allowances improve the power a lot, it's fairly light weight in places that aren't touched by the ST rules and will take a fairly wide tire with a legal fender roll.

Would the NC's increased braking (with ABS) and extra power (also benifits from ST allowances) override any weight savings offered by the 2003 CS?
05-29-2009, 01:27 PM
altiain

Quote:

Originally Posted by modernbeat

I think the 2003 Club Sport Miata will actually be the car to have. The ST allowances improve the power a lot, it's fairly light weight in places that aren't touched by the ST rules and will take a fairly wide tire with a legal fender roll.

I'm not sure that the Club Sport will be any more of a threat in STR than it was in C Stock. I'm not even sure why it would be a better choice than a '99 Sport or PEP.

I'm pretty sure a 2003 Club Sport is still heavier than a minimum option '99 Sport, even with the soft top delete. The '99 Sport has the same fender clearance as a Club Sport and a better engine (no VVTi).

The biggest problem with the NB chassis is going to be the inability to fit 245 tires with the right rolling diameter. Now if Bridgestone or someone decides to offer a 245/35-15, all bets are out the window, but I'll take an NC on 245s over an NB on 225s. I also think the NC will have better power/weight and torque/weight ratios than an NB when fully developed for the class, and there's no question that the NC has better brakes.
05-29-2009, 02:24 PM
blackzx3_13

This sounds like a fun class.
05-29-2009, 04:06 PM
apex2apex

Yay, I can run my miata in STR instead of CSP now! :D

Not that it matters with the preps on my car.....
05-29-2009, 05:50 PM
Miatamoto

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

I'm not sure that the Club Sport will be any more of a threat in STR than it was in C Stock. I'm not even sure why it would be a better choice than a '99 Sport or PEP.

I'm pretty sure a 2003 Club Sport is still heavier than a minimum option '99 Sport, even with the soft top delete. The '99 Sport has the same fender clearance as a Club Sport and a better engine (no VVTi).

The biggest problem with the NB chassis is going to be the inability to fit 245 tires with the right rolling diameter. Now if Bridgestone or someone decides to offer a 245/35-15, all bets are out the window, but I'll take an NC on 245s over an NB on 225s. I also think the NC will have better power/weight and torque/weight ratios than an NB when fully developed for the class, and there's no question that the NC has better brakes.

I'm with Iain on this other than the '99 sport engine. It's going to be a matter of time before the Megasquirt guys are able to control the VVTi and they are already fitting them in 90-93 ECU boxes. The higher compression and VVTI (once controlled) will be an advantage over the better head design of the '99-00 sport. Guess what engine the top CSP guys are using.

The extra torque, bigger tires, better brakes and ABS will definitely override the weight advantage of the NB. Non prepped NCs are probably around 2400 even and they will definitely save some weight in STR trim.
06-01-2009, 08:30 AM
CosmosMpower

I think it will be a NC, S2000 battle.
06-01-2009, 10:15 AM
ken o

I think S2000. Know one for sale?
06-01-2009, 10:16 AM
ken o

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

If they include the NC, it will probably become the car to have for the class. It is the lightest and best developed chassis that can run the maximum tire size.

Ironically, a bone stock S2000 CR would be illegal for the class, since the car comes with 255/40-17 rear tires.

Why does it matter what size stock tires are? Would it just follow the rules of the class?
06-01-2009, 10:58 AM
jrj512

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken o

Why does it matter what size stock tires are? Would it just follow the rules of the class?

I think Bone Stock were the key words.
06-01-2009, 01:50 PM
Kestrel

But not the Cockster?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

.
.
.
- Porsche Boxster
.
.
.

Hummmm... the Boxster but not the Cayman. Same engine, same transmission, same lack of LSD. Wonder why they don't allow the 2.7 Cayman? Too bad, as it sounds like it could be a fun class.
06-01-2009, 02:02 PM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestrel

Hummmm... the Boxster but not the Cayman. Same engine, same transmission, same lack of LSD. Wonder why they don't allow the 2.7 Cayman? Too bad, as it sounds like it could be a fun class.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

Eligible vehicles will include, but are not limited to

;)
06-01-2009, 04:01 PM
altiain

Yup. The way I read that, the 2.7L Cayman is eligible for the class. The only specifically excluded vehicle is the Elise/Exige.
06-02-2009, 01:18 PM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken o

I think S2000. Know one for sale?

Trade you mine for your M3 plus a pool table.
07-20-2009, 04:53 PM
Robert

Looks like the NCs are in and 255 tires on 9in. wheels. Also the 350Z and after market diffs.

I wounder how much tire you can get under an MR2 Spider? 2195 lbs. stock!
07-21-2009, 06:33 AM
bnordin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestrel

Hummmm... the Boxster but not the Cayman. Same engine, same transmission, same lack of LSD. Wonder why they don't allow the 2.7 Cayman? Too bad, as it sounds like it could be a fun class.

Also excluded the 987 (05 to present) Boxsters as well.
07-21-2009, 07:02 AM
ken o

CSP NC on 255 XS FTW.
07-21-2009, 07:07 AM
sammm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken o

CSP NC on 255 XS FTW.

After you sell the M3? This season or next?
07-21-2009, 08:47 AM
blackzx3_13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

I wounder how much tire you can get under an MR2 Spider? 2195 lbs. stock!

Are we gonna see a new blue tape-mobile next season?
07-21-2009, 08:51 AM
Robert

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnordin

Also excluded the 987 (05 to present) Boxsters as well.

Looks like all the Boxsters are out also now.

“Street Touring Class R (STR)
Class requirements and restrictions:
- Only those cars listed below are eligible

Eligible vehicles are:
- Honda S2000
- Mazda Miata (except Mazdaspeed)
- Mazda MX5 Miata (’06-‘09)
- Toyota MR2 (non S/C, non-turbo)
- Toyota MR2 Spyder
- BMW Z3 (non-M)
- BMW Z4 (non-M, non-turbo)
- BMW M Coupe & M Roadster (1998 to 2000)
- Mazda RX7 (non-turbo)
- Porsche 924 & 944 (non-turbo)
- Porsche 911 (1984 to 1989 Carrera 3.2)
- Porsche 968
- Pontiac Solstice (non-turbo)
- Saturn Sky (non-turbo)
- Datsun 240Z & 260Z & 280Z & 280ZX (non-turbo)
- Nissan 350Z

Additional class notes include:
- Tire Allowances (add to 14.3):
AWD – 225mm
2WD – 255mm

- Wheel Allowances (add to 14.4):
AWD – 7.5”
2WD – 9”

- Catalytic Converters (add to 14.10.E):
Same as ST, STS allowance.

- Limited Slip Differentials (add to 14.10.K):
Aftermarkets units allowed per STX/STU rules.”

NOTE, per the STAC: Classing for STR will not be formula based, but will utilize a list of eligible vehicles. Cars *not* on this list are not eligible. However, as in all subjective classing, cars may be petitioned by the membership for inclusion and will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
07-21-2009, 08:54 AM
Robert

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackzx3_13

Are we gonna see a new blue tape-mobile next season?

Nope, I plan to stay in A Stock at the moment. We have a good class now.
07-21-2009, 09:09 AM
altiain

Hmm... with aftermarket diffs allowed, I wonder if the 350Z might be competitive. That car's two biggest problems are camber and diff, and you can fix both under this ruleset, although the tire-to-weight ratio is going to be a lot better for an S2k or an NC.
07-21-2009, 09:52 AM
jrj512

I would really like to move into this class in a season or two (in an NC, of course). I still need to use up some of my investment in my current car, first.
07-21-2009, 11:37 AM
ken o

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammm

After you sell the M3? This season or next?

Not sure. Might keep the M3 and get the wife the NC.
07-22-2009, 03:47 PM
Robert

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

Hmm... with aftermarket diffs allowed, I wonder if the 350Z might be competitive. That car's two biggest problems are camber and diff, and you can fix both under this ruleset, although the tire-to-weight ratio is going to be a lot better for an S2k or an NC.

I think it's too heavy to be a top car in the class, but it would be a lot of fun:burnrubr:

I think the best car is going to be the NC's.::Rant::
07-23-2009, 01:29 PM
blackzx3_13

Anyone planning a build for this class?
07-23-2009, 03:13 PM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackzx3_13

Anyone planning a build for this class?

Sure, if you want to buy a whole bunch of parts for my S2K.
07-23-2009, 03:47 PM
Robert

I was thinking about it till I got to $4K on the wish list with still a lot more parts to buy. I'll wait till Ken sell his STR NC. It's A Stock for now 4K will buy a lot of Hoosiers.
07-23-2009, 05:48 PM
Miatamoto

I'm not planning on doing a full out STR build, but my NC is STR legal right now and I'm not planning on any mods in the near future that are outside the rule set. Expect to see me running STR every now and then.
07-24-2009, 06:37 AM
jrj512

I think that the biggest expense would be the suspension, but you would need to buy the shocks anyway if you were looking for a nationally competitive car in stock. With STR, it's just a matter of throwing in some springs, too. Get some wheels and tires and you're off to the races.
10-01-2009, 10:36 AM
sammm

From the latest 'FasTrack'

Based on positive member feedback, the updated STR rules published in the August Fastrack are considered final, and are effective 1/1/2010.

“Street Touring Class R (STR)
Class requirements and restrictions:

- Only those cars listed below are eligible

Eligible vehicles are:

- Honda S2000

- Mazda Miata

(except Mazdaspeed)

- Mazda MX5 Miata (’06-‘09)

- Toyota MR2 (non S/C, non-turbo)

- Toyota MR2 Spyder

- BMW Z3 (non-M)

- BMW Z4 (non-M,

non-turbo)

- BMW M Coupe & M Roadster (1998 to 2000)

- Mazda RX7 (non-turbo)

- Porsche
924 & 944 (non-turbo)

- Porsche 911 (1984 to 1989 Carrera 3.2)

- Porsche 968

- Pontiac Solstice (non-turbo)

- Saturn Sky (non-turbo)
- Datsun 240Z & 260Z & 280Z & 280ZX (non-turbo)
- Nissan 350Z

Additional class notes include:

- Tire Allowances (add to 14.3):

AWD – 225mm

2WD – 255mm

- Wheel Allowances (add to 14.4):
AWD – 7.5”

SCCA Fastrack News August 2009 Page 21

2WD – 9”

- Catalytic Converters (add to 14.10.E):
Same as ST, STS allowance.
- Limited Slip Differentials (add to 14.10.K):
Aftermarkets units allowed per STX/STU rules.”
NOTE, per the STAC:

Classing for STR will not be formula based, but will utilize a list of eligible vehicles. Cars *not* on this list

are not eligible. However, as in all subjective classing, cars may be petitioned by the membership for inclusion and will be

reviewed on a case by case basis.
10-01-2009, 12:30 PM
altiain

350Z got punted?

Hmm... the 240-hp "clown shoe" M Coupes were pretty quick. I wonder if they might be competitive?
10-01-2009, 12:33 PM
goofygrin

I see the 350z on there...
10-01-2009, 01:22 PM
altiain

D'oh! Reading comprehension FTL.