A true spec class?

[ken o]

What do you think about having a true spec class in autocross?
A fun to drive car with specific shocks, wheels, and tires.
Ideas?

[jrj512]

Spec classes (or racing series) always start with great intentions and good competition. However, just like NASCAR and the IRL, while everyone starts on the same foot, the teams with more money always pull ahead in a couple of years. Why? In spec racing, once you reach the intended spec, then each HP or MPH costs a lot of money. Only teams with money have the means to spend $1000 on one HP. You end up with Roush and Hendrick (not Hedderick, that's for sure!) juggernauts. In the end, the cost of winning is more than without the spec.

[altiain]

I've always enjoed racing in 'spec' classes (C Stock '99 Miata, B Stock RX-, but autocrossers in general seem to dislike spec classes, which is why they always seem to get dismantled after a few years.

For years I've thought the idea of a 'Solo Spec Miata' would be a great one. Build a class with an inexpensive, streetable car (no trailer/tow vehicle required), stable ruleset (no worries about a new 'car to have' coming out next season) and reasonable tire costs and I think it would be a hit.

That said, i think the new STR class fulfills a lot of these requirements but still allows drivers the creativity to 'roll their own', so to speak. I think that's one of the reasons STR has been such an out of the box hit.

[Mark52]

Autocrossers are such big cheaters, you would need to have sealed engines.

[sammm]

Autocrossers are such big cheaters, you would need to have sealed engines.

There would still be pouring over the rules looking for (and finding) loop holes.

[jrj512]

Build a class with an inexpensive, streetable car (no trailer/tow vehicle required)

No such thing.

With shaved tires, you need a trailer or tow vehicle.

With $6K shocks, it is not inexpensive. Require a specific shock? Sure, then people will spend $4K to revalve them. Not allow people to revalve them? They they will spend the same amount to "rebuild" blown ones.

I think the SCCA "stock" classes are another great example.

[altiain]

I meant a full size car trailer, not a little autocross trailer. Basically something that doesn't require a separate tow vehicle to get it to/from events.

Spec Miata doesn't seem to have the shock issues you mention, and they run a spec suspension package. People do spend silly money on fully built 'spec' motors in that class, but 2-5 extra horsepower makes a LOT more difference on a road course where you spend significantly more time at full throttle.

[goofygrin]

That said, i think the new STR class fulfills a lot of these requirements but still allows drivers the creativity to 'roll their own', so to speak. I think that's one of the reasons STR has been such an out of the box hit.

Or maybe it's because there was nowhere in ST* for NC's and S2k's to play?

The NB is still a red headed step child for SCCA

[CosmosMpower]

I think a spec class would be fun, maybe with a package that gets put together and everyone uses it like MX-5 Cup.

[altiain]

Or maybe it's because there was nowhere in ST* for NC's and S2k's to play?

The NB is still a red headed step child for SCCA

The NB was THE car to have in B (and later C) Stock for nine years, '98-'06. Sorry you were late to the party.

[Robert]

I like the idea, Spec NB Miata= NB Miata with stock class rules + Spec Miata suspension package + wider wheels and ST tires or even a spec tires that are easy to fit without rubbing.

I think it would be a cheap /easy to prep for / fun class

[OZMDD]

The best way to make such a thing happen is to prove it is successful - that means creating a local class and giving it a shot.