Face as big as a ham

[MadMonkey]

ftfy.

2 years, and a total of three events in my life... if I was trying to sandbag it wouldn't be for a Novice trophy

[865]

I wasn't able to find the 2016 Supplemental Rules for Solo on the Texas Region SCCA web site (the 2015 supplementals were still posted), so I emailed Bob Neff to ask whether Texas Region SCCA will allow 140 TW tires for 2016. I'll post his response when I get it.

Bob Neff kindly replied back to my question about 140 TW tires for 2016. He said he thought it was very unlikely that the 140 TW tires would be allowed for 2016. The Region Solo Board had elected to retain legality for the 140 TW tires for 2015 to allow competitors to use up their existing stock, and that it seemed by the end of the season that most people had done so, and were running 200 TW tires. He recommended buying 200 TW tires.

I gather from his response that the Region Solo Board may not have taken up the question yet for the 2016, but he seemed to feel pretty sure which way it will go. He also copied Jen Maxcy, who is the chair of the Solo group, on his reply to me. I'll let y'all know if I find out anything else.

Base on this, I'm going to pass over the Federal 595 RS-R and buy something in the 200 TW category.

[OZMDD]

Thanks for the info. I think it would be unfortunate if SCCA opted to go a different path than all the other clubs, but they are the "big dog" locally and don't have to worry as much about attendance and such. That, and they have a national ruleset to work with, towards the goal of helping drivers advance on the ladder to the national stage. That's not a direct issue for the smaller clubs.

[POS Racing]

Thanks for the info. I think it would be unfortunate if SCCA opted to go a different path than all the other clubs.

How many years do you feel would be appropriate for the local region to lag behind the national rule set? 3 to 5 years??

[Davidss]

How many years do you feel would be appropriate for the local region to lag behind the national rule set? 3 to 5 years??

The national rules are made for national competition and local regions are actively encouraged to make modifications for their area.

[POS Racing]

The national rules are made for national competition and local regions are actively encouraged to make modifications for their area.

True story!

But how many tires are currently affected by the 200 rule other than the federal??? Most seem to have already upped to the magic 200 number on the sidewall.

But I like the plan "no tire left behind"

[OZMDD]

Yokohama Ad08R, which is a very capable track/DD/autox option that is long-wearing, is 180. Then there are the various drag-oriented tires out there; I think Nitto makes a 140, though not certain.

To me, it's less about what tires are excluded than it is keeping the barriers-to-entry as minimal as possible. Tire wear ratings are fairly minutiae-ish to most car people who don't autox/track, and there is really no reason to exclude those few tires at this point, based on performance. With the Federal being a notable low-cost option that is legit for autox/track, I'd hate to see anyone not show up to an event solely because they bought a 140/180 tire.

If another tire comes on the scene that pushes the envelope the way the R1R was perceived to a couple years ago, it's simple enough to drop the <140 allowance, but I think most manufacturers are playing by the 200+ rules, so I'd be surprised to see it.

It really makes no difference to me personally, but as VP of a club, I like the idea of common-sense rules that help reduce the common perception of autox as being a "rules weenie" sport sometimes.
ER is sticking with the local 140+ allowance, and if that means 3-4 more people show up to each event on Federals or Yokohamas and have fun, then its a successful allowance.

[POS Racing]

Level playing field is one of the advantages to some of general rules. But I agree SCCA and ER should have a run what ya brung classes for Novices to give the open door to folks wanting to give this game a try!

Also those of you reading these posts keep in mind if you aren't about keeping with the rules NTAXS & BMWCCA both have very basic car classifications. And if you want a bit more structure you have Equipe Rapid and SCCA.

That is the coolest part of this part of the world with multiple clubs you have lots of choices!

[wrx74]