Reply With QuotePicture reposted below.
NC splitter question
I've posed this question to the SEB (www.sebscca.com), and I'm posting here for additional thoughts (sorry I don't have an actual picture yet; my camera is INOP).
I built a small splitter for my CSP 2006 MX-5, and was told by Bob at tech (Sunday) that it should not extend beyond the bodywork as viewed from above. Being a Regional event, it was no big deal and I made my runs, but I wanted to get some advice/feedback before Divisionals and Nationals (I'm not making any more Tours this year).
I'd read the following in the Street Prepared rules, and felt it was clear, if not a little ambiguous when compared to other catagories:
(My underline, for emphasis.)
- 15.2.I.1 - "A spoiler/splitter may be added to the front of the car below the bumper. It may not extend rearward beyond the front most part of the front wheel openings, and may not block normal grill or other openings, or obstruct lights. Splitters may not protrude beyond the bumper. Openings may not be used for the purpose of ducting air to the radiator or oil cooler, but they may allow air to flow through a permitted oil cooler provided no ducting is used. The spoiler may not function as a wing."
The rules related to shape and size are MUCH more clear in other catagories, like Street Modified:
...or Prepared:
- 16.1.M - "Front splitters are allowed and shall be installed parallel to the ground (within +/- 3 degrees fore and aft) and may extend to a maximum of 6 inches from the front bodywork/fascia as viewed from above. Splitters may not extend rearward past the centerline of the front wheels. No portion of the splitter may extend beyond the widest part of the front bumper/fascia as viewed from above."
(The rest of this rule is about mounting and openings, and is out of scope.)
- 17.2.O - "The standard OE front spoiler or a non-standard front spoiler may be used. If a non-standard front spoiler is used it must comply with the following requirements: It shall not protrude beyond the overall outline of the car as viewed from above, or aft of the forward-most part of the front wheel opening (cutout) and shall not be mounted more than four inches above the horizontal centerline of the front wheel hubs. xxxxx"
My MX-5 has the factory Appearance Package, and as such, the splitter only extends about 30mm from the lower lip of the airdam, in order to comply with the stated rule, "...may not protrude beyond the bumper" (which I'm taking to mean the front of the bodywork/fascia). The contour/shape of my splitter is consistent across the entire length of the airdam, extending not more than roughly 30mm. But, viewed from above, it does "protrude" on the sides due to the inward sloping shape of the MX-5 nose just before the stock fenders flare out.
So, the SP rules say nothing about "as veiwed from above" or "overall outline" like the other categories.
Has anyone else received clarification on this subject? What are your thoughts?
Picture reposted below.
Last edited by rpmchris; 06-22-2010 at 07:19 PM.
There was a big discussiom of this on M.Net or SCCA forum, can't remember which. I believe the end result, though unofficial afaik, is that nothing can extend beyond the "shadow" of the car.
What's left of a '96 Miata with stock clutch.
My car exceeds my driving ability. That's the only possible explanation.
FWIW, it is not Tech's job to verify that your car conforms to the rules of whatever class you run in. That is the job of your competitors. Tech's job is only to make sure your car is in a safe, operable condition. So I'm not sure why Bob would even have commented on your splitter.
Iain
"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
Bob knows the rules pretty well.Originally Posted by altiain
He was giving Chris a heads-up that if he was in the class, and read the literal words of the rules, he'd question it.
Doesn't mean it isn't ok because of some precedent or clarification.
2009 MX-5 STR and track toy
2003 Z06 -- Not a Miata, but 3200# and 400 RWHP is fun
OTM -- 2012 Sierra, 2016 Impala (Appliances)
Do you have a pic of said splitter? I like seeing diy items.
Not at this time. I could take a pic of it off the car, but I won't likely put it on again until this Sunday's event at TMS. If it turns out that it's not 100% legal (and I find out in time), I'll trim it up before Divisionals.
What material did you use? I'm thinking that a splitter made of knife-edged stainless steel would teach thos pesky cones a lesson
What's left of a '96 Miata with stock clutch.
My car exceeds my driving ability. That's the only possible explanation.
That begs the question - if a cone is cut in half, but the base stays within the box, is it a penalty?...a splitter made of knife-edged stainless steel would teach thos pesky cones a lesson
I used 3/16" ABS for the splitter, and a Diamond-Lok paver edge (turned up) for the wrap-around extension. I also made it removeable for street use.
It should not be a penalty if both halves are upright and touching the box.That begs the question - if a cone is cut in half, but the base stays within the box, is it a penalty?
If either half is out of the box or not upright, then it is a penalty.
I believe that actually happened to Rachel Blacketer a couple of years ago. The bottom stayed in the box and there was no penalty.That begs the question - if a cone is cut in half, but the base stays within the box, is it a penalty?
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