classes

[spoonie]

I've read through quite a bit of the classes and rules, but i'm still unsure about this whole points system for parts, engines etc.

As it stands, i *think* i'd be participating in class C touring (scca nomenclature) - maybe someone can let me know what i'd actually be racing in if i give the details of my modifications.. so here we go.

1995 jetta vr6, eibach springs (2" lower in the front, 1.8" in the back), koni yellow shocks, upper front strut tie bar, prm intake, and a no-name catback in the rear.

its not a lot of changes, but i'm wondering if, since its my first season, it would be wise to go to stock riding hight?

any feedback would be helpful. i cant *wait* to do this - i have to know if i THINK i'm a decent racing driver or if i AM one. i'm sure everyone here knows what i'm talking about.

cheers,
~spoonie

[Taylor]

Spoonie: Your car according to the 2001 rule book is a B3 car. Based on your mods you'd be moved into BSS2 (Class B, Super Stock 2)

You could keep the shocks and dump everything else (ouch eh) and run in B3 Stock. Which was under (perhaps never) populated last year. So you'd be paxed and not really have anyone in your class to compete with.

Now, BSS2 was periodically stocked last year. I think the Sentra's from the Nissan Sentra series will be in BSS2 (there's a few guys that will be running them in Solo 1).. so I'd say you have a damned good chance of consistently winning the class (if it's just you and the Sentra guys 90% of the time). Then again they're experienced drivers so you might have a run for your money. But the car should be able to spank their cars (their cars are spec'd, which means they can't make them any faster, limited mods allowed, and everyone runs the same mods).

[spoonie]

well, if sentras are my only competition, you're making me feel like the 800 lb gorilla in the class.

but all the same, its the driver that counts. thanks for the info taylor - i'm totally hyped for the training classes, nevermind the events! :)

cheers,
~spoonie

[Taylor]

Spoonie: Taking the Solo 1 School?

Yeah it really does come down to driver. I got spanked by CRXs with a few mods in an S2000 last year. In fact. I got spanked my most everyone last year. :)

Damn I hope this year is different :) I think the Sentras 'd give you a run for your money (until you get comfortable then open a can of whoop ass on them). They're unfortunately classed. The classifications don't appear favorable for weak cars with few mods. However Weak cars with stategic mods and max points per class can be dangerous :)

[spoonie]

i forgot to mention i upgraded my brakes as well, brembo slotted rotors on the front and brembo solids in the read, would that keep me in the same class? i dont know how many "points" i've used up in mods thus far.

but in reply to what you're saying, yah, i'm pretty comfortable with my car - i'd say i've driven it to about 65% of what it can really do - its just not safe or 'right' to do this stuff on public roads and put other at risk (or yourself w/o marshals).

cheers,
~spoonie :)

[Taylor]

Originally posted by spoonie
i'd say i've driven it to about 65% of what it can really do - its just not safe or 'right' to do this stuff on public roads and put other at risk (or yourself w/o marshals).

cheers,
~spoonie :)

Awesome attitude.. Seriously. I wish we could convince more people of that :)

[ctenche]

And to answer you question on brake upgrades, yes, you'd still be the in the same class.

Looking forward to seeing you at the track.

[spoonie]

hah, the only thing i'm gonna be seeing are other peoples tail-lights!

is there any other equipment i'm going to need? (other than a helmet) ? and special harnesses?

atm my rubber is almost worn, other than having 50/205 on my car, is there anything special in tire selection? (right i'm using toyo fz4 proxies)

thx for all the info here guys, very helpful.

~spoonie

[ctenche]

You will definitely need a helmet which is rated at M95 or better. In regards to a harness, you don't need anything other than your stock seat belt. You can install an aftermarket 5 point harness but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a roll bar installed on the car.

One thing I would definitely change is your tires. Those FZ4 are horrible for the track. Most everyone runs an R-compound tire - that is a racing tire.

The popular choices are: Toyo RA-1, Kumho V700, Hoosier and Yokohama A032R.

If you're starting out your best bet would be the Toyo RA-1s. They are an excellent tire. They have good grip, they are easy to drive, they are forgiving, they will last you at least a whole season and are relatively affordable.

One of the Solo 1 sponsors is Wheel & Tire Zone. If you give them a call and tell them you're from Solo 1 they will definitely be able to help you out in this regard.

[spoonie]

whoa, i just checked out your site - cool that you were in the panoz pit. i was marshalling at corner #2 when johnny herbert had his unfortunate incident.

he was all class - didnt panic, didnt freak out (well, it wasnt like it was his car.. lol), and was totally calm. freaky stuff. I would have probably been jumping all over the place, yelling at people.

oh, and i got some great pics of #38 all nastied up.

~spoonie

[ctenche]

That was an amazing weekend. Funny thing (well, not really funny) is that earlier in the day I was walking through the pits with my friends Preet and David and Johnny was walking by. Preet say hi to him and wished him good luck. I later questioned Preet on whether good luck was appropriate before a race. You know, how you're not supposed to wish an actor good luck. And then he crashed...poor guy.

[Preet]

Ahhhh sue me!

Preet ;P