Interesting Letter Back From SCCA on AutoX

["Mike Zamarocy" <***mhdavion@earthlink.net***>]

Here is an interesting letter I just got back from SCCA:

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Howard Duncan 
> Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 1998 11:31 AM
> To: Michael Zamarocy
> Subject: Classification of Audi A4 1.8T
> 
> 
Message text written by Michael Zamarocy
>I understand that the A4 1.8T is in GS, but what is the status of it in
Street Touring? I see on the SCCA Rules page only one ST >class, yet at a
recent Cal Club event I got a set of newer rules that now have ST1, ST2,
and ST3.


>1) SCCA is trying to do away with classifying ANY turbo cars

SCCA is _not_ trying to do away with classifying turbo cars relative to
Solo competition.  New turbo cars are classed on the same basis as other
cars, i.e. a combination of car type and performance potential.  However,
with several hundred car models within nine classes, not every car can hope
to be classed a winner.

>2) Audi A4 Quattro (both 1.8T and 2.8) theoretically have limited slip
diffs in their AWD system, and so are NOT able to be in ST >classes????

Street Touring only limits the use of differential limited slips.  The Cal
Club rules that include three ST classes are local rules, so I do not know
what constitutes each class.  The single national class is a prototype
concept that has a specific formula that targets certain cars.

>3) The Audi A4 1.8T is very limited in its HP (150hp/155ft lb torque), is
NOT allowed to chip (as it boosts the turbo psi), yet is a 4dr >sedan that
has to compete against Integra's running on R1 tires!???????

I am not sure which class rules you are referring to:  Stock, ST or Street
Prepared?

>4) there is sort of a grey area about this chip/boost item, I seen where
is there is no equivalent mechanical method it is not >allowed, yet on a
Mitsu Mirage turbo (as an example), all you have to do is adjust a rod - so
there IS an equivalent mechanical >means on cars.

The mechanical adjustment on the Mirage could only be done within the
confines of what is specified in the factory workshop manual.  Adjusting
boost beyond factory specs is specifically prohibited by the Solo II Rules.

>5) ST class is made for folks who like to modify their street cars, yet
the HOTTEST item that most use IS a chip - specially as the >Audi A4 1.8T
is so underpowered. Even a stock Integra with VTECH can blow it away, and
definitely out handle it!

Alternate chips will be allowed in the 1999 guidelines for the reasons
stated.

>6) I'd like to see STOCK class go back to being just that! No "R" tires at
all! Back when I was racing (74-86), there HAD to be tread >on the tires,
and if you could see the entire head of Lincoln on a penny stuck into the
tread, then the tire was illegal! But now I see >stock cars running on what
was (back then) racing slicks! For grass roots racing, this is deplorable!
Cause us grass roots racers >don't always have the money for extra
wheels/tires just for racing! Sure, instead there is a special "T"
designation (in some >regions) for street tire cars, but I think it should
be the OTHER way around - put the "R" tire cars into their own classes, and
NOT in >STOCK.

"R" tires have been debated continuously for at least the last 15 years. 
The installed base of participants enjoys the performance enhancement these
tires provide and do not want to return to slippery tires.  The reality is
that competition drives cost more than rules do.  If the tire rules were
changed costs would not reduce and might even go up in areas where there
was serious competition.  These drivers would search out at considerable
expense the best "street" tires and shave them to the minimum tread depth. 
Since these tires are more expensive than "R" tires and would not be useful
street tires in this shaved condition, the expense to the competitor would
not decrease.  Again competition drives cost.

As a result, Street Tire index classes have been developed to address the
needs of the newcomer or casual participant.

Howard

-------------------------------
Thanks
Mike Zamarocy
Please remove *** from my address to reply.