Ultimate Street Car Association - 2014 rules

[USCA 1]

The 2014 rules for the Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) are posted at http://ultimatestreetcarassociation.com/usca-rules/

Our rules are constructed to:


Emphasize safety, education and fun
Highlight real street cars
Encourage participation for all skill levels
Provide a consistent event format

​We realize that the rules will not please everyone - in fact, they may not please a lot of people. We have utilized our co-founders extensive professional event knowledge and experience (over 50 years), along with that of our master level sponsors and others, both within and outside of the industry, to create a ruleset that focuses on safety, organization, real street cars, and a fun and inviting spirit of performance street car gatherings. Our goal is to provide world-class performance street car events to owners of all years, makes and models and of all skill levels from beginner to expert.

If you have questions regarding the 2014 rules, please email me, Jimi Day - Co-founder, at [email protected].

[James OLC]

Great job Jimi! You folks had an unenviable task and, in my humble opinion, came up with a set of rules that finds a great balance. I really like the solution to the "series" aspect and I for one look forward to seeing you in Laguna in a few months!

[BMR Sales]

Dang, it looks like my car is out as I've modified it too much - I removed the Side Glass & my Windshield is Lexan!

T.C.

[James OLC]

The way I read it you're not out... You simply give up 2 of 25 possible points in the design class.

[dontlifttoshift]

and have a factory affixed OE manufacturer production tag or plate. The USCA does not allow kit cars, modern reproductions, or other vehicles that were not issued or do not have a factory affixed OE manufacturer production tag or plate.

That is written pretty clearly but I just want to be sure because the way I read this all Factory Five cars are out, as are Dynacorn, there are many more examples but that covers a majority of them. I don't beleive that is the intent of the rule but that is how I interpret it.

[howehot]

I'm in, I'm ready, and winter sucks in Iowa. That's all I'm going to say about that!

[GrabberGT]

Too bad this came out AFTER Christmas. I need to contact Santa to see if I can add a neck restraint, driving shoes, and gloves retroactively.

[USCA 1]

That is written pretty clearly but I just want to be sure because the way I read this all Factory Five cars are out, as are Dynacorn, there are many more examples but that covers a majority of them. I don't beleive that is the intent of the rule but that is how I interpret it.

Donny, our goal is to find a way to get participants in. That being said, our focus is real street driven cars that are licensed and registered to drive on the street. If anyone has a question about whether a particular car is eligible for the event, please email me and we will make a determination.

[USCA 1]

Too bad this came out AFTER Christmas. I need to contact Santa to see if I can add a neck restraint, driving shoes, and gloves retroactively.

LOL! Chris, there are lots of great after-christmas sales.

[Cams-DK]

Donny, our goal is to find a way to get participants in. That being said, our focus is real street driven cars that are licensed and registered to drive on the street. If anyone has a question about whether a particular car is eligible for the event, please email me and we will make a determination.
Looks like the Lincoln town car is in

[racecarman]

Well just my two cents, if your going to make rules you should put all rules in black and white - what defines a race car or a street car? The answer should be in print not left up to a group to decide, that's just opening up a can of worms. Does a fab stub or frame make it a race car or fab floors or firewall or is it ok if you have a $10,000.00 interior covering it? anything without a stock frame and floors under it should be and I quote "scrutinized before entry"!

[ZMANSZR1]

Jim,
I totally agree that a set of rules is in order here, as the sport grows and evolves. my concerns are these.

What will determine a street car as opposed to a race car ? This one should be more defined as many of us are building cars for these events. As a spectator during many of your 2013 events, I walked around and looked closely at many of your cars, and asked many participants and event personal about the vehicles and the rules.I was told that if it was licensed and insured, and could be driven on the road rally we would be good. Looking around the pits, I see many of your competitors cars that will not meet the criteria in your rules. Am I reading something wrong here? Will the big dollar cars, with aftermarket lightweight body panels and fabricated frames be sent home ?

The rules in my opinion need to be defined in writing not by the body's discretion after someone spent $50,000 building a car to compete with the corporate "street cars" that have $ 10,000 ABS/traction control systems, $8,000 in instrumentation, and fabricated sub frames. When does a street car become a race car ???

I have been involved in racing my whole adult life, and when rules are left open for review or left to discretion, inevitably somebody's feelings are going to get hurt.

I address these concerns as a fan of the sport first, then as a current competitor who is thinking of what to do next with the car that is under construction for the 2014 season.

Sincerely,

Scott Zeman
[email protected]

[Cams-DK]

Well just my two cents, if your going to make rules you should put all rules in black and white - what defines a race car or a street car? The answer should be in print not left up to a group to decide, that's just opening up a can of worms. Does a fab stub or frame make it a race car or fab floors or firewall or is it ok if you have a $10,000.00 interior covering it? anything without a stock frame and floors under it should be and I quote "scrutinized before entry"!
Why do we try to re-invent the wheel it's racing a race car is a race car. Best and fastest car wins the race. If the car is on a race track and racing it is a race car. The GG 's rules seem to be the best out there so just follow them and let's race.

[Dusold]

I don't think it will ever be possible to draw a line between race cars and street cars no matter how hard we try. The answer is subjective, what one person thinks is fine and would drive daily is totally unacceptable to someone else. I agree with the road rally concept as well as what good guys has done so far. At the end of the day the best drivers will have the best chance of winning events anyway.
I am really looking forward to the Texas event. It sounds like this is going to be a ton of fun!!

[racecarman]

Why do we try to re-invent the wheel it's racing a race car is a race car. Best and fastest car wins the race. If the car is on a race track and racing it is a race car. The GG 's rules seem to be the best out there so just follow them and let's race.

Well DK I'm all about the- Best and fastest car wins the race! I was building what I thought was a serious run what ya brung street car. But when they start limiting the run what ya brung event they need to clarify the rules, these cars cost ALOT of money and to show up at a event thinking that you have a chance of winning and a group decides that you brought a race car there, well that's no good for anyone! If they want restored cars there with big tires I'm ok with that, but does a car that's all chopped up have a right to race against a car with a stock frame? in all fairness no..... Maybe there should be a crank height rule and or a ride height or engine setback rule, Don't just run me over a speed bump to see if my car drags. I agree there is a need to address safety and I think that's a great thing, but the car rules need to be a little more clear. I'm just asking for the rules, give me them and ill build a car to compete.

[Project92rs]

The bigger problem with street vs race car is the definition is subjective based on where you live when you factor in emissions and inspection requirements. Things that I could easily do in Kansas are not possible in Phoenix where I have to put the car on the rollers for an emissions test.

[ZMANSZR1]

Just a quick thought to ponder....... Has anyone considered an unlimited class ? Cars that are competing with stock suspension and a stock frame or stub, don't stand a chance against the aftermarket stub or complete aftermarket frames that utilize Corvette suspension and geometry.
An unlimited class would allow those without a $150,000 a year budget to compete for a chance at a win.

[Finch]

I think everyone needs to not be so quick to judge these rules or start listing out all the scenario's that can fall into the grey areas. For the most part these are similar to the rules followed as part of OUSCI with an increased focus on safety which we can all agree with.

The biggest improvement to the rules that I see, is around the design style portion. This was always very subjective and a conversation for the water cooler after every event. The changes they have made to narrow the style portion down to only a 10 point spread is a great step forward so I applaud Jimi and the team for that. The other 15 points in this segment are black and white and you can choose to get them or not.

As the events progress, they will adjust as needed so patience is key.

[James OLC]

Just a quick thought to ponder....... Has anyone considered an unlimited class ? Cars that are competing with stock suspension and a stock frame or stub, don't stand a chance against the aftermarket stub or complete aftermarket frames that utilize Corvette suspension and geometry.
An unlimited class would allow those without a $150,000 a year budget to compete for a chance at a win.

I beg to differ - a well set up stock subframe and/or leaf spring suspension is more than capable of competing with 95% of the cars at any given event.

And well said Brian - I think that a great effort was made to create a set of rules that was as inclusive as possible. If I was going to look for anything different I would have made the weight break a bit higher at 3250 pounds but that's really picking at nits. As far as making a bunch if classes to give everyone a shot at winning their class where do you stop? This is the Ultimate Street Car Series - not the World of Wheels.

[NOT A TA]

An unlimited class might also be a catch all (that increases entries) by allowing those of us who don't fit within the current rules to go out and play even if we know we won't win an unlimited class.

[mpozzi]

Brian and James ...

Very well said. I'd add one more and that's NO tire warmers ... period. Our cars are not baked potatoes! And drop that word "racing" from your vocabulary. Forget it exists for these events as the fact that a time is posted doesn't make this racing.

Mary Pozzi

[ZMANSZR1]

Jim,
The results from all the 2013 Qualifier events don't seem to support your comments on the stock suspension and sub-frame cars, unless we are putting 5th gen Camaros and Nissan GTR's into that category. I see that you are running an aftermarket sub frame....just an observation.

I wasn't going to comment anymore on the rules, but I just can't help myself now. I am just looking for clarification on what will be deemed a "race car" and what is a street car. I understand all too well that writing a rule book is a lengthy process and requires a great deal of time and brain power. In quite a few racing series that I have competed in, they would have round table discussions with car builders and discuss what should or should not be in the rules. This is a big help to everyone, as nobody want's to get sent home, or have to build another car.

As a car builder, who is in the process of building a few cars to compete this season, I am concerned that our cars will be deemed "race cars" and not allowed to compete.

"Vehicles built specifically for competition or race cars with license plates” are not within the spirit of the series and will be scrutinized before entry. USCA officials will make the final determination of eligibility"

I am in no way slamming anyone here, but as a car builder, we need to have a little more to go on here. Give us the rules and we will build a car that will compete. We just don't want to see any of our customers sent home, that's all. Plain and simple.

My suggestion of an unlimited class was just a thought to help some of the underfunded guys, not to create a bunch of different classes.

I am aware this is not the world of wheels....LOL.. but our cars win there too.

[ZMANSZR1]

John,
I agree with your thinking. The idea here should be to expand the hobby, and not turn people away.

[NOT A TA]

John,
I agree with your thinking. The idea here should be to expand the hobby, and not turn people away.

Well, I've been turned away. I'd really hoped my car would fit in but it doesn't. I wanted to go to the Daytona and Sebring events with no concern as to whether there were winners, losers or OUSCI invites just so I could finally share the tracks with other similar old cars. Instead I'll just go run with NASA or another group at the same tracks and play with Miatas, Vettes, BMWs, Porsches and other modern cars as I have in the past.

[79-TA]

Brian and James ...

Very well said. I'd add one more and that's NO tire warmers ... period. Our cars are not baked potatoes! And drop that word "racing" from your vocabulary. Forget it exists for these events as the fact that a time is posted doesn't make this racing.

Mary Pozzi


On the tire warming issue, some effort should be made by the organizers to make sure that a single car doesn't get back to back runs if and when its competitors don't get the same opportunity for consecutive runs . . . this would provide the same unfair tire temperature advantage. I'm not suggesting any kind of thorough documentation procedure. I'd just like to see the organizers mindful of the advantage this provides before they give someone the go ahead to just get their share of runs in real quick.

[71RS/SS396]

Well, I've been turned away. I'd really hoped my car would fit in but it doesn't. I wanted to go to the Daytona and Sebring events with no concern as to whether there were winners, losers or OUSCI invites just so I could finally share the tracks with other similar old cars. Instead I'll just go run with NASA or another group at the same tracks and play with Miatas, Vettes, BMWs, Porsches and other modern cars as I have in the past.
Why were you turned away? What makes your car not legal? It would be hard to imagine a car any closer to the edge than mine is, some would say it's a race car with plates, and I've run several qualifier events with it.

[juniorjohnson]

Donny, our goal is to find a way to get participants in. That being said, our focus is real street driven cars that are licensed and registered to drive on the street. If anyone has a question about whether a particular car is eligible for the event, please email me and we will make a determination.

While I like the thought behind what you are saying, the rules need to really be more clear about this. When I read the rules, I too see all Factory Five cars as Not Eligible...

The harsh reality of this is you will not be able to stop folks from having purpose built cars for the series. I would remove the kit car verbage, and leave it as insured, licensed, and registered. (You could even throw in must have full interior?) It just makes it easier on you and your officials. In the end Jimi, the cream will rise to the top no matter...

I've helped with rules in different Autocross formats for quite a while now, and you're NEVER going to make everyone happy. Just do the best you can and ALWAYS have an open mind. The key is making the events fun and SAFE. I think you are getting closer to what most would consider a "fair" event by changing your "Design" rules.

Since I'm new to your types of events, I would like to see more information on your Road Course section. Stuff like how it's actually run. (ex. how is the order determined, will cars be brought to green in a group like a NASA TT, or will there be one car every 20-30 seconds sent with a green white checkered approach, if you use the NASA approach, how do you determine who goes first, etc...)

I'm looking forward to seeing you all at an event or two in 2014.

[Smittys]

I think people are way over thinking all of this.

If it has plates, registration, insurance and a vin tag its a car. Have 200 tread wear tires and go run it. You will not do well in the points if its a gutted body that's street legal. If you can make a 100mi road trip then you will be ok.

For the guys who just want to have fun run the GOLD class no Points no Pressure.

[dontlifttoshift]

I think people are way over thinking all of this.

If it has plates, registration, insurance and a vin tag its a car. Have 200 tread wear tires and go run it. You will not do well in the points if its a gutted body that's street legal. If you can make a 100mi road trip then you will be ok.


This ^^^

As far as the street car vs race car argument, that's not for this thread and honestly don't know that anyone can win that argument. If YOUR car fits YOUR idea of a street car then it is. I didn't get into this hobby/industry to please any person or any rule book, the only time that it matters what anyone else thinks is when they are writing the check. I build cars because I truly enjoy it, I drive them because that is the payoff of a build. When miles start rolling on the odometer I have already won, I am driving the trophy. I will use the term race for lack of a better term. I "race" because it validates my development as a DRIVER!!

I have learned to enjoy the driving side of things, you tune the car to make it easier to drive, easier to drive makes you and the car faster. It's a drivers sport, from the outside looking in you might think these cars are built with cubic dollars, and some are, but the person holding the steering wheel makes the car fast. I try to refrain from saying that is a fast car, instead I say He or She is fast because that is the truth at this level. When more people start to grasp that concept, the race car vs street car argument will become irrelevant. When we can all wheel like Pobst, we can revisit the race/street discussion.


Well, I've been turned away.


Why were you turned away? What makes your car not legal?

Also curious as to why you have been turned away.

[James OLC]

I think people are way over thinking all of this.

If it has plates, registration, insurance and a vin tag its a car. Have 200 tread wear tires and go run it. You will not do well in the points if its a gutted body that's street legal. If you can make a 100mi road trip then you will be ok.

For the guys who just want to have fun run the GOLD class no Points no Pressure.

Perfectly put

[Gratefuldiver]

Well my rear tires, while it great shape will be just over of the 3 year date come event time :^( So looks like IM dropping 600 on tires if I want to run at Gateway. I might have to borrow a helmet now, as my helmet money will be used on tires lol. It should be worth it.

[Gratefuldiver]

While on the subject of the date, I guess if the date is on the inside the wheels are coming off for inspection? As far as the entry, if Im a noob and will only run one event I guess Gold would be the way to roll.

[NOT A TA]

Why were you turned away? What makes your car not legal? It would be hard to imagine a car any closer to the edge than mine is, some would say it's a race car with plates, and I've run several qualifier events with it.

DOT R tires.

[James OLC]

DOT R tires.

John - obviously you have a choice as to what tires you run. The 200 tread wear rule is pretty much globally accepted now amongst most groups and it's up to you if you want to run them and participate or not. To say that you are being "turned away" is a bit melodramatic.


Well, I've been turned away. I'd really hoped my car would fit in but it doesn't. I wanted to go to the Daytona and Sebring events with no concern as to whether there were winners, losers or OUSCI invites just so I could finally share the tracks with other similar old cars. Instead I'll just go run with NASA or another group at the same tracks and play with Miatas, Vettes, BMWs, Porsches and other modern cars as I have in the past.

Actually reading this you are being more than a bit melodramatic... You haven't been "turned away" and your car still "fits in"... It's a simple choice (and your choice) and I would guess that if you showed up and, as you say "just want to share the track" without following the tire rule you would probably be allowed, so long as you are sincere about having "no concern about winners, losers, or OUSCI invites".

[NOT A TA]

I did not intend to be melodramatic. I was just responding to the post before mine. " John,
I agree with your thinking. The idea here should be to expand the hobby, and not turn people away."

I probably shouldn't have used the phrase "Turned Away" and used "Turned Off" instead. I'll crawl back under my rock now.

[James OLC]

Sorry John - I may have still had my c-c.com hat on when I posted. Honestly though, yours is one of the coolest cars on the site and it would be great to see it in person (or at least hear about it in person). If the only issue is tires then it doesn't seem like to tough an obstacle to overcome over the next five months...

[bret]

Well my rear tires, while it great shape will be just over of the 3 year date come event time :^( So looks like IM dropping 600 on tires if I want to run at Gateway. I might have to borrow a helmet now, as my helmet money will be used on tires lol. It should be worth it.

If your tires are three years old they are neither in great shape nor competitive...and likely not safe to run high speeds. Time take its toll on tires, even on the shelf.
As for spending your helmet money on tires...buy cheaper tires and a better helmet.

None of us are cashing in food stamps on car parts. If you are, you're doing it wrong.

[ohsolow]

Starting March 6 I got a place you can practice your short coarse racing and hell we'll run anything. And by the way this is racing there is not one of you on here that was ecstatic with the second fastest time of your class, just sayin....

[Gratefuldiver]

If your tires are three years old they are neither in great shape nor competitive...and likely not safe to run high speeds. Time take its toll on tires, even on the shelf.
As for spending your helmet money on tires...buy cheaper tires and a better helmet.

None of us are cashing in food stamps on car parts. If you are, you're doing it wrong.

I think 600 is cheap for 4 tires and while Im not using food stamps LOL I am on a limited budget. The NASA group seemed very cool about loaning helmets. Maybe Im out of my league here. I was just hoping to come out and have some fun. Thanks for your feedback LOL

[James OLC]

Jim,
The results from all the 2013 Qualifier events don't seem to support your comments on the stock suspension and sub-frame cars, unless we are putting 5th gen Camaros and Nissan GTR's into that category. I see that you are running an aftermarket sub frame....just an observation.


Sorry missed this - the results from OUSCI might be different though. And yes, I've installed an aftermarket subframe but really haven't run it (sigh) - but my "stock" subframe did OK for us and was more than competitive in most venues.

[GNon18s]

Well my rear tires, while it great shape will be just over of the 3 year date come event time :^( So looks like IM dropping 600 on tires if I want to run at Gateway. I might have to borrow a helmet now, as my helmet money will be used on tires lol. It should be worth it.


Well my rear tires, while it great shape will be just over of the 3 year date come event time :^( So looks like IM dropping 600 on tires if I want to run at Gateway. I might have to borrow a helmet now, as my helmet money will be used on tires lol. It should be worth it.


Well my rear tires, while it great shape will be just over of the 3 year date come event time :^( So looks like IM dropping 600 on tires if I want to run at Gateway. I might have to borrow a helmet now, as my helmet money will be used on tires lol. It should be worth it.


Well my rear tires, while it great shape will be just over of the 3 year date come event time :^( So looks like IM dropping 600 on tires if I want to run at Gateway. I might have to borrow a helmet now, as my helmet money will be used on tires lol. It should be worth it.

I also didn't like the 3yr tire rule. But I knew if I even mentioned it on here I'd have some rich guy comment and tell me its no big deal to replace my horrible, dangerous 3 year old tires. I prefer a brand new tire, but im just a little guy on a budget and I have done track days and autox on 4 year old tires in the past. I had FUN doing it and didn't crash either! The tires on my current project will be 2-1/2 years old by the time its finished. That does kind of suck but it takes a while to build a quality car on a budget.

[Nothingface5384]

Well guess i'm out of this.
I'd have to upgrade my seatbelts, get helmet wich i planned on, but also need other equpment plus 4 tires since they're too old even though its not old enough to have bad tread nor dryrotted sidewalls..
,aybe next year..
too much to buy just to race in one venue..

[Nothingface5384]

why cant it just be if tread is good and we have a helmet we race :-(

[lzdick]

why cant it just be if tread is good and...we race :-(

Good Tread? I have a car here (a 'trailer queen') with 44 year old factory mounted tires...with GOOD TREAD. The car shouldn't be driven at speed anywhere, let alone track speeds.

Rich

[GNon18s]

Good Tread? I have a car here (a 'trailer queen') with 44 year old factory mounted tires...with GOOD TREAD. The car shouldn't be driven at speed anywhere, let alone track speeds.

Rich

The ol' "common sense" rule should kick in there.

[Nothingface5384]

Good Tread? I have a car here (a 'trailer queen') with 44 year old factory mounted tires...with GOOD TREAD. The car shouldn't be driven at speed anywhere, let alone track speeds.

Rich

no one said anything about racing with 44 y/o tires
im talking like 5 year old or so

[David Pozzi]

I'd like to see a longer tire age limit to 5 years. When you buy a new tire, it can be close to, or even beyond a year old, leaving only two years use under a three year rule. Top cars will burn through a set or two a year, but most people don't run that often. We are running on street tires meant to last, not lightweight racing slicks that are useless in a year.

[ZMANSZR1]

why cant it just be if tread is good and we have a helmet we race :-(
Guy's, I am all for helping the low budget racer. There are quite a few on here that have no money worries, and you would think by the rules they are trying to keep you out. This is not the case. The three year old tire rule is a little tough, but I can tell you that it's there for your protection. I have seen what happens when an older tire comes apart on a high speed road course. Even on an autocross event, if a tire goes down you could easily end up into the crowd of people. They are trying to protect this hobby, with safety being a first priority. There has been no real bad incidents that I am aware of, but it's overdue with the kind of speeds these cars are reaching. One of our customers crashed really hard at an event this year, and I can tell you that I'm glad he had a safe car. I know money is tight, but we are racers, you will find a way, we always do.

[Gratefuldiver]

Ok IF I drop all the $$$ to get my car up to spec, whats it going to cost to get in the door at The Gateway event? A NASA event are about $200 with membership.

I understand all the saftey rules here but I do feel the 3 year old tire rule is a bit much, but Im just an unsponsored average joe looking to have some fun at one event. Its funny they say "street cars" but how many of these top cars are really street driven? I would guess 3/4 of the field will be trailered in and never really see the street. Im not knocking it but a street car is just that, a car driven on the street, not a car that "can" be driven on the street because its street legal. JUst my -.02 cents

[71RS/SS396]

Ok IF I drop all the $$$ to get my car up to spec, whats it going to cost to get in the door at The Gateway event? A NASA event are about $200 with membership.

I understand all the saftey rules here but I do feel the 3 year old tire rule is a bit much, but Im just an unsponsored average joe looking to have some fun at one event. Its funny they say "street cars" but how many of these top cars are really street driven? I would guess 3/4 of the field will be trailered in and never really see the street. Im not knocking it but a street car is just that, a car driven on the street, not a car that "can" be driven on the street because its street legal. JUst my -.02 cents

Wait until you have a catastrophic failure when you're 750 miles from home, then you'll understand why a lot of these cars get trailered to the events.

[tommycomfort]

I understand all the saftey rules here but I do feel the 3 year old tire rule is a bit much, but Im just an unsponsored average joe looking to have some fun at one event. Its funny they say "street cars" but how many of these top cars are really street driven? I would guess 3/4 of the field will be trailered in and never really see the street. Im not knocking it but a street car is just that, a car driven on the street, not a car that "can" be driven on the street because its street legal. JUst my -.02 cents

I would never be so bold to claim that our 66 is a "top car", but we ran 12 of these type events last year and drove to 9 of them. Normally we also trailer Deb's Chevelle wagon so we have the option of trailering home either one if needed but not always the case. At just over 18,000 miles on the 66 since 2010 I feel like we fit the bill for street car...

[howehot]

Ok IF I drop all the $$$ to get my car up to spec, whats it going to cost to get in the door at The Gateway event? A NASA event are about $200 with membership.

I understand all the saftey rules here but I do feel the 3 year old tire rule is a bit much, but Im just an unsponsored average joe looking to have some fun at one event. Its funny they say "street cars" but how many of these top cars are really street driven? I would guess 3/4 of the field will be trailered in and never really see the street. Im not knocking it but a street car is just that, a car driven on the street, not a car that "can" be driven on the street because its street legal. JUst my -.02 cents

Optima has had this tire rule for the two years I've attended their events. Not sure when it started but it's not new. Before purchasing your next set, check the date and make sure they are current. You are then good to go for the next 3 years, not just one event. May cost extra but you can have this set as a dedicated track set with extra rims or having a shop swap them for you. Talk to the shop about a possible swap for putting their name on your car at the event.

Most people will trailer in due to the fact that a weekend of abuse may lead to breakage. My car is street driven ALOT. It is always trailered to an event. It's a long walk home to get the truck. Most events the truck and trailer sit in the pits until we head home. The Monte is our transportation.

I look at these safety rules as just that, safety. It could go a lot farther and eliminate most of us casual racers.

The money you spend for your own safety will also increase the safety of others around you. I believe if you do go to Gateway, the fun factor will be worth it.

[GKL]

Too bad this came out AFTER Christmas. I need to contact Santa to see if I can add a neck restraint, driving shoes, and gloves retroactively.
Did Santa bring that new motor?!

[GKL]

It is interesting to read all of these posts! I've read the rules and don't see an issue from my perspective. The choice I need to make is "what class do I run in"? I am not out to win the event and won't. I gladly accept that reality. What I want to do and will do is enjoy my car to the limits of my ability. My car is pure vintage Corvette with minor exceptions for wheels/tires, seats, belts, gauges, and electric fan and fuel pump. All the rest in old school technology. I accept the fact that experienced drivers, fabricated cars, newer powertrains and the like will and should blow me off the track. But it makes me feel good to know that I have the freedom to compete and I do. :attn:

[Nicks67GTO]

Cool sounding event/series. I don't think I have a problem with any of the rules except maybe the tire age rule being a bit strict and the kit car being unacceptable. I kind of think that if the car is a kit car that represents a specific year and doesn't stray much from the original design, it should be allowed. Like Dynacorn Camaro's are spot on reproductions of originals. Or Factory 5 Shelby Cobras etc. I'm a few good years away from being able to hit one of these but I would maybe come spectate.

Question about the road course. What kind of average and top speeds would someone expect to see on the road course track?

[mpozzi]

Question about the road course. What kind of average and top speeds would someone expect to see on the road course track?

Depends on the track, your car, you, and the class you're in. At Laguna Seca, between 80-120 mph as sections of the track may be "slowed down" for some of the classes and entrants or sessions that are strictly "lead - follow."

Mary Pozzi

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

I have put in many laps around Laguna on two wheels. The first time I rode there from home. Crashed. Hitched a ride home with a new friend who is now an old friend. I never ride to the track anymore. The next year I did some racing. Trucked to Streets of Willow. Crashed on a set of tires that already had one trackday and two races on them. Spent half the day in the ER. Two friends drove down to get me. After that I always made sure to have a buddy. And fresh tires. When the red mist descends all bets are off.

Like Mary said, having a trailer is a guarantee you won't need it.

My two cents.

[Gratefuldiver]

I figured Id stir the pop with the trailer comment lol. If you have a trailer more power to ya, Its not im my budget so I make due with what I have. That aint much, but I still have fun. Now back to cashing those food stamps lol

[Project92rs]

Like Mary said, having a trailer is a guarantee you won't need it.

Or based on our experience at RTTC for the last 2 years, if we trailer our car in, we'll be driving our car home and towing someone else's.

And I didn't actually own a single car trailer. I had a friend at UHaul though that would "give" me one on loan for the weekend if I let him know in advance I needed one.

[Todd in Vancouver]

Question;
Not to regurgitate the whole 3 year tire thing but I'm very curious how the number 3 was determined? Is there any kind of formal study or data showing that after 3 years tire failures increase at X%?

I'm not trying to sound like a d!k but tire manufacturers have a 10 year rule on tires in inventory and they shouldn't be sold after that date. But, we all know there is a fudge factor in there (or a CYA if you prefer) so to go from 10 to 3 is a big jump. If we used only half of the industry standard we still be at 5.

I'm not complaining because frankly I haven't purchased my tires yet and with this rule it will now be the very last thing I do before putting insurance on the car. But, maybe if it is explained it will be a little easier to swallow. JMHO...

[GKL]

I'd gladly run a BFG decal if I can get FREE tires for the USCA event. Those g-Force Rivals look to be my best option unless I stay with a less competitive tire like the Nitto 555's I currently run. Let me know if anyone from BFG is interested!

[TheJDMan]

I understand the safety aspect behind the 3 yr tire rule and for the top drivers who attend numerious events each year this is a non-issue because tires won't last a whole year. However for drivers like me that will be lucky to make one event I would not be running in the top tier anyway so my speeds will be much lower. Does the 3yr tire rule apply to all entries or just the top run group?

As for trailering to an event, in the 70's I would drive the car to the drags until one night I spit the spider gears out the back of the 12bolt actually punching a hole in the rear cover. From that day on I trailer the car to these kinds of events. That said, I still do drive to local SCCA autocross events.

[T.K.]

I have to know... How many people here arguing for the 3yr tire age rule drive their cars more daily than they do for similar events? Sounds like the guys with street cars don't like it and the racecar guys don't see a problem. If the tires on my street car didn't last three years... additionally I would love to watch any of you walk into an everyday average tire shop and tell them that 3yr old street tires aren't safe.

a portion of this dialogue has been about people being turned off by the rules. But the truth is that the rules are being written to match where the sport is going, and it is the sport that is turning off the amateurs that want to come really drive their streetcars. This sport used to be for that guy. A sport that at its start would have more likely had the following rules 1) street legal 2) no sponsors 3) misc safety rules. This group is now relegated to the bottom class of the event which really has no recognition from event to event. The heart of this sport has been put second to the purpose built racecars that are trailered in, sponsored up, and required to be driven by driving school grads. This is the way of sporting competition, there is no way to stop it. That leaves me two final things to say. One, their is a group that takes this very seriously and that is okay, take caution in how you portray your elitism because it can quickly turn away the following and kill this sport. Secondly, I'd ask that more is done to highlight and put importance on the lower classes to keep interest in those classes. Between the lines of the rules it shouldn't feel like the lesser men are pushed down to lower classes. It should read that those who are 100% shop built, trailered, or sponsored, etc are pushed up into classes to preserve the competition in the class at the heart of this sport.

[OG_Racing]

T. K.
We need to air on the side of caution in with ultimate streetcar challenge on this. You really need to think twice about running a road racing course on tires older than a year. Over time tires do degrade rapidly, there is a clear performance drop-off on tires that are older than a year. The fact that ultimate streetcar challenge allows an additional two years to this is already trying to help out those that are not as well-funded.

We ran at the Daytona event, our car topped out 135 miles an hour around the banking. The G forces were exceeding at 1G Laterally and vertically. Other cars around us where blowing past. I would assume speeds of 155-160. Do take safety consideration as if you are to have a tire puncture and 135mph the results would be tragic. No ifs, ands or buts about it .... you're going to go into the wall.

Almost certain death would follow occupants in a vehicle hitting the wall @135 not equipped with an FIA rated cage, FIA rated seat, FIA rated head and neck restraint, and FIA rated harnesses.

[howehot]

I think you will be surprised when the TV show hits the air. I am the little guy. Used great parts from great people and built it with the help of my son in a barn built in 1921. No lift, no fancy tools.

This little guy has been treated VERY well at Daytona and Road America and expect the same at Gateway and I don't think any little guy at any event has been pushed aside for the faster, sponsored up racer.

Safety? Best taken seriously. I hit 149 on three different sessions at Daytona. No Cage, factory belts. Very stupid, not brave on my part. A cage is being planned. My feeling is we are one incident from this entire type of event being stopped. If you can't accept the few rules that are written, maybe your best at staying on the sideline. Tire maintenance is simple, how about brakes, suspension, steering, drivetrain. The simplest oversight could be catastrophic.

I will continue to praise the USCA, ASCS, Goodguys, and anyone else that puts on an event for our cars. They allow some one like me to run my car at venues otherwise impossible to gain access to. My home built car at Daytona. Who can say that! And I bought $1200 worth of tires to do it.