SCCA is considering adding Pro Touring classes.

[IndyDave]

I’ve come to learn that the SCCA national office is looking into adding classes for pro-touring cars. One of my good friends is currently employed by the SCCA as a consultant and his job is to come up with suggestions on how to strengthen SCCA’s Solo (autocross) program both at a national level but more importantly how to help the regions strengthen their programs. The region I’m involved with has a local class just for PT cars based on Goodguy’s Rod & Custom rules and it’s working reasonably well though not entirely as expected. It was also added as a supplemental class at the SCCA National Match Tour event at Grissom. Right now it’s become a good class for guys with late model American muscle cars on street tires who are really mis-classed under current SCCA Solo rules. What it hasn’t done so far is attract any actual pro-touring cars. We’ve had a few PT cars show up for our first test and tune this year and had one show up at our drag/cross event.
So, what would attract you to our events? What can I suggest to my friend that he can take to SCCA? What would you like to see? What turns you off?

[SSLance]

I don't need to be attracted...as I'm already regularly attending SCCA autocrosses in my outmatched pro-touringish car. I run in Street Modified mainly because of my engine swap, which pits me against mostly Evos if anything at all in our Region, and SM's PAX sucks as well when compared to the rest of the cars in the events. The thought of an actual pro-touring class that pits me directly against other cars like mine would be great. I'm curious what the rule set is that your local Region uses for it's PT cars? Is there a year model restriction? Full interiors required? Street tires (200TW)? etc etc? What PAX Quantifier do your PT cars get if any?

I'd like to see it be street legal body on frame cars, rear wheel drive, full interiors, any model year, manufacturer specific engine and trans (GM car needs a GM engine and trans), and similar suspensions but different mounting points allowed (live rear axle remains live rear axle).

We've had a few "muscle cars" come out in the last year, but usually only for an event or two, then they disappear again. I'm certain not having anything else to run against is a drawback as well as not running as well as they would have liked. Maybe if they'd have something else to run competitively against, they'd stick around long enough to make their cars better and have more fun trying to beat the next guy instead of just wearing out tires racing against a clock with nothing to compare it too.

Lance
KC Region SCCA Solo Regular

[IndyDave]

I don't need to be attracted...as I'm already regularly attending SCCA autocrosses in my outmatched pro-touringish car. I run in Street Modified mainly because of my engine swap, which pits me against mostly Evos if anything at all in our Region, and SM's PAX sucks as well when compared to the rest of the cars in the events. The thought of an actual pro-touring class that pits me directly against other cars like mine would be great. I'm curious what the rule set is that your local Region uses for it's PT cars? Is there a year model restriction? Full interiors required? Street tires (200TW)? etc etc? What PAX Quantifier do your PT cars get if any?

I'd like to see it be street legal body on frame cars, rear wheel drive, full interiors, any model year, manufacturer specific engine and trans (GM car needs a GM engine and trans), and similar suspensions but different mounting points allowed (live rear axle remains live rear axle).

We've had a few "muscle cars" come out in the last year, but usually only for an event or two, then they disappear again. I'm certain not having anything else to run against is a drawback as well as not running as well as they would have liked. Maybe if they'd have something else to run competitively against, they'd stick around long enough to make their cars better and have more fun trying to beat the next guy instead of just wearing out tires racing against a clock with nothing to compare it too.

Lance
KC Region SCCA Solo Regular

Here's the rules I put together for our region. I mostly copied and pasted Goodguy's rules and made minor tweeks.

2013 IndySCCA Street Machine / Street Rod / Trick Truck rules
All SCCA Solo rules are in effect except as explained below:
1. Open to rear wheel drive and all -wheel drive cars and trucks manufactured in the Americas.
2. DOT tires and tread wear will be limited to 200 minimum.
3. Must have all lug nuts on each wheel and must remove hub caps during runs if equipped.
4. Wheel bearings must have no play.
5. batteries must be mounted securely by mechanical fastener to the body or chassis.
6. Overflow catch can on the radiator is mandatory.
7. All hoses must be in good condition with no cracks, swelling, deterioration or leaks.
8. Brake pedal must have good resistance and not go to the floor.
9. All wheels must have working brakes of at least 50% of original thickness and fluid must be full with no leaks.
10. Steering column must be tight and secured no binding or looseness.
11. Seats must be mounted secure to body or chassis.
12. Seat belts must be a minimum of a lap belt and secured to the body, bar, seat anchor bolt or frame for both driver and passenger.
13. Gas cap or tank vent must not leak on the track and tank must be securely mounted.
14. Exhaust must exit outside of the body or behind driver and securely installed. Mufflers are required with no open exhaust or open headers allowed.
15. All entries will have all body panels of such vehicle. (Fenders, doors, hood, deck lid and bed sides on trucks) body must be within 10% of original production. (Hot rod & Truck class have exception in rules)
16. Must have front and rear glass or lexan and side windows must be rolled down during run times.
17. Throttle must have a return spring with no binding.
18. No leaks under vehicle.
19. All entries must be street licensed, insured, and street legal.
20. All passengers must be 12 or older. All competitors and passengers must sign an event waiver. All minors must have filled out a minor waiver signed by both parents or guardians.
21. Driver must have a state issued license.
22. All loose items must be removed from the vehicle. Including floor mats.
23. Helmets must be worn. Helmets must meet SNELL M2000 or newer minimum.
24. No unsafe driving will be tolerated.
25. No burnouts.
26. Smoking is not permitted in the pits, grid area or inside the racing area at any time.
27. Cone penalty is 2 seconds added to your time.
28. Not stopping at the stop sign is a DNF for that run.
29. All Street Rod (SR) and Trick Truck (TT) will be approved on a case by case basis. We reserve the right to refuse any entry for any reason.


Street Machine Class: (SMC)
• All vehicles must be 1955 and newer in appearance, representing a production car.
Hot Rod Class: (SR)
• All vehicles must be 1954 or older cars in appearance, no trucks, deliveries or panels allowed in this class.
• High-Boys and Roadsters are not required to run fenders or hood sides.

Truck Class: (TT)
• Any vehicle with a Bed, Panel trucks, Deliveries, El Caminos and Rancheros will be in this class.
• 1940 and older trucks are not required to run fenders or hood sides.
• Fuel tanks do NOT have to be in stock location but must be securely mounted.
• All truck entries will be determined on a case by case basis. No high center of gravity vehicles.

[shizzy]

Street Machine Class: (SMC)
• All vehicles must be 1955 and newer in appearance, representing a production car.
Hot Rod Class: (SR)
• All vehicles must be 1954 or older cars in appearance, no trucks, deliveries or panels allowed in this class.
• High-Boys and Roadsters are not required to run fenders or hood sides.

Truck Class: (TT)
• Any vehicle with a Bed, Panel trucks, Deliveries, El Caminos and Rancheros will be in this class.
• 1940 and older trucks are not required to run fenders or hood sides.
• Fuel tanks do NOT have to be in stock location but must be securely mounted.
• All truck entries will be determined on a case by case basis. No high center of gravity vehicles.

I'm not fully understanding these rules. Lots of the earlier trucks are based on their car counterparts.

Take my Vehicle for instance. It's a 1950 Willys Pick up. I plan to run it fenderless. Where do I fit?

[DesertFox]

I don't need to be attracted...as I'm already regularly attending SCCA autocrosses in my outmatched pro-touringish car.

Oh boy do I hear ya! For me it's worse... I've been stuck in CP hell. Any chance of being competitive in my class is a pure pipe dream as witnessed by my outstanding last place finish at Nat's last year.

I'd like to see something about being street legal (or better yet licensed).

[Tomswheels]

We get 4 (real 1960s) pro touring cars consistently at San Diego events, with another 4 that show up occasionally. I have been bringing my 1969 Barracuda to practices but my 2013 Mustang to championships, just so I can run in ESP legally and have a chance to trophy. Id rather autocross the Cuda, but the Ford rear end and later model 360 make it illegal for ESP. I do think a pro-touring class would help, as knowing one of us four real PT guys would trophy should make it more fun. I do think to attract more 60s and 70s cars you might need two different pro touring classes, maybe one for 1978 and earlier only with some sort of limit to mods, and another "unlimited" class where the late model muscle can battle the $150k 69 Camaros...

[XLexusTech]

I am in.. was considering NASA but prefer SCCA...

[Ron Sutton]

Love it. If this happens, I will AutoX with my local SCCA club.

[Bryce]

I agree with Tom. I don't really want to see a lot of strict rules. pro-touring cars a different and custom by design and an entire rule book would make them more of a spec class. Aftermarket subframes might be the only sperator I would use if you had enough cars show up to make two classes.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Love it. If this happens, I will AutoX with my local SCCA club.

I agree Ron!

I agree with Tom. I don't really want to see a lot of strict rules. pro-touring cars a different and custom by design and an entire rule book would make them more of a spec class. Aftermarket subframes might be the only sperator I would use if you had enough cars show up to make two classes.

Bryce's main point hit it on the head. The system, in and of itself, is not made for PT. PT is an expression of design, taste/personal preference and (at what) level of desire to compete. Our cars are not rules based whereas the the SCCA rule class book is.

All respect to George (I think that's his name) in the San Diego SCCA thread, but his comments about who fits where makes my head spin. Clearly delineates the difference between the SCCA and followers of this genre of cars.

I do like the proposed rule alignment with Good Guys abpve.
Oh and Bryce I don't think custom subs require a different class at this point. JMHO

[Bryce]

I agree Ron!



Bryce's main point hit it on the head. The system, in and of itself, is not made for PT. PT is an expression of design, taste/personal preference and (at what) level of desire to compete. Our cars are not rules based whereas the the SCCA rule class book is.

All respect to George (I think that's his name) in the San Diego SCCA thread, but his comments about who fits where makes my head spin. Clearly delineates the difference between the SCCA and followers of this genre of cars.

I do like the proposed rule alignment with Good Guys abpve.
Oh and Bryce I don't think custom subs require a different class at this point. JMHO

Thanks Ron, I only think the subframe rule should be there IF there are enough cars for two classes. Maybe over 12 cars that run in PT.

[musclecarmatt]

very cool...mite make me get into the SCCA part more if they do..

[Turbo6inKY]

very cool...mite make me get into the SCCA part more if they do..

Our local region (Kentucky, based in Louisville) created a run-what-you-brung class called Street Tire Open (STO). The only rules (beyond the standard safety stuff that applies to every class) is it must be a series produced vehicle and be running on street tires (treadwear 140+). EVERYTHING else is allowed.

The only tradeoff is we PAX it the same as AM (1.0).

It has been a fantastic success. It's often our largest class, bringing as many as a dozen cars to each event. It's competitive, too. The tire restriction really levels the playing field.

Our STO class actually started as Street Touring Fully Unlimited (STFU). We actually ran two events with that class name before more adult heads prevailed, but the class was an attempt to get more participation and eliminate rules anxiety for newcomers, as well as give people a place to play with the cars they built for themselves instead of the rulebook.

You may want to get a few of your PT friends together and head to a membership meeting for your local region and find out if they have something like it. If they don't, ask them if they'll create it for an event or two to try it out, and then get the word out. The local regions are not bound by the SCCA's National Classes, they're free to do whatever they want at their events.

[SSLance]

it must be a series produced vehicle

Andrew, can you clear up exactly what this means? I am putting together in my head a way to propose this idea to our SAC and I'd like to be sure I know what this means exactly beforehand.

For instance, Tyler runs with us every now and then with his Scout II body sitting on what I believe is at least a partial S10 truck chassis, all heavily modified. Does that qualify as a "series produced vehicle"?

I've already talked with our SAC chair and he is on board with the idea...just wants me to put it together and present it at the next regular meeting. Says we may even work it into a couple of events yet this year if we want.

[Turbo6inKY]

Andrew, can you clear up exactly what this means? I am putting together in my head a way to propose this idea to our SAC and I'd like to be sure I know what this means exactly beforehand.

For instance, Tyler runs with us every now and then with his Scout II body sitting on what I believe is at least a partial S10 truck chassis, all heavily modified. Does that qualify as a "series produced vehicle"?

I've already talked with our SAC chair and he is on board with the idea...just wants me to put it together and present it at the next regular meeting. Says we may even work it into a couple of events yet this year if we want.

This whole thing worked itself out with CAM, but series produced meant pretty much anything that was built on an assembly line (no one-offs). Your friend's Scout-10 would have been quite welcomed.

Sorry it took me two and a half years to respond. People get busy sometimes...

[SSLance]

People get busy sometimes...

Lol... I hear ya Andrew. Thanks for the reply though.

[mincharlie]

That all looks pretty good. Would the scca put this in effect at all events or just regions that would ask? I know the knoxville region has sound restrictions as well which would be hard to meet even with mufflers and pipes all the way out the back. Per there sound meters.

[Bryce]

That all looks pretty good. Would the scca put this in effect at all events or just regions that would ask? I know the knoxville region has sound restrictions as well
which would be hard to meet even with mufflers and pipes all the way out the back. Per there sound meters.

My falcon is just under our sound limit of 93dB

[GrabberGT]

In the last SCCA national event here, the Texas Match Tour, there was a ProTouring class referencing the American Streetcar Series rules. I see that becoming the standard for our cars in the SCCA.

[SSLance]

In the last SCCA national event here, the Texas Match Tour, there was a ProTouring class referencing the American Streetcar Series rules. I see that becoming the standard for our cars in the SCCA.

Does anyone have the American Streetcar Series Rules handy or available?