SAN DIEGO AUTOCROSS Sept30 Oct20 Nov18

[Tomswheels]

Hank and George we really do appreciate your help with the SCCA. As far as I can tell we have the following people who are very dedicated to showing up at every event:
Me (69 Cuda)
Rich (69 Stang)
Tyler (67 Fairlane)
Mark (66 Chevelle)
Alcino (76 Stang)
in addition, we have a few that may be showing up next year consistently:
Bryce (65 Falcon)
Charles (73 Camaro)
Gregg (69 Camaro)
Dan (69 Road Runner)
If I forgot anyone let me know!

So it seems the simplest way to make a class for us is to keep it simple, Pre-77 American Cars (over 2500 lbs) street-registered, 200 treadware or greater tires. This basically mirrors the Goodguys rules and makes it inclusive to all. How do we get the SCCA folks to do it?

[Hank]

It'll be harder for the board to take you seriously with such broad rules, but seeing as most of you didn't create your cars FOR autocross, I could see a broader class being a way to get the PT/Muscle/American community to buy-in before starting to ask them to spend more money to be competitive or remove class-illegal mods.

As it stands though, your class is basically just like our SM class now: anyone can win if they want to pour in more money. Does anyone on leaf springs and a stock motor have a chance against Gregg? If you're running 245s on your stock rims but the next guy has 305s on 11" wheels, how are you going to feel that he's can hamfist his way around the track and still own you? Is it just easier to swallow if you get beat by American than an import? Without some more guidelines, I think it'll be harder to be taken seriously.

This reminds me of women in MMA. They want a place in the sport, but for the sport to be taken seriously, they need weight classes because otherwise nobody would take them seriously as there's no sense of fairness. But then, if you start to exclude, you suddenly have a pool that's so small that nobody cares and potential quality fighters are discouraged from pursuing. Long way of me saying I think some restrictions might go a long way in making a real class.

Many people come and go when it comes to autocross and that's why I think George would rather wait a year because people talk big and don't follow through (and our region knows this). I hope to keep seeing you guys and you do seem like a relatively organized bunch. Let me know what you guys think.

Last note: I'm guessing this is an effort to not exclude people, but a 200+ treadwear rating ilimits you to basically Dunlop Star Specs and nothing else. As great as this tire is, if you include 140+ you give people more options on tires. I'm specifically concerned less with the grip the compound provides and more the sizes offered (they only go up to 18").

[Hank]

Anyway, if any of you guys (besides George and Tom) follow the SCCA SDR Solo forum, you'll know that it's a certain road ahead of you before a local class can be created. It's good to keep in mind what you want for the future and I'm happy to discuss it, but the focus is to keep showing up so the vets and board get to know who you guys are and see you're serious about autocross, ironically even if you just do it for fun.

[soloracerSD]

To talk class you need to know something about the SCCA Solo 2 solo1 rule book.That why you can see how detailed they are.If you don't want so many rules we have that class.There is one car in that class that is maybe 7 seconds faster then me.The other cars running in that class Tom has beaten with a stock 69 Cuda.You all can run together there.It takes 7 cars I think to get a 2nd place trophy.I know that Gregg has a great car and is quickly picking up speed.Next event he will be on 100 tread wear tires and I will be challenged to keep up.He was only a half second behind me on 200s.He can be in XP and challenge the XP Cobra.That 69 Camaro can run in SU or XP.The guys in SM can run SU to.But I think at the moment you guys have it pretty good in SM.The only car to challenhge you guys is the Honda Civic of Jason.. It's Stock I'm Curious how fast was Dov in Rich's Mustang did he get a 56.00 that would of matched the Civics time.You guys are picking up speed and with some more car prep and a good match set of 200s You could win SM as it is now.Maybe save you 200s for Good Guys and use 100s at SCCA. like Gregg.


BTW the SCCA solo2 solo1 rule book is online at SCCA.com click solo look for car classification and rules.. or buy it for 25.00.
2500lb is lighter then what SM and CP allow for a 5 liter.The rules I have in mind would be 2900 for 5 liter and anything over 3600 is anything goes. based on the adjusted formula adopted from SM.From what I've seen Gregg and Bryce have the fastest cars ..Bryce made the first event of the year and Gregg the last. 2700lb 350hp vs nearly 3600lb and 700hp. I'm curious to see who is faster around the track

[soloracerSD]

What happens often .Folks race Muscle cars and 5 months later they are racing a Miata.Me..I've raced the same car for 20 plus years..LOL I haven't given up on a SM vertion of a Vintage muscle car class .A class happening after just 4 events is unlikely.At last event only 2 and a half cars were Vintage Muscle.A Fairelane ,Chevelle and the 69 Camaro being the half. That is what can be shown for a reason for the class.REmember

SM XP,CP and SU always run in same group.

In reply to Gregg.s letter
I like the data and it was a fun track and yes, I was excited to have you show up.I've told folks at our events I 'm getting cars coming from Pro-touring.com and Good Guys.Some have asked several times whats that site again. So when I saw it on you back window..lol It was like "Here it is write it down."
And your bringing 100 treadware RA1s next event Awsome !I hope I can challenge you. I'm curious to see the results of the event to see who I expect you will be beating next event on RA1s maybe the XP Cobra.I'm getting use to my NT01s so I'm curious where I'm at overall.

Anyway next event is on the small lot.

Good to have you come back on Hank! it's been a while. So for how long have you been racing a GO-KART.?
I saw you in your clean drivers suit.Sunday.I bet your a real chick magnet in the Paddock..Oh who was the guy in orange and orange umprella working the course? There was another walking the Paddock.Is it a cult..

[soloracerSD]

at sdr-scca.com results are now up for dec 9th event and photos are up at LATEAPEXPHOTO.com for Dec 9th

The finish order isn't what we thought in SM Rich you didn't get away with that DNF. Mark was 3rd.

Gregg was just 1,3 of a second behind th XP-F5 Cobra that was on 40 tread ware okay Gregg had more laps to do it in.But next time RA1s

[Hank]

You guys should really check the SCCA SDR forum out: http://www.sdsolo.com/forum/forum.php

I only really see Tom on there. Even if it doesn't make a huge difference, if people see your presence on the boards, they see more dedication and investment in the sport and are more likely to take you seriously when it comes time in August and September to try to write in your own class.

Also, if you haven't already, we also have a facebook: facebook.com/sandiegoautocross

[Tomswheels]

Hank and George, again, thanks for all the help. For the Practice day in Feb, what is different for signing up? Can I bring more than one car? Are any of the rest of you joining Rich and I at Run to the Coast?

[soloracerSD]

I don't think the fryers are up yet for Feb 2 and 3rd.. but when the Feb 2nd practice is.There will be instructions..What usually happens is you print the practice flyer.Put down your info and mail it in at least 2 weeks before event with check. There is a morning run and work group and afternoon run and work group.. You can sign up for both. and use 2 different cars.I expect practice to be 45.00 for a 1.5 hr run group more then 8 laps possible.... Sunday championship will be the same 30.00 for SCCA members.plus 20.00 for trial membership if not a member


What are the car requirements for run to the coast? is it a muscle car club?

[Tomswheels]

Run to the coast is 98% old muscle cars, but I ran my 2013 Stang, and saw a BMW M3 and an EVO there last year...

[Hank]

Yes, Practices, unlike Champ Events, are always done via a mailed-in pre-registration system with usually a limit of 80-100 entrants. That sounds like a lot but with this being the first practice of the year and the first in quite a long while, I always send my entry immediately. Two weeks beforehand and Im guessing you'll be on a wait list.

Usually you get at least 11 runs, but it's anywhere between 8 and 14 I'd say, depending on how the day goes and how the club runs things. Some clubs do it by time, others by runs. And if I recall it correctly, 3/5 clubs do it how George described and 2/5 do it like a Test n Tune where you run in the morning and afternoon with a break for tweaking setup of your car and giving you time to process.

[V8240Z]

Please post here when we are first able to sign up. I don't want to miss this weekend!

[soloracerSD]

I will do Charles I do expect to see it posted at SDR-SCCA.com/solo2 in a week.Thats my best guess...and mailing in as soon as possible ,Events before SOLO2 National Tour sell out fast.I haven't done a practice in over a year..Like Hank said with 5 different clubs hosting events.Different ideas are tried.Some might restrict you to using one car.But few members do 2 car practice events and the event host Chairmen can make adjustments for you..if it works.Tom has a collection of race cars..Tom do you have a Corvett too?


Anyone out there a DAKAR RALLY fan? I look forward to it every year.I would say it's the best REALITY SPORTING TV program .It starts Jan 5 on NBC sports with update 30 minute programs everyday for 2 weeks.If you haven't heard of it ,It's a 5000 mile desert race.400 miles a day for 13 days roughly.Sense I'm a build rules kind of guy.You have a choice of designs to run for overall win.A 4X4 with a wheel travel limit of I think 10 inches no tire inflation system..Or 2WD with 18 inches of travel and tire inflation system.So in the tight twisty stuff 4X4 are faster in wide open rough 2wd are faster.5000 miles.The American ROBBY GORDON is in a 2wd basicly a Class 1 SCORE Baja buggy with enclosed Carbin Fiber Hummer body.He was so fast in the rough last year that other teams looked for reason to protest the Hummer.He was accused of bypassing the engine air intake restrictor that reduces power.Accussed of using the tire inflation system to force air between engine and restrictor.This time he has asked that they pre check his vehicle before registering.So he will be inspected twice.He finished 2nd last year and DQed.A vehicle designed by Robby to challenge the factory teams of Toyota ,BMW/MINI, and Mitsubishi.etc.

stay up to date at PLANETROBBY.com and dakar.com

check out the videos at youtube.com like this one"Hummer Saltando Dakar" I know it's not autocross but it's so cool

Oh and if you can't wait till FEB 2nd and 3rd to autocross at Q stadium..SCCA CAL-CLUB is autocrossing in Fontana AAA speedway Jan 26 and 27..for info go to SOLO2.com

heres a good video of what one of their courses look like YOUTUBE SEARCH "SCCA AUTO X FONTANA NOVEMBER 4 2012" A nice lot and I haven't raced there in years.Many of their racers raced our last event.Mike S their chairman would like to see you guys run with them.

[Gandalf]

Hank and George we really do appreciate your help with the SCCA. As far as I can tell we have the following people who are very dedicated to showing up at every event:
Me (69 Cuda)
Rich (69 Stang)
Tyler (67 Fairlane)
Mark (66 Chevelle)
Alcino (76 Stang)
in addition, we have a few that may be showing up next year consistently:
Bryce (65 Falcon)
Charles (73 Camaro)
Gregg (69 Camaro)
Dan (69 Road Runner)
If I forgot anyone let me know!

So it seems the simplest way to make a class for us is to keep it simple, Pre-77 American Cars (over 2500 lbs) street-registered, 200 treadware or greater tires. This basically mirrors the Goodguys rules and makes it inclusive to all. How do we get the SCCA folks to do it?

I'll do what I can to support the cause for sure but in all fairness I know that I won't be available for every event. My business and other event schedules keep me on my toes but I will definitely participate whenever I'm in town and able.

Oh and if you can't wait till FEB 2nd and 3rd to autocross at Q stadium..SCCA CAL-CLUB is autocrossing in Fontana AAA speedway Jan 26 and 27..for info go to SOLO2.com

Hmmmmmmmmm........ got me thinking already George lol!

G.

[Tomswheels]

All right so for anyone interested in joining us this is the Rich and I schedule for the first half of 2013. We will be running Qualcomm and the So-Cal challenge days as well as Goodguys and Run to the Coast:

Feb. 2/3. Qualcomm Autocross
Feb. 23/24. Run to the Coast
March 2. So-Cal Challenge Adams Motorsprts Park Riverside
March 3. Qualcomm Autocross
March 16/17. Qualcomm Autocross
March 23/24. (Possibly). Goodguys Pleasanton
April 5-7. Goodguys Del Mar
April 27. So-Cal Challenge Camarillo
April 28. Qualcomm Autocross
June 1/2. Qualcomm Autocross
June 8. So-Cal Challenge Adams Motorsports Park Riverside
June 29/30. Qualcomm Autocross

The So-Cal challenge is a 5 event series in 2013 and is alot of fun, I recommend it for all the PT guys who haven't tried it yet. Hope to see Tyler, Bryce, Alcino, Charles, Mark and whoever else can join often next year!

[Matt@BOS]

I think I might have to sign up. Gregg might have just convinced me after his last trip...

Matt

[soloracerSD]

Hello Matt

If your talking about the SCCA.The Feb 2nd and 3rd Flyer should be posted soon at SDR-SCCA.com..I'm surprised it isn't up now.You print it,write a check and mail it in right away.SCCA TRial weekend memberships are sold at the event.

I think I remember Gregg telling me you had a Mustang and a Camaro.Matt.

If you didn't know the FEB 2nd and 3rd event are paid for separately.One day is a practice, one is competition..It won't be on the same lot as last Dec 9th.That was WEST LOT..This one will be on SOUTH EAST LOT.. Qualcomm stadium Parking lot.

Also today at Qualcomm stadium Jan 5th ,San Diego's autocrossers from the SCCA,and also the other local clubs such as Porsche,BMW,Karting and SuperMoto will be at the Q patching the pavement.Once a year we all get together to patch the pot holes.Will there be any chargers doing the patching? I dought it... If any one wants to give a helping hand come on down.

Oh Yes! the Dakar Rally Raid starts today.One of my favorite races of the year!(((.Dakar.com and planetrobby.com))) updates tonight on NBC SPORTS.It takes 2 weeks to finish the 5000 plus mile race across the desert. also search SBS broadcasting dakar on google.SBS.com/AU

[Matt@BOS]

Hello Matt

If your talking about the SCCA.The Feb 2nd and 3rd Flyer should be posted soon at SDR-SCCA.com..I'm surprised it isn't up now.You print it,write a check and mail it in right away.SCCA TRial weekend memberships are sold at the event.

I think I remember Gregg telling me you had a Mustang and a Camaro.Matt.

If you didn't know the FEB 2nd and 3rd event are paid for separately.One day is a practice, one is competition..It won't be on the same lot as last Dec 9th.That was WEST LOT..This one will be on SOUTH EAST LOT.. Qualcomm stadium Parking lot.

Also today at Qualcomm stadium Jan 5th ,San Diego's autocrossers from the SCCA,and also the other local clubs such as Porsche,BMW,Karting and SuperMoto will be at the Q patching the pavement.Once a year we all get together to patch the pot holes.Will there be any chargers doing the patching? I dought it... If any one wants to give a helping hand come on down.

Oh Yes! the Dakar Rally Raid starts today.One of my favorite races of the year!(((.Dakar.com and planetrobby.com))) updates tonight on NBC SPORTS.It takes 2 weeks to finish the 5000 plus mile race across the desert. also search SBS broadcasting dakar on google.SBS.com/AU

Hi George, you must have a good memory. I do have a new Mustang and an old Camaro. Do I need to figure out what I'm bringing out and what class I would be in beforehand, or can I just show up? Will we have a pro touring class this season, or would I end up in CP with the Camaro?

Thanks for your interest in our community,
Matt

[soloracerSD]

You don't need a class on practice days because no laptimes are recorded and posted..On Championship days you need a class because all laptimes are recorded and posted.Most of the Pro-Touring guys run in S-Modified class.The class allows a lot of mods, but you must use a stock unaltered frame.(Aftermarket suspension must use stock frame attachment mounts)Subframe connectors are allowed and so is a roll cage with only 6 mounting points to floor.Some of the PT guys could probably run in ESP or STX that allows less mods.In SM most all can run together.

CP cars also use stock frame but stock attachment points have been strippedoff.and you can't add turbos and S-Chargers.SM you can add them.
XP and SU allow aftermarket frames and I think power adders to.

There are alot more details then what I wrote here.ALOT! The Rule book covering all classes is close to 400 pages and 25.00$ ONLINE Rule book at SCCA.com/Solo(For more details go to my 7th text on this thread.)

On the practice day ,We have morning group and afternoon group.You can pay to enter both and bring 2 cars or just one.

Back to class.Your Camaro will run at same time as SM,CP,XP,SU on sunday.So we can tell you the class when we see it.We don't have a official class that limits vintage modified muscle cars to be older then lets say 1976.Best thing for them is SM.Do we have a class like optima battery Ultimate Street Car Challenge.I know thats popular with PT.YES we do! that is SM also.But we limit it to 4 seater cars on stock frame with interior,( we have a 2 seater version to)and allow any DOT race tire.So you can use you 200 TW or go softer and save your 200TW for street and other events.Like most SCCA SOLO racers we have 2 sets of wheels and tire Compounds.I have 200s for street and 100s for autocross but could use 30 treadwear Kumhos yes thirty tread wear.ALCINO MUSTANG 2 loves this way of thinking.I bet!
Like in Ultimate street car challenge you will see WRX STIs,and BMWs.I haven't seen one run SM in 7 month at SDR.


Do you plan on doing the Feb 2nd practice?

[Tomswheels]

Its about time you come down and join us Matt! Ive still only seen the GT500, not the vintage Camaro... So Im excited! George I found some cheap Michelin Cup Slicks... No treadware rating... Can I run them in SM?