just curious if anyone is running USTCC or something equivalent in SCCA . trying to get a feel for cost.

thanks!

 

Out of curiosity, what is the appeal of running USTCC or the like?

 

well.... i have always had the interest in the likes of USTCC and Speed world challenge. S.W.C is expensive as crazy. car's can cost a couple hundred thousand to be up front. but USTCC is very cheap. minmal mods , but low , fast, and loud cars. all the cars are balanced correctly so an E46 M3 has to weigh alot more to be fair to like an integra which of course can be alot lighter. There is a wide variety of cars in the field which i like. not just honda's.The series is also growing and now companys are getting involved and it's becoming something.

 

and Phat-s, nice welding on the cage! i saw the pics.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JRDbuilt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The series is also growing and now companys are getting involved and it's becoming something.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Unless something has changed, I think exactly the opposite is true. They are struggling to have decent field. We get a 1st hand look as they run under our sanctioning a couple of times a year in the NW.

They are also kinda wrong coast for you as well.

 

I ran one USTCC race at Portland last year as a "field-filler" and would've run another one at Seattle if the schedule worked out. I had a great time and everyone who participates in the series is very friendly. Justin Elin is a friend of mine, and I crewed for him at Infineon last summer. Drove all the way there and back on my own nickel, and was happy to. For one reason or another UST is struggling to find its way and I think it's a shame. The intent is there, but unfortunately the fields are not.

$.02

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JRDbuilt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">and Phat-s, nice welding on the cage! i saw the pics.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I wish I could take credit for it but no, its actually Walt at Delta Group Motorsports (metalworker on HT) that did everything on it. Its been painted since and it has an a pillar brace and rather pimp window net mount not shown.

From looking at USTCC rules, my cage (which pretty much maximizes what you can do in Improved Touring) would actually be far short of a full blown implementation per the rules of USTCC:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by USTCC Rules &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
5.2. Roll Cages
All cage requirements found in the CCR must be met
except for the following: 1) Any number of mounting
points may be used. 2) Any number of tubes may be
used, even for chassis stiffening. 3) Tubes may be
welded at any contact point, or be “seam welded.” 4)
Two (2) forward cage braces per side (total of four) may
pass through the firewall and connect at no more than
two points in the engine compartment (i.e. strut tower or
frame). Addition of this modification will result in a 25lb
weight penalty. Note: Substandard tubing, welding,
design, and/or installation of tubes that could present a
hazard to the driver, should the tube(s) in question break
loose and impale or crush the driver is prohibited. Side
door bars may extend to the outer sheet metal (i.e.
NASCAR style) per the CCR.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JRDbuilt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well.... i have always had the interest in the likes of USTCC and Speed world challenge. S.W.C is expensive as crazy. car's can cost a couple hundred thousand to be up front. but USTCC is very cheap. minmal mods , but low , fast, and loud cars.</TD></TR></TABLE>


It is loud alright, but far from fast. I think the majority is running Honda challenge H4 times.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The series is also growing and now companys are getting involved and it's becoming something.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have nothing against the series and would like to see the series grow. But to call it growiong is far from the truth. I don't see any difference since 4 years ago. Which is a shame IMHO. It is truly has a potential to be a great series. The idea behind it is great.

 

tom lepper visits http://www.accordinglydone.com from time to time...he goes by the name "fastom" i think and his son i forgot his sn..but you can do a quick search on that site and pm him questions...his team ran the 5th gen accord..his car's for sale now too

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Andrie &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
It is loud alright, but far from fast. I think the majority is running Honda challenge H4 times.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I think you would agree andrie, that the fields are not running H4 times because of a problem with the cars or the rules, but because of the wide range of talent in the USTCC field. I think alot of drivers are using it as a first racing venue, because they like the rules, but this means most of the field is inexperienced by comparison. They are getting better, and the times will come up with time and with the new rules going into effect this year. What the series really needs is to draw the attention of a couple more good teams and drivers to make it work. I am actually kind of surprised it isn't more popular. What's not to like about a multi-marque pro series? Maybe when the economy revs up again and weekend warriors have some more money to spend...

 

I am sorry i wasnt aware of them not growing. I just like the multi- make care field and would love to run in something similar. I just would like to get out on the track and run.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JRDbuilt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I am sorry i wasnt aware of them not growing. I just like the multi- make care field and would love to run in something similar. I just would like to get out on the track and run. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I always get a kick out of people who look at a series and say "I didn't want to run it because the field isn't growing..."

???...

... to join a field is to grow it.

Our team joined it because we thought it was a great idea AND we want to be part of the solution. JRDbuilt, I congratulate you for seeing the series potential and having the guts to move toward action. Every new driver is one step toward the solution to small fields.

For those who don't know. USTCC is having it's first East/West Shootout this year, we will do a high profile support race, and a street race in Mexico.

 

Back to your original question. My budget is $3,500.00 per race. That includes everything...car...travel...crew...entry.

It could be a great series. It should be for people that can't afford the money or time to do S.W.C.

 

To answer your question there are some good write ups in the latest GRM magazine. You could spend around 25 thousand plus or minus to build a competitive car, depending on how much work you do yourself. Weekend expenses will vary on location of course, but about 2 thousand and up will cover it on the low side barring any misfortune.
Unfortunatly you wont find much love on this forum due to a few years of poor publicity and alot of people who think they know how the series should be but are not currently involved to make it so.
I have been involved for this last year, and after a full season of seeing where its at and reading everyone elses rants we are staying involved to further develop the series.
The series lacked enough bodies to cover all of the administration, that is being corrected now. A better organized tech procedure will come in to play this year along with revised rules and vehicle specific mod. sheets. The "cars" should be able to lap at H1 or better times now. And extensive work is being done to put together a media package that can give exposure to all regular competitors.
We recently recieved a rules update for WC and costs are going up not staying put. They are making it more focused to factory backed spare no expense teams. Not only does a privateer have to spend big money to build a close to competitive package but you will have to carry extra weight too, to make sure your back out of the way of the teams that run the whole schedule.
Our goal as competitors in USTCC is to make the somewhat economical WC.( cough... did he say "economical"... cough...)
No the series wont be perfect this year, but it will be better than last because the current feild is not complaing on forums or elsewhere their getting involved to make it what it can and should be.
I welcome any to attend and participate if you can. Were all pretty helpful if you ask because we want good close compitition. Theres not much fun in racing on your own whether its at the front or back. We also welcome constructive critcism if its for the benifit of the series.
John, thanks again for yours Jeremy and Kyle's help. We really appreciate quality help and such humble attitudes. I hope everything works out for your goals this year. I'll try and keep you updated as things become official so maybe you can fit in another race with us! Have you decided on swaping motors yet?

 

Fastom, I just realized who you were. you seem to be owning USTCC with the amazing placing's you have been puttin on the table. ive been keeping track via the USTCC website and have watched the in car videos.

do you have any advice for an up and coming racer?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gymkhana &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Have you decided on swaping motors yet? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Unless somehow I can obtain a free motor/trans/brakes/wheels/tires package, I don't see it happening. Otherwise I'd set up camp right next to you guys. My already low race allowance just decreased a few hundred bux a month since we bought our new home this past fall. Maybe Raymond wants to sponsor another car? On second thought, he probably doesn't need the extra stress.

 

Justin,

I hope all you said about performance of the car, the admin, and media package materialize for next year. Like I said, the idea behind the series is really good. I hope they can also implement 110% rule for next year. So we don't see the big difference in talent Chris aluded to.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JRDbuilt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Fastom, I just realized who you were. you seem to be owning USTCC with the amazing placing's you have been puttin on the table.?</TD></TR></TABLE>


Tom is a great driver, you put him in anything and he will make it fast . Also his accord his very very very very very very very well sorted out.

 

Hey Andrie, Theres been no mention of a 110% rule. We currently could not afford to exclude anyone who wants to play and I dont think we should. I would hope that anyone who wants to "regularly" compete will make a serious effort so they can run close.
I hate to get too excited and say things that might happen to find out later that they fall thru. That being siad, what I posted earlier is in effect and more may be coming but I'll wait till its confirmed.
Our biggest dillema may be the cart before the horse. A promising, publisized series with not much compitition to publicize. Its so hard to get people to commit at being regular. So were hoping that a better seperated series with more coverage will attract the right people. I'd love to run with you at one of the events this year. Your car should fit in this years rules.

 

Justin,
If Andrie's car would fit the rules, would yours fit in HC?

I see that some good things could happen with the series if the things you guys discussed were to happen. If not, well.....you guys could always switch over to Honda Challenge. We are a series that is definitely growing.

 

I wouldnt count it out, but its not likely. We want to comit to a whole season of this series and fit in as many of the west coast WC events as we can. All of the HC events are in Cali. for west coast, so it would be hard to make a trip there just for that and still meet our goals for the rest of the season.
Sorry by the way if I'm taking over the thread. I dont speak up much, but I have time at the moment and it seems like the right opportunity to update everyone.

 

USTCC looks uber exciting just look @ tom he's overwhelmed

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sans &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">USTCC looks uber exciting just look @ tom he's overwhelmed </TD></TR></TABLE>

FYI tom was trying to pop off the top to the bubbly to get Ali.

You seem to have a negative out look on alot of racing series, alot to complain and bitch about, but never see you do much for a series. I do admit that USTCC does need help and hopefully it will get there, but takeing cheap shots at the series, is not needed.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slammed_93_hatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I do admit that USTCC does need help and hopefully it will get there, but takeing cheap shots at the series, is not needed.</TD></TR></TABLE>

there charging 750 bux an event (1000 for the first event), mandating 17in tires only and nasa rules overwhored to where Honda Challenge cars are overall faster.

I could get into what I've "done" about it. But that's the past and we'll see what SCCA's Honda cup opener looks like in 3 weeks.

 

Advice for JRD built

1) be a member of the lucky sperm club - have dad pay the bills

2) Find a high paying job or make your own

3) Help any racer you can. What goes around comes around

4) Show enough heart and you WILL get an oppturnity

5) Don't blow your chance