SAC recommendations to leave the MINI Cooper in HS and the BMW 330Ci in DS. The SEB also approved the SAC recommendation of reclassification of the MINI Cooper S from DS to GS, effective 1/1/2003. After considering member input and
SAC recommendations, the SEB has selected the following actions regarding
class SS, AS, and BS, and is recommending them to the BOD, effective 1/1/2003:

1. Leave in SS: Mazda RX-7 Turbo ('93+)
2. Move from SS to AS: BMW M Coupe and Roadster ('01+), BMW M3 (E46), and Mercedes SLK32 AMG, and Porsche Boxster S
3. Move from AS to BS: BMW M Coupe and Roadster ('96-'00)

These changes are recommended in conjunction with the new classification of the Nissan 350Z in BS, as shown in the Tech Bulletins elsewhere herein.
SS - Dodge Viper SRT-10
BS - Nissan 350Z
DS - MazdaSpeed Protégé
DS - Chrysler Neon SRT-4
GS - Audi V8 Quattro (change existing
GS listing to "Audi V8 Quattro, A8")
2) Stock: The Mazda Miata Club Sport is considered an option package and is covered by the existing Mazda Miata listing in CS.
3) Stock: The VW GTI 337 edition is considered an option package and is covered by the existing VW GTI listing in GS.
4) Stock: The FS listing "Audi 200 V8" is erroneous and is being removed.
5) Stock: The MINI Cooper S is reclassified from DS to GS, effective
1/1/2003.

http://www.scca.org/news/fastrack/02-12.pdf

 

What the hell is Howard thinking?

SS - Dodge Viper SRT-10
BS - Nissan 350Z

That Viper needs to be in ASP just like all the other previous editions. I don't think the Z06 will have much for that car. The 350Z should probably be bumped to AS and keeping the RX7 TT in SS is a sad proposition when all of its pervious competition has been dropped to AS.

 

That it will be as competitive as the rest of the Vipers in SS?

 

Sounds like a good year for BMWs in Solo II. Makes me happy

Scott, why don't you post this to the THSCC list. Consider it the first of your autocross VP responsibilities

 

When did they move the Vipers to SS?!!! Last I checked they were in ASP!


Drew - Who should probably pay more attention to these things

 

i think the problem for the viper guys will be not being able to get enough tire....i don't think the Z06's have too much to worry about....we haven't all forgotten that autoX isn't about pure HP now have we?

 

OT: What's a "Miata Club Sport?"

Sounds interesting.

 

They were moved to SS this year.

Pat, who has never driven a Z06 or Viper (or any SS car for that matter)

 

It's a lightweight version of the Miata with stiffer springs, shocks, additional bracing, no a/c, etc. Basically an SSB ready car which will also fair very well in CS (auto-x).

 

What tires do Z06s run?
The viper I examined not long ago had insanely wide rear tires. 315 or 335 IIRC (maybe 355?)

 

Are you sure about the uprated suspension and chassis? I was under the impression the car had the hardtop, optional soft top delete, and de-optioned. Either way, a Google search resulted in very little information. Basically, an R version of the M2 Miata.

 

1) Howard doesn't make these decisions, the SEB does.

2) The Z06 will have plenty for the Viper. Having raced several Z06s, I speak from experience when I say that they are AMAZING cars. Think about it...about 45HP less than the most in a Viper so far (not much difference in autox), weight a few hundred pounds less, has ABS (yes, I know that some Vipers do too), and is overall a more refined car. Yeah, I'd still take a Z06.

Btw: the Z06 runs 275 or 285 in front (I forget) and 305 in rear when running Hoosiers.

 

Cooper-S to GS, yet the Celica GTS and RSX-S still get humped in DS.

I wonder who Brian Garfield had to lube up to get the Mini reclassed.

Scott

 

DFauth - I didn't see you at the last autoX in the springs?
Aaron

 

It makes no sense. I drove the Cooper S twice and it is 2s faster (on a 50s course) than my Civic Si. I mean the car is almost STS ready.

 

What's the weight on the 350Z? I haven't seen one Solo-ing yet. I don't recall them being very light. The only race-tire testing on one I've heard about was SCC FWIW, who seemed to say that the LSD isn't strong enough to function well with race tires. Seems like more of an S2000 fighter to me. Also not sure why the RX7 is left in SS.

 

The 350Z is designed to compete with the S2000, Boxster S, and the upcoming RX-8. Being 3100-3200lbs, it's no lightweight...

 

The 350Z is designed to compete with the S2000, Boxster S, and the upcoming RX-8. Being 3100-3200lbs, it's no lightweight...

As for the RX-7, what mods are allowed on it?

 

http://www.autox4u.com/2002results/10192002nnjr.htm

BS is where the 350Z belongs, IMO. It will give the s2000s a run for their money on some R rubber...

 

doh!


DOH!


Actually though, I think I'll do ok with an E36 M3 in BS. I think the M Coupe is probably going to be my biggest worry(was an S2000). A better autocross platform(shorter wheelbase and a little bit lighter) with the same torquey S52 that I've got couple spell trouble.

Then again, I didn't buy my car solely for autocrossing.

I've heard some reports that Nissan "fudged" the 350Z's curb weight and it is a fair bit heavier than they spec it for. Compare the weights for the Track model 350Z and the G35 Coupe and you'll see the coupe is almost 200lbs heavier, but really doesn't have much to account for this enormous weight increase.

 

Really? I thought the 350Z was already a pig The track model is about 200 lbs heavier than the base model as well.

 

It seems like a pig untill you drive one. It will eat E36 M3s for lunch...

at least thats my predicition.

To have something to compare it to, the engine pull feels like an e46 powerplant, power everywhere in the band, torque out the waz00...and a chassis to match...

Heavy pig of a car? Nah, I dont think so...go drive one