You don't have to be competitive to have fun. The supercharger will put you in SM, where most anything goes. But go out and have fun, and work on improving your times against yourself. Its still good wholesome fun.

 

yea, I guess that is true. I've always been a drag strip guy, but my car is too damn slow there as well ;-) I miss my nova. friggin college econo car

 

Its all about going out there and beating yourself. Thats how I race, I get mad if my times dont decrease every run, and if I beat people and get recognition then it just adds to the days excitment. I've been running in STS (Street Touring Stock) even though I'm GS (G-Stock) which is where the stock SVT "belongs". I love the competition...but its all about the times!!!


CCC

 

You don't have to be competitive to have fun. The supercharger will put you in SM, where most anything goes. But go out and have fun, and work on improving your times against yourself. Its still good wholesome fun.

Agreed.
You may have a SM-Legal car, but I'm sure that some guys who are nearly totally stock could beat you.... Right now....
The MAIN Point of Auto-X is to Hone YOUR Skills.
You probably Won't be too competitive off the bat... Not even if your car had ALL of the PERFECT Class-Legal Mods.
After a few events, and a little instruction, that will all begin to change, as you learn to explore your and the car's Limits. You'll learn about Suspension and Brake improvements, as well as WHY they work. If you have Natural Skills, after a Season or two, you'll be MUCH more Competitive. In the Meantime, even "Rookie" Runs are Exhilerating as heck.
As you learn Techniques, you'll get More and MORE out of the car, and feel a sense of accomplishment, Even IF you're not at the top of your class.
Unless you're SUPER Serious, Mod the car as you wish for the Street, and run in Whatever class you fall into, and Race YourSELF, and pick out "Target Cars" to Improve Against. That will let you know how you're doing.
A couple of "School Events" w/ Instruction will make a World of Difference as well.

 

I've been running in STS (Street Touring Stock)


CCC

Street Touring, Street (tires)
There Used to Be STR, Street Touring, R-compound (tires) as well.

 

I've been running in STS (Street Touring Stock)


CCC

Street Touring, Street (tires)
There Used to Be STR, Street Touring, R-compound (tires) as well.

I think your call on the name has to do w/ your region's use of the "R".
Nationally, you have Street Touring Stock and Street Touring eXtreme.

 

Is that new for 2003? I seem to recall getting an email from someone at The SCCA a while back (Like a year and a half or so ago) regarding my classing, and he mentioned "Street Touring S (Street Tires)". I probably just misread it.

But you HAVE to be kidding me about the 'X' in STX standing for eXtreme, right? Please tell me your are kidding?

 

Nope... No Joke.
It's just More "eXtreme" than STS....

 

I've been running in STS (Street Touring Stock)


CCC

Street Touring, Street (tires)
There Used to Be STR, Street Touring, R-compound (tires) as well.

I think your call on the name has to do w/ your region's use of the "R".
Nationally, you have Street Touring Stock and Street Touring eXtreme.

Actually, glancing at the 2003 SCCA rulebook, the official terminology states Street Touring S and Street Touring X. X allows more than just R-compound tires. It actually allows some other mods not allowed in STS.

 

STX DOESN'T allow R-Compounds.
I DOES allow Limited Slip, High-Flow Cat, and a couple other minor mods. The tire rules are the same as STS.

 

Big huge brake kits are one of the other "minor" mods that STX allows over STS.

Also, tire rules are NOT the same. STS and STX both require 140+ treadwear and the same requirements on minimum number or sizes and diameters, but STS allows you to run up to 225 wide tires while STX allows up to 245.

 

Maybe it seems odd but I have never understood why the SCCA puts points on brake mods.

Up here in Canada all brake mods are free. Because they WANT you to have good brakes and the majority of people do brakes last. Its a safety thing. I learned this the hard way in my car having more power and chassis then brakes, next time around I will START with the brakes.

 

Maybe it seems odd but I have never understood why the SCCA puts points on brake mods.

Up here in Canada all brake mods are free. Because they WANT you to have good brakes and the majority of people do brakes last. Its a safety thing. I learned this the hard way in my car having more power and chassis then brakes, next time around I will START with the brakes.

Simple, a driver can stay at speed longer before braking for a turn if his brakes are upgraded.
As far as "R" compound tires, they are right about not being allowed. But it does seem strange that they ARE allowed in the stock classes.
Jay

 

As far as "R" compound tires, they are right about not being allowed. But it does seem strange that they ARE allowed in the stock classes.
Jay

That always seemed backwards to me...


CCC

 

STS/STX/SM are fairly new classes to attract new "hot Rodders". Lots of money spent on add-ons, but race rubber never seemed to be a factor- "look over function". Could have been a safety issue, as hard to use 300 HP on street rubber, I dunno.

 

True, but funky things have happened to Focus on R's with stock shocks too in HS.

 

True, but funky things have happened to Focus on R's with stock shocks too in HS.

Liiiiike....?


CCC

 

You get to do a good inspection of the exhaust. I watched it almost happen this summer at an event.

 

True, but funky things have happened to Focus on R's with stock shocks too in HS.

Liiiiike....?
CCC

Driver mistakes aren't as forgiven, which can lead to the lisence plate to turn upside down.

There have been only like 1-2 incidents like that, so its rare, and can happen to most any car.


Edited for a typo that changed a word....