Thoughts on power/weight classification

[4EyedFoxbody]

After running my first TT event where I was actually classed AND ran the TT on Sunday, I was pumped and completely deflated at the same time. You see guys and gals I am a tinkerer when it comes to my car. So much so that my 1978 Fairmont based Mustang ends up running with the awesome Z06 cars. Yeah I chuckle even typing that sentence! I was chatting with my suspension guys and he agreed that my Mustang will never be a Corvette. That being said, his racing club has a very simple rule format which I found interesting. Power to weight ratio. Period. This got me to thinking and I was wondering what peoples opinion on this concept (good or bad) would be?

John French
#175 Mustang GT T90

[4EyedFoxbody]

Just did some catching up on the new super classes... better late than never I guess. I'm curious how many cars will filter into these new super classes?

[Stynger]

I suspect most of the current P and SP cars will stay, and a few Touring cars may move over.

[cuda6666]

Les. Are you saying that the current SP and P classes will still exist in 2014?

[eastcoastbumps]

I think he's saying most of the SP and P cars will be in Super next year, rather than moving to Touring. Only a few Touring competitors will be moving to Super.

I hope the new Super rules will make for some good competition next year.

John, did you have a scrutineer help you with classing or verify that it should be in T90? Were you aware that you could run your car in SP or P (with a roll cage and other proper safety gear) this year which allows nearly unlimited modifications?

[cuda6666]

So, the answer to my question is "No". In the future, all COM classes will be based on power/weight and/or modification points. If you make your car faster, you get to run against faster cars.

[brucesallen]

the base points for Touring classes consider all factors that affect the lap times of that car, not just Power to weight.

[cuda6666]

Like I said. If you come up with a way to make your car faster, you get to run against faster cars. I've got no problem with Communism as a social/political system - but on the race track, I think it's known as a spec series.

[brucesallen]

Like I said. If you come up with a way to make your car faster, you get to run against faster cars. I've got no problem with Communism as a social/political system - but on the race track, I think it's known as a spec series.

more like a handicap series.

[cuda6666]

Yea OK, Bruce - handicapped. But I don't like being handicapped. I voted against extending the new rule paradigm to SP and P because I think we need to maintain a refuge for those of us who like to tinker with our cars. I don't mind that the showroom stock and ST classes have gone the way they have because those are the guys who like to keep things close to stock, anyway. I'd just like to see us keep some classes where in addition to being a good driver, you could gain an advantage by being a good mechanic. Otherwise, what do you do all winter if you're not plotting ways to make the car go faster? Going to an all handicap format kinda takes the fun out of it for me. Just sayin'

[Souk]

Hello everyone, my name is Souk, and i am new, i spoke with Peter VIA phone for quite some time.
I love the idea of classes by power to weight ratio. its much more simplified. Then again , the rules themselves arent too complicated . This is just more straight forward which i have already mentioned. i like it. my question is although. What would qualify my car to be in the super class? T100+ Asessment points? now if my car isnt up to par, or lets say in T60 Class. would i still be in effect of the old rules of Street Prepared B?

[breakaway500]

"I'd just like to see us keep some classes where in addition to being a good driver, you could gain an advantage by being a good mechanic."

Ah,the days of innovation. I remember when Junior Johnson started to put camber on the rear end housings on Winston cup cars,and his team won more races.
Not illegal..it just had never been done before.
Pretty soon everyone did it,and all the cars handled better and were.. faster.
Nowadays,they would fine the entire team,banish the crew chief and dock the driver Championship points..for "cheating".
I liked Prepared classes because the rules allowed innovation within some moderate restraints,and were simple to enforce ..

[blindsidefive0]

Souk - you can run in Super if you have the right safety equipment. Touring classes, depending on your modifications, MAY require the same safety equipment. I sent you a PM with the new rules and my email address if you need more information.

[brucesallen]

the problem with Prepared classes in the past is there are so few cars registered that the classes often had no competition and in one class there may be wide disparity of car performance that cannot be overcome with a good mechanic.
And, of course, SP was so simple it made no sense at all.

[cuda6666]

And, of course, SP was so simple it made no sense at all.

Hey. I resemble that remark. What do you mean, exactly?