New Class?

[kdobes]

The current edition of SportsCar Magazine makes the following statement:
"SCCA's RallyCross program is amid some very exciting times, which includes a pending rules change that could completely alter the face of the sport"

Instead of reading further I immediately jumped over to the forum to see all the exciting developments I've been missing but I didn't find anything that could be described as exciting. Surely the new cracked window rule isn't going to change the face of the sport (or will it!?!?!).

Back to the magazine... It goes on to say:
"The new class is going to be a production drivetrain with a custom chassis. 'We're going to have minimum height, width, and length standards, and a safety design,' says Hyatt. 'It'll be a production-based drivetrain with a maximum displacement in a frame that somebody built. We're in the process of fine-tuning the details, so the proposal will hopefully be out soon. Then we plan to pilot the program in 2018 and, hopefully in 2019, it'll be a full-fledged class.'"

OK, who knows what? Spill the beans. If this program is being piloted in 2018 then we needed to get started building 6 months ago. We need details/proposed rules now.

[slowautoxr]

Sounds like an A-mod type class for RX! This could be pretty cool! Looking forward to seeing more about this!

[So Close]

The beans have been spilled, the cat is out of the bag, and the can of worms is open.

More details would be appreciated

[gsxnut]

The March FastTrack has the following information

"Approve the creation of a 10th class consisting of an automotive naturally aspirated 4 cylinder or less motor and matching drivetrain, following specific construction and safety standards including being SCCA log booked, fenders, side windows or window netting, full faced helmet, long sleeves, long pants and closed toed shoes. Class shall run on pump gas or diesel. Modified tires shall be allowed. The class will be piloted 2017 and become a full class in 2018."

All the details have not been worked out. The exact details about width, length, engine size etc are still be worked out but the concept is to allow a built car not requiring to be a production base car but having a production base motor and trans. that is naturally aspirated and limited displacement. The cars will most likely be a tube chassis or buggy of some type which will be much lighter than most cars but will have limited amount of power.

More to follow as the class is developed.

[Dynatorch]

Fenders? We don't need no stinking fenders.....

[gsxnut]

I was actually thinking a legends car would look super cool and be a lot of fun. Swap out the motorcycle motor and trans for whatever is allows and go have some fun.

[Pete]

Fenders? We don't need no stinking fenders.....

After taking dirt to the face in a buggy at a non-SCCA rallycross, fenders are a good idea.

Rules look interesting. I already have ideas. "Production based" is nebulous enough that I think I can work with it.

[Dynatorch]

I was thinking Exocet. Now the big question on everyone's mind is....windshield requirement?

[Pete]

I was thinking Exocet. Now the big question on everyone's mind is....windshield requirement?

I wasn't thinking of something that heavy or front-engined.

[sureshot007]

I think it's going to be more like a crosskart - http://crosskartsusa.com/

[moxnix]

From the latest Fastrack.
https://dk1xgl0d43mu1.cloudfront.net...pdf?1503421639

APPENDIX A: SCCA Rallycross Open Class – Proposed Rules
1.3 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION
F. Open Category
Open Two Wheel Drive (O2)
Open All Wheel Drive (O4)
Preparation allowances:
1. The Open Category is intended for four-wheeled vehicles altered in excess of the Modified Category allowances, such as dune buggies, sand rails, tube frame/chassis vehicles, kit cars and similar types of custom-built vehicles.
2. Minimum track is 42 inches measured from the center of the wheels. Maximum height is 90% of the average track width measured at the highest point of the roll cage. Minimum wheelbase is 72 inches measured from the center of the wheels.
3. Engines must be internal combustion, passenger car or light truck-based, and with no more than four (4) cylinders or two (2) rotors. Motorcycle, ATV, UTV and similar engines are not allowed.
4. Tube frame construction is allowed.
5. A roll cage meeting or exceeding the current SCCA GCR requirements for Showroom Stock/Improved Touring roll cages (per Appendix I: 2007 Roll Cage Rules) or the current requirements of another sanctioning body approved by the SCCA is required.
6. All cars shall be equipped with a master switch easily accessible from outside the car. The master switch shall be installed directly in either battery cable and shall cut all electrical circuits when turned to the “OFF” position. The switch shall be clearly marked by the international marking of a spark in a blue triangle and mounted in a standard location. “OFF” position shall be clearly indicated at the master switch location. The master switch shall be securely fastened to the vehicle, however, drilling of holes in the roll cage to attach the mounting bracket is prohibited. The mounting location shall be one of the following:
a. In proximity to the right-hand (passenger) side member of the roll bar in
a location so that it cannot be operated accidentally. It can be mounted on a bracket welded to the inside of the upright member or mounted so that the operating lever or knob is outside of the body panel immediately inboard of the upright member;
b. In front of the windshield on either the cowl or on top of the fender, but close enough to the windshield to be accessible if the car is overturned
c. Below the center of the rear window or on a bracket welded, clamped or
bolted to the roll cage or dash, easily accessible through the open window.
7. Installation of a scattershield, chain guard or explosion-proof bell housing is required on any vehicle where the failure of the clutch, flywheel, or torque converter could create a hazard to the driver or passenger. Chain drive cars shall be fitted with a protective case/shield to retain the chain in case of failure The following material requirements apply to scattershields/explosion-proof bell housings:
a) ⅛ inch (0.125”; 3.18mm) SAE 4130 alloy steel
b) ¼ inch (0.250”; 6.35mm) mild steel plate
c) ¼ inch (0.250”; 6.35mm) aluminum alloy
d) SFI or NHRA approved flexible shields
8. The driver’s seat shall be securely mounted to the structure of the vehicle and be installed per the manufacturer’s recommendations. A passenger seat is not required but must also be securely mounted if installed. Seats must be intended by their manufacturer for competition use.
9. A four (4)-point or greater restraint system (SFI or FIA rated) shall be used by all occupants during competition runs.
10. All occupants must at a minimum wear 100% cotton (no blends) outer wear that effectively covers the body from neck to ankles and wrists. All drivers must wear shoes that cover the entire foot. SCCA-compliant fire resistant clothing as listed in the current Club Racing GCR is highly recommended, including suits, gloves, socks, and shoes. An SFI or FIA-rated head-and-neck restraint device is recommended for each occupant.
11. Each wheel/tire must have a fender/mud flap assembly that covers ½ of the tire’s circumference. When viewed from above, the fender must cover the entire width and diameter of the tire. The fender/mud flap assembly must cover the width of the tire when viewed from behind and extend to the rear of the tire with the bottom edge of the assembly no more than 4 inches from the ground (measured on a level surface without the driver or passenger).
12. A metal roof skin of mild steel (minimum thickness 0.069”) or aluminum (minimum thickness: 0.100”) must cover the top of the roll cage between the front and rear main hoops. The roof skin shall be securely fastened to the roll cage. Drilling of holes in the roll cage to attach the roof skin is prohibited.
13. Metal firewalls and floor panels/belly pans are required to prevent the passage of flame and debris into the driver’s compartment. The entire driver’s compartment below the base of the windshield and side windows must be covered with metal panels. These panels may be mounted inside the roll cage and/or outside the roll cage. For vehicles with fluid lines routed inside the driver’s compartment, the belly pan/floor panels shall have drain holes to prevent the accumulation of fluids.
14. Exterior body panels of metal or other fire-resistant material must cover the top side of the chassis. When viewed from above (plan view) the area between the front of the chassis to the base of the windshield and the area between the roll cage main hoop to the rear of the chassis must be covered with body panels. Body panels must cover each side of the vehicle between the front roll bar hoop and the rear roll bar main hoop, excluding any side window areas, and such panels may also serve as driver’s compartment panels in Section 13 above if made of metal. Additional body panels are allowed. Vents and openings may be added to body panels to accommodate engine cooling, air intake and exhaust. All body panels shall be securely fastened to the roll cage/chassis. Drilling of holes in the roll cage to attach body panels is prohibited. The engine cover shall be removable by hand or with basic hand tools without the use of a key (e.g. hood pins, latches, Dzus fasteners).
15. A front windshield is not required, however, if so equipped, the windshield must be made of automotive safety glass or polycarbonate/Lexan and securely mounted to the vehicle. Polycarbonate windshields must be a minimum of 6 mm in thickness. Drilling of holes in the roll cage to attach the windshield is prohibited. If the vehicle is not equipped with a windshield, all occupants must wear full face helmets with face shields or goggles, gloves, and arm restraints.
16. Side windows made of automotive safety glass or polycarbonate/Lexan or window nets for the driver and passenger (if present) are required and must be securely mounted. A rear window is not required but if present, must be made of automotive safety glass or polycarbonate/Lexan and securely mounted to the vehicle. Polycarbonate windows must be a minimum of 6 mm in thickness. Drilling of holes in the roll cage to attach side windows, window nets or rear windows is prohibited.
17. Driver and passenger (if present) must demonstrate they can egress from the vehicle in less than 10 seconds.
18. All other Modified category modifications are allowed.
19. If any conflict exists between the Club Racing GCR and the RallyCross® Rules, the RallyCross® Rules shall take precedence.

[redfogo]

"15. A front windshield is not required, however, if so equipped, the windshield must be made of automotive safety glass or polycarbonate/Lexan and securely mounted to the vehicle. Polycarbonate windshields must be a minimum of 6 mm in thickness. Drilling of holes in the roll cage to attach the windshield is prohibited. If the vehicle is not equipped with a windshield, all occupants must wear full face helmets with face shields or goggles, gloves, and arm restraints."

Front windshield not required but if its installed and has a crack you can't run the car right????????

[irish44j]

Just throwing it out there, but this class appears to legally include most N/A 4-cylinder stage rally cars........including all the GC Imprezas.

Which, though not the intent, is probably not a bad idea since stage cars with all the extra weight cannot easily compete against "true" (read: gutted, lightweighted) mod class cars in many cases.

[JimR]

We had a guy with a Dodge Neon circle track car install a windshield worth as much as the car so he could come RallyCross with us. The RallyCross natives will be imagining their turbo VTEC Ariel Nomad clones, but this his will be gangbusters for including the four-cylinder oval racers, LeMons bastards, and "Bro Lite" budget stadium truck racers at the local level.

[irish44j]

I know a lot of LeMons cages don't meet the SCCA GCR requirements, nor do circle track cars or bro-lites (unless SCCA approves those sanctioning bodies, which, this being SCCA, I don't see them doing apart from ARA, NRS, RA, or CARS).. Pretty sure the oval cars and bro-lites don't either....So again, I wonder what exactly is going to run in this class aside from some $$$ custom-built chassis that few people will spend the money to do for rallycross when you can just get a $1k craiglist beater miata and win in stock class........

[slowautoxr]

Rule 5 requires participants in this new class to have a full on SCCA GCR Showroom Stock/IT roll cage. I don't know the ins and outs of that but in my region we have a scrutineer who does and when he does check a cage out, a log book is issued.