Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

If you're new to autocross, new to the forum or need a hand with what class you should be in, ask for help here.

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Jayson Woodruff
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Jayson Woodruff »

Karen Zaterman wrote: ITA prepped Miata , I have an option of street tires (Toyos) or R-comps.
Cars listed as eligible in and prepared to the current national Improved
Touring rules are permitted to compete in their respective Street Prepared
classes. Neither Street Prepared nor Improved Touring cars are
permitted to interchange preparation rules. Improved Touring cars may
use tires which are eligible under current IT rules even if they are not
eligible in Street Prepared.
I.e, CSP.

I would think you wouldn't get hastled for running CST or CSM with respective tires as well.

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Karen Zaterman
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Karen Zaterman »

Thanks, Jay!
No, Mako -- you do NOT need to supercharge your new Miata! ...cuz now it's my turn to take it to the track :)
hmmmm... it is no longer "new" -- is it time to get faster?
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Steve Ekstrand »

Spec Miata's can run in DSP, but I don't know how ITA differs from Spec Miata.

I'd say CST is still okay. Or CSM on r's. Then you're probably straight to DM.

In CSP or SSM you might run afoul of welded cage rules or stripped interiors?
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John Stimson
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by John Stimson »

Jayson is correct. A car that's legal for improved touring is legal for street prepared. That includes the required roll cage and allowed stripped interior. It must follow all IT rules, and SP rules don't apply.
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Karen Zaterman
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Karen Zaterman »

Steve Ekstrand wrote:Spec Miata's can run in DSP, but I don't know how ITA differs from Spec Miata.

I'd say CST is still okay. Or CSM on r's. Then you're probably straight to DM.

In CSP or SSM you might run afoul of welded cage rules or stripped interiors?
...or come to think of it, ESP?... unless they've changed it, NB Miatas run C-Stock & NA Miatas run E-stock. I was wondering about the cage/interior issue, too -- so complicated ;-). I figured you-all would know better than me as I've always stuck as close to stock in the past as possible.
That's why I'm posting instead of looking in the book! HAHAHA -- that and sheer laziness. I really need to download the new rules & save to my phone LOL. Such good late night reading in the hotel Saturday nite, right? :lol:

Mako raised a point to consider, too... if he's running CST in the Vette it would be better to run a different group -- which would cancel out CST, CSM and SSM.
THAT leaves ESP or running with the big boys in CPM before lunch }:)
...similarly, DM/EM or DP/EP as CPM. ...but John & Jay think ESP is ok which runs after Mako. Spec Miata & all spec classes have very specific mods to make them very even-Steven and encourage the bump draft. I think SM and ITA seem to run about the same times, but could be wrong.

Well, we will see how I do with Izzy on Saturday, then make a final decision. The more seat time I can get before next weekend's Miata Challenge the better, IMHO.
No, Mako -- you do NOT need to supercharge your new Miata! ...cuz now it's my turn to take it to the track :)
hmmmm... it is no longer "new" -- is it time to get faster?
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Sebastian Rios »

Although it seems logical that since a CS Miata goes to CSP, an ES miata would go to ESP, but that is not the case. All of the Miatas are classed in CSP. So in order to run a different group than Mako you would have to run in the 4th group with CSP, or the 3rd group in PAX (CSP index), or 3rd group CPM (DP index).
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Anthony Munoz
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Anthony Munoz »

Had an '89 Integra originally running in CSP. Then converted to stock and ran SSB in SCCA Club Racing. When the car became ineligible in Showroom Stock, the car went to ITA. At that time (early 90's) ITA spec'd cars ran in CSP. There were parts that were not legal in CSP and CSP parts not legal in ITA. However, if you kept the original specs in ITA, it was legal to run in CSP. CSP obviously cannot run in ITA unless cars were outfitted with a roll cage and fire equipment and have to have passed tech.
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Leonard Cachola »

Sebastian Rios wrote:Although it seems logical that since a CS Miata goes to CSP, an ES miata would go to ESP, but that is not the case. All of the Miatas are classed in CSP.
One exception: the Mazdaspeed Miata runs in BSP.
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Karen Zaterman
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Karen Zaterman »

Leonard Cachola wrote:
Sebastian Rios wrote:Although it seems logical that since a CS Miata goes to CSP, an ES miata would go to ESP, but that is not the case. All of the Miatas are classed in CSP.
One exception: the Mazdaspeed Miata runs in BSP.
Well, forget the Mazdaspeed, cuz she sure ain't that! :lol: ...and don't think installing a turbo like Mako wanted a year ago would fly :roll:

...thanks, Seb.
Hey, this sure beats reading the book -- this is much more fun. Now all we need is a little rain to make things interesting this weekend.
So I can run CSP w/Izzy with the typical ITA prep, and if rain threatens I can make a mad dash down to reg to change back to Daniel Vette in CST & struggle to beat the pants off of Shauna. :gpower:
No, Mako -- you do NOT need to supercharge your new Miata! ...cuz now it's my turn to take it to the track :)
hmmmm... it is no longer "new" -- is it time to get faster?
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Karen Zaterman
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Karen Zaterman »

Anthony Munoz wrote:Had an '89 Integra originally running in CSP. Then converted to stock and ran SSB in SCCA Club Racing. When the car became ineligible in Showroom Stock, the car went to ITA. At that time (early 90's) ITA spec'd cars ran in CSP. There were parts that were not legal in CSP and CSP parts not legal in ITA. However, if you kept the original specs in ITA, it was legal to run in CSP. CSP obviously cannot run in ITA unless cars were outfitted with a roll cage and fire equipment and have to have passed tech.
I don't know that I would have had the energy to convert back to stock, LOL :!: .
...and fortunately for me, this car is definately an ITA prep as we haven't done anything since Philip Royle had it, other than change the seat. So at least by today's rules I'm ok (almost sounds like the rules changed BECAUSE of you!)
On the CalClub side, I am planning on the school in March then may actually run STU rather than ITA.
Are you still doing track events? ...if so, PM me to connect.
No, Mako -- you do NOT need to supercharge your new Miata! ...cuz now it's my turn to take it to the track :)
hmmmm... it is no longer "new" -- is it time to get faster?
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Jayson Woodruff
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Jayson Woodruff »

Karen Zaterman wrote: this car is definately an ITA prep as we haven't done anything since Philip Royle had it,
BTW, Philip used to run CSP in that car about 4yrs ago, including at the Pro.

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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Ko Aihara »

Hey guys I'm new to AutoX and need help classing my car. I drive an IS300 with modded sways (front and rear), front strut tower bar, springs, shocks and exhaust. Sorta regret doing these mods before learning how to drive the car first. Hopefully I'm not put into a class to high for my skill level.
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Jayson Woodruff »

What's the extent of the exhaust?
Ko Aihara wrote:Hey guys I'm new to AutoX and need help classing my car. I drive an IS300 with modded sways (front and rear), front strut tower bar, springs, shocks and exhaust. Sorta regret doing these mods before learning how to drive the car first. Hopefully I'm not put into a class to high for my skill level.
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Ko Aihara »

It's a catback with 60mm piping (GReddy RS). I have plans on changing the intake pipe and keeping the stock air box in the future, but I can easily go back to a stock intake if need be.
Jayson Woodruff wrote:What's the extent of the exhaust?
Ko Aihara wrote:Hey guys I'm new to AutoX and need help classing my car. I drive an IS300 with modded sways (front and rear), front strut tower bar, springs, shocks and exhaust. Sorta regret doing these mods before learning how to drive the car first. Hopefully I'm not put into a class to high for my skill level.
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Jayson Woodruff
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Jayson Woodruff »

Ko Aihara wrote:IS300 with modded sways (front and rear), front strut tower bar, springs, shocks and <a catback>
STX. The car is not a top dog for the class, but I think is a nice natural fit. You can do simple suspension mods, some intake, some exaust, some body mods (intended for dress up) and some interior stuff. ST_ classes are unique as they limit you to 'street tires' (treadwear of 140+), which is good for expence and ease of just showing up and running. You RWD is additionally limited to a tire width of 265 and a rim width of 9" (AWD is limited to 245 on a 8" wheel). You'll mostly find 3-series BMWs and Subarus in the class.

You can also run 'up' in class if you desire. DSP, SM are other classes availble to you, along with the local CST and CSM (there are others, but way above your head).

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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Ko Aihara »

Thanks for the help, I'll look in competing in STX. I'm interested in learning how to handle my car well and not winning right now so it looks like a good fit. Also glad 9" are okay, forgot about my wheel setup.

Jayson Woodruff wrote: STX. The car is not a top dog for the class, but I think is a nice natural fit. You can do simple suspension mods, some intake, some exaust, some body mods (intended for dress up) and some interior stuff. ST_ classes are unique as they limit you to 'street tires' (treadwear of 140+), which is good for expence and ease of just showing up and running. You RWD is additionally limited to a tire width of 265 and a rim width of 9" (AWD is limited to 245 on a 8" wheel). You'll mostly find 3-series BMWs and Subarus in the class.

You can also run 'up' in class if you desire. DSP, SM are other classes availble to you, along with the local CST and CSM (there are others, but way above your head).

Jay W
Ko Aihara
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Ko Aihara »

Sry, double post.
Last edited by Ko Aihara on Mon Jan 23, 2012 2:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Anthony Munoz
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Anthony Munoz »

Karen Zaterman wrote:
Leonard Cachola wrote:
Sebastian Rios wrote:Although it seems logical that since a CS Miata goes to CSP, an ES miata would go to ESP, but that is not the case. All of the Miatas are classed in CSP.
One exception: the Mazdaspeed Miata runs in BSP.
Well, forget the Mazdaspeed, cuz she sure ain't that! :lol: ...and don't think installing a turbo like Mako wanted a year ago would fly :roll:

...thanks, Seb.
Hey, this sure beats reading the book -- this is much more fun. Now all we need is a little rain to make things interesting this weekend.
So I can run CSP w/Izzy with the typical ITA prep, and if rain threatens I can make a mad dash down to reg to change back to Daniel Vette in CST & struggle to beat the pants off of Shauna. :gpower:
Sorry. Been off Club Racing (aka wheel-to-wheel) for a while (waaaay too expensive to run one weekend a month for whole seasons at a time). Had a lot of fun there too. Only do track days when I can get a ride (not as fun as wheel-to-wheel, though).
"Smooth is fast, but fast is quicker"
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Sebastian Rios
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Sebastian Rios »

Ko: There are some that think the IS300 could have serious potential in STX.
Jason Rhodes whom I greatly respect as a driver and car builder made an STX IS300 when the class was new, he has since moved on to other projects, but if he sees potential, it bodes well for your car.
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Doug Kott
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Doug Kott »

Hey Ko,

You could run STX, but most who ran the class last year have moved to PAX or STC. The advantage of CST is larger fields (something like 18 entrants at the last event!), with a wide variety of cars, so you feel like you're racing someone instead of being in a class of only one or two.

CST rules are simple...the car has to be registered for street use, and must use street tires of 140 treadwear or greater. There's no limit on wheel/tire diameter or width. That said, a 265 tire on a 9-in.-wide wheel ought to be plenty, and allow you to run in either class.

Good luck!
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Ko Aihara »

Thanks for the info! I'll definitely keep this in mind. Right now I need to work on my driving skills first, so I'm planning on running STX. Hopefully I can get some instructions and possibly ride along others to learn as much as possible.
Doug Kott wrote:Hey Ko,

You could run STX, but most who ran the class last year have moved to PAX or STC. The advantage of CST is larger fields (something like 18 entrants at the last event!), with a wide variety of cars, so you feel like you're racing someone instead of being in a class of only one or two.

CST rules are simple...the car has to be registered for street use, and must use street tires of 140 treadwear or greater. There's no limit on wheel/tire diameter or width. That said, a 265 tire on a 9-in.-wide wheel ought to be plenty, and allow you to run in either class.

Good luck!
Sebastian Rios wrote:Ko: There are some that think the IS300 could have serious potential in STX.
Jason Rhodes whom I greatly respect as a driver and car builder made an STX IS300 when the class was new, he has since moved on to other projects, but if he sees potential, it bodes well for your car.
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Anthony P.
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Anthony P. »

Is there a requirement for CST that the vehicle must have a minimum of 2 seats?
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Rick Brown
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Rick Brown »

Anthony Porta wrote:Is there a requirement for CST that the vehicle must have a minimum of 2 seats?
These are the rules. Nothing more.

CALIFORNIA STREET TOURING (CST):
Vehicles eligible for CST must comply with the rules of CSM, with the exception that all of the
tires mounted on the car must have a TREADWEAR number of 140 or higher molded by the
manufacturer on the sidewall.

CALIFORNIA STREET MODIFIED (CSM):
Vehicles eligible for CSM must be capable of being licensed for street use in California, shall be
run on DOT approved tires and must meet all SCCA Solo Safety requirements.
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Robert Puertas
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Re: Post Car Classing Help Questions Here!

Post by Robert Puertas »

CST still has to follow some basic Solo rules, like rollover specs (height can't exceed the width of the track), has to have 4 wheels, etc... :-)
Michelle Myers
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New to the Region, Class help please!

Post by Michelle Myers »

Hi, I moved here from TN recently and plan on attending some Solo events soon.

I am also a novice, having only attended one event before I moved. But I'm hooked!

Can you please help me class my car? I was (N) CSP in TN.

2001 Audi TT Quattro 225 (AWD)
Only mod is 19" x 8.5" wheels with 235/35 street tires
No performance or susp. mods
The car came with a removable back seat that is not in the car

My big wheels threw me into the CSP class, will I be in the same class here?

Thanks for your help!
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