Something that I've noticed is that we're losing some competitors to the SCCA because we don't have a class for them. Specifically, the SCCA NWR ITE cars. In this would be the Nissan GTR, and other right-hand drive cars which do not currently fit in the IP classes.

I'd like to suggest we initiate an "IPE" class for these cars. Below I've inserted the SCCA NWR ITE class regulations for your perusal.

SCCA – Oregon Region
Revised 2011 ITE Rules
Class Purpose and Intent:
The intent of this class is to allow automobiles which have been
modified and exceed or otherwise do not conform to IT class preparation
rules (IT 9.1.3), or which are not listed in the GCR as place to
compete. ITE also provides a second-entry class to maximize track time.
Entrants shall not be guaranteed the competitiveness of any car.
Automobiles:
1. All ITE cars shall meet or exceed all current GCR safety
standards for IT competition (GCR:9.1.3.10 Safety). Fuel cells,
fire systems and weld-in roll cages with NASCAR-style door bars
are allowed and encouraged.
2. All ITE cars shall run on D.O.T. approved tires.
3. For this regional only class that is not referenced in the GCR,
cars shall meet fuel specifications as defined in GCR 9.3.26.
Diesel fuel is allowed in ITE in production engines designed for
diesel fuel. Propane and Nitrous Oxide are prohibited.
4. Any GCR recognized Touring, Improved Touring, Spec Miata or
Showroom Stock legal car may compete under the rules specified
for its class. Any modification beyond the specific rules for
specified class shall require the vehicle to comply with the ITE
rules.
5. World Challenge, Firehawk cars are allowed in ITE and MUST
conform to their respective rules set. Other Touring type cars
from other series may be considered upon application to the
Oregon Region Competition Committee. Competitors entering these
cars in ITE shall be required to have in their possession a copy
of the respective series rulebook for the specific make, model
and year of the automobile entered. All ITE cars shall run on
D.O.T. tires regardless of their respective series rules set.
Any modification beyond the specific rules for the specified
series shall require the vehicle to comply with the ITE rules. If
a WC, Firehawk or other allowed Touring type car deviates from
its respective spec rules in any way, it is no longer eligible
under this rule (#5) and must comply fully with the ITE rules.
6. SCCA GT and Production class race cars on D.O.T. tires are
prohibited. Any car with GT or Production modifications, not
otherwise allowed in the GCR-ITCS section or specified in the ITE
rules, make a car ineligible for ITE classification. Tube-frame
race cars are not eligible for ITE.
7. All cars shall display the class designation ITE.
Engine:
Engine modifications are limited to the IT preparation rules (GCR
9.1.3.D) except for the following:
1. Cars may use an alternate engine block. The engine block must be
from the same manufacturer as the chassis. The engine must remain
in the original location utilizing the factory engine mount
locations. The engine block type (example: V8) must remain the
same as originally delivered and/or offered for sale from the
manufacturer.
2. Induction systems and intake manifolds are free. Turbocharged and
supercharged cars shall be allowed in ITE.
3. Any flywheel and clutch combination may be used.
4. Fuel and ignition engine management systems are free.
5. Crankshaft, camshaft(s), valve-train components, piston & rod
combinations and engine & accessory pulleys are free. Cylinder
heads, cylinder head porting, combustion chamber size and
compression ratio are free. Aftermarket cylinder heads are
allowed.
Transmission / Final Drive:
Transmission / Final Drive modifications are limited to the GCR
preparation rules (GCR: 9.1.3.4) except for the following:
1. Any differential/transmission/transaxle housing and/or final
drive or gear ratios may be used so long as the replacement unit
does not alter the wheel base, axle width, spring and/or shock
attachment points of the race car and the gear ratio remains the
same as any gear ratio that can be achieved when utilizing a
stock differential/transmission/transaxle housing.
2. Any limited-slip or locked differential is permitted.
3. Factory manufactured all-wheel drive cars are eligible for ITE if
they otherwise comply with the rules herein.
4. Automatic transmissions are allowed. Transmission must be from
the same manufacturer as the chassis.
Chassis:
Chassis modifications are limited to the IT preparation rules (GCR
9.1.3.5) except for the following:
1. Ride height is free.
2. Springs/struts/shock absorbers / control arms are free.
Aftermarket suspension components are allowed.
3. Reinforcement of suspension attachment points is allowed.
Brakes:
Brake modifications are limited to the IT preparation rules (GCR
9.1.3.6) except for the following:
1. Brake rotor and caliper upgrades are free.
2. Factory anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are allowed.
Wheels / Tires:
Wheel and Tire modifications are limited to the IT preparation rules
(GCR 9.1.3.7) except for the following:
1. All ITE cars shall run on D.O.T. approved tires.
2. Wheel and tire size are free, within the limitation that the
wheel/tire combination must fit completely within the front and
rear fender well opening.
Body / Structure:
Body / Structure modifications are limited to the IT preparation rules
(GCR 9.1.3.8 including 9.1.3.8.i) except for the following:
1. Fender modifications are allowed for the purpose of tire clearance
(per GCR 9.1.3.8.a). Flared fenders or non-stock quarter panels used
to clear wider tires are not allowed.
2. Alternate (other than factory stock) doors are prohibited.
3. Spoilers and wings are free.
4. Bumper covers are free.
5. Lexan glass is permitted for all window areas.
6. Alternate hood and rear deck lid are allowed.
7. Headlights and hardware may be removed. All wiring harnesses not
required for the safe operation of the vehicle may be removed.
Battery may be relocated within the body.
Driver / Passenger Compartment:
Driver / Passenger Compartment modifications are limited to the IT
preparation rules (GCR 9.1.3.9 including 9.1.3.9.c) except for the
following:
1. Doors, left and right, must be able to be opened from the outside
and may have glass, attaching hardware and/or internal operating
mechanisms removed.
2. Cars with factory fiberglass or aluminum doors shall be required
to utilize driver side NASCAR style door bars.
Fuel Testing:
For this regional only class, that is not referenced in the GCR,
cars shall meet fuel specifications as defined in GCR 9.3.26 for
SS, T and IT classifications.
Where not specifically stated above, the 2011 GCR and/or IT
specifications shall apply.

I'll be suggested this at the CACC General Meeting, so here's an opportunity to see and read what I'm suggesting.

Mike

Is there any reason why said right hand drive cars can't enter one of the GTU-M-O or WSC classes?

WSC isn't a CACC class, and I believe the rules are specific that cars must be recognized as CACC class cars (I may be incorrect on that since I don't pay a lot of attention to the WSC)

Right-hand drive cars have applied for admission to the regular IP classes before and have always been refused on the grounds they are not Canadian built or imported in sufficient quantities.

I could have sworn that the RX7 Marc runs in WSC was RHD.  I'm pretty sure WSC would be open to more imports, but feel free to correct me if you know something I don't there.  What about the GTU/GTM/GTO classes?  The way I read the rules, RHD imports would be welcome to run in these classes.

I'm not opposed to the idea of an ITE class in principle, but I'm also not convinced that:

a) There is absolutely no place these cars can currently run.
b) More than a handful of new racers would be gained.

I believe you're correct about Marc's RX-7 in WSC. As I say, I'm not up-to-speed with the WSC rules, so.....

It is correct that, initially, we wouldn't have many cars in IPE (maybe more than race in the American sedan class, though). I know of one RHD Mazda in my area that could/would eventually run there, and at least on Nissan GTR who live in the Vancouver area and is racing in the U.S. (in ITE) because there's no class for him here.

There are likely more out there.

WSC is not a Cacc class.
Cacc rules allow a RHD car to run in GTS. Even a totally stock example would have to install all of the GT safety equipment as Marc has done.
A class based on ITE would have saved Marc and a few others some money. The Nick Woodhouse/Mike Boyle BMW is another example.

I think this is a great idea, It would allow the (Bastar# built) , right hand drive ,and over-preped cars a home other than the WSC.
It seems to me that we allow anything in the WSC as our catch all which to me seems a bit off? ( "sure build what you want and make it safe, but you can only run it in WSC")
In fact I dont see any issues with adopting the rules from ITE.
This will save alot of people money who dont want to go the full GT prep rules with fuel cell and fire system, although they are recomended.

Jordy Isaak wrote on Oct 21^st, 2011 at 5:34pm:

I'm not opposed to the idea of an ITE class in principle, but I'm also not convinced that: a) There is absolutely no place these cars can currently run. b) More than a handful of new racers would be gained.

The only other place they can run is WSC , so now you force them into a series? hhhmmm

and I can think of a least a hand full of cars that are sitting or entered in wrong classes that could be in this class instead.

We should not have a IP3 Honda running GTU as a second class without a full fire system and fuel cell. This could be the second class for alot of those double entered cars.

AND YOU CAN HAVE A COOL SPOILER ON THE BACK TO SLOW YOU DOWN  ;D

A car could run in the WSC, as well. IPE could allow folks to run multiple entries. the more entries the better. It's called WIN-WIN.

The current rules allow a legal IP car to run in GTS only as a second entry.
A GT car can run in GT or GTS or both.
A car that does not meet IP or GT rules can only run in GTS. It must have the full GT safety equipment. Think of a turbocharged Miata a RHD RX7 or the like. These cars can only run in one race group as the schedules currently go. An IPE class could allow them a second run group if the schedule was set up that way.

Doodson wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2011 at 6:05am:

The only other place they can run is WSC , so now you force them into a series? hhhmmm and I can think of a least a hand full of cars that are sitting or entered in wrong classes that could be in this class instead. We should not have a IP3 Honda running GTU as a second class without a full fire system and fuel cell. This could be the second class for alot of those double entered cars.

As was pointed out, they are free to run in GTS as well.  I think "force" is a bit strong of a term, it's not like I'm holding a gun to their heads and making them race an extra 50 minutes each weekend...

I'm not sure what your problem is with an IP car running GTS as a second class.  It's provided for in the rules, and it doesn't go even a tenth of a second quicker than it did in IP, seeing how it's an identical car.  No safety issues there.  If anything you should be happy about it, seeing how it gives you more cars to beat.

As for the extra cost of building a car to GT specs that everybody seems to think is a big problem, is it really that much?  You already need a cage to get on the track, period.  So you're only looking at a couple hundred bucks at the most for the extra material for a beefier cage than you would need for IPE.  A fire extinguishing system is ~$400 from Driver's Edge, and a fuel cell can be had for under $1000.  Window clips are essentially free, and IP cars already need an external master switch, so there's no difference there.

Basically it's around $1500 extra to safety prep a GT car.  If somebody can be bothered to spend the time, effort and money to import a RHD car, and prep it for racing, I think that amount is not a big deal.

At the ICSCC races at Mission last year, the biggest ITE field we ever had was 4 cars, and 2 of those were local guys using it as a second group.

I just don't see the numbers being there.

The problem with cars like my RX7 being limited to GTM is the we can't compete in it. I'm running against cars like Steve's Porsche which makes me about 5 seconds a lap slower at Mission and almost 10 seconds at Seattle.

I'd love to see something like GTE brought in as an alternative to being stuck in GTM

It would appear that there's discussion both ways, SO, assuming our race director is reading, this is now a firm rule change proposal by me.

Thank you.

Forum Admin wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2011 at 8:51am:

The problem with cars like my RX7 being limited to GTM is the we can't compete in it. I'm running against cars like Steve's Porsche which makes me about 5 seconds a lap slower at Mission and almost 10 seconds at Seattle. I'd love to see something like GTE brought in as an alternative to being stuck in GTM

That's great, but what stops Steve from putting some DOTs on and running IPE as a second group?

That's why they hold races.

Nothing to stop him.
As I remember back in about 1998 GTS was set up as a catch-all class for cars that did not meet IP or GT class rules and as a second run group for both. IP cars were required to be entered in the IP class at the same race meet to be able to run in GTS. These rules also allowed two drivers in one car which increases entries. The requirement for all GTS cars except IP as noted above to have the full GT safety equipment came a number of years later. There was never any intent to try to equalize the cars. It is a simple displacement based class breakdown. CACC has GT and IP for people who want to race against a more or less equal car within the rules.

I get alot of questions regarding motor swap cars, and I alway have to give the same answer, "There is NO class for you unless you put in a fire system and a fuel cell or run THE WSC."
I think this class will attract new cars running on DOT tires as well as the JDM spec right hand drive cars. Its a good place for a ex-world challenge car or perhaps a car that has been motor prepped past the IT/IP rules.

lets see how many people this would benefit:

Lin brothers BMW
Mark - RX7 RHD
RHD - Skyline
ORANGE - BMW , M3
Dodge Neon with tail

I cant think of more but I bet YOU can!

Jordy Isaak wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2011 at 8:01am:

I'm not sure what your problem is with an IP car running GTS as a second class.  It's provided for in the rules, and it doesn't go even a tenth of a second quicker than it did in IP, seeing how it's an identical car.  No safety issues there .

I guess what people fail to see is that if a person was so inclinde they could now add a engine mod, and run slicks on there IP car in GTU, GTM, GTO.  Now that car is going faster with IP safety requirements.  

I could go either way on this issue and could piont out that an IP1 Corvette that runs 1:15 already has less safety requirements than a GTL car running 1:18's

I think the main group of people this is for would be the cars that have failed to comply to our current class prep rules due to one reason or another, whether on purpose or not.  It also allows a GT car to run a cheaper DOT tire instead of a SLICK

Uh, no Chris, they can't do that.  If you run GTS as a second entry with an IP car it *must* be IP legal when run in GTS.  No slicks, engine changes, etc.  Can't even pull any ballast.  It is in all respects identical to how it is run in the other race on the same day.

It seems odd to me that you're so stuck on the dangers of an IP car putting on a GT sticker and staying mechanically identical, but are fine with a car that has only IP safety equipment having free reign on engine swaps and turbo upgrades when it's called ITE.

And sorry, but you're wrong about the engine in my dad's car - we switched it back to stock.

Jordy Isaak wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2011 at 9:14pm:

Uh, no Chris, they can't do that.  If you run GTS as a second entry with an IP car it *must* be IP legal when run in GTS.  No slicks, engine changes, etc.  Can't even pull any ballast.  It is in all respects identical to how it is run in the other race on the same day. And sorry, but you're wrong about the engine in my dad's car - we switched it back to stock.

YES , it seems I was wrong, Did not look down far enough in the CACC rules

Improved Production cars entered in GTS Category
A. To allow CACC members an opportunity to compete in GTS category as an additional entry, cars whose logbooks states the car is an IP category car may be entered in GTS category.

Race Competition Regulations

17-2 1/1/2011
GT Category
Cars so entered need only conform to the vehicle safety standards required of IP category, provided that in all other respects, the car complies completely with IP category rules.

And I guess I have not looked at your Dads car in some time to see the correct engine was reinstalled