Which is kind of the problem .... the Honda-centric rules from a decade past need to be revisited.    But that's kind of digressing a bit.

Really though, if the JDM equivalent model is essentially the same as the North American version (or anything different on the JDM-spec version would be a legal modification on the NA equivalent) then the RHD version should be allowed.

My 2 cents.   

Lug, we're talking about two different things.  You're talking about what the rules *should* be, I am talking about what's actually written in the rulebook.

Again, I agree with you that it would be lame to protest a car just because the driver is on the wrong side.  I would still expect the driver of such a car to lose a protest made against him, simply because it does not meet the letter of the rules.

Go to the next CACC AGM and propose a change that will allow RHD imports into IP, provided that the car is otherwise identical to a model that was sold in North America, and I will gladly vote in favour of the change.

P.S.  For the 1993-1995 RX7, which is the one we're talking about, the JDM car made 10 HP more than the USDM one.  And if 1996+ JDM RX7 were imported, the horsepower difference would be even greater.

It would not take fellow competitor to protest this car. The Scrutineers are very good at the right/left thing.

The idea of having any car that was not designed for the North American market goes against the the original idea of the IP rules. No "one ofs"!! The car you have may not be the best car for the class and it may not even be eligible. Cars that do not fit have an "out" under the current rules.
Cacc race rule 18.2.G

G. Under unusual circumstances, it may be reasonable to permit a competitor to deviate from an official specification provided such variance would clearly
be of no consequence to either the safety or performance of the affected
vehicle. Permission may only be granted by the Chief Steward in consultation with the chief Scrutineer. All variances must be noted in thevehicle logbook and designated "permanent‟ or "temporary‟.

The rules are written as they are to help ensure competitive fairness amongst the participants. Ensuring competitive fairness also implies the ability to police the vehicles compliance and competitive advantages that would otherwise exist  between two similar vehicles from different domestic production runs. One could make a case for one particular vehicle as being identical in every respect. While I challenge that to be true, the same cannot be said for all vehicles competing in IP, therefore you would be asking for an exception for one vehicle which goes against the spirit of the rule. Further, as mentioned earlier, I would challenge one's ability to prove that every component of a foreign domestic vehicle is exactly the same not only in dimension, but material as well.

The rules are as they are written. Wishes for change do not count. RHD cars and other cars that were not produced for the North American market are not eligible for any of the IP classes. GTS is for these cars. The car does not have to be protested to be declared non compliant. The Scrutineers are pretty good at this checking. Adding ballast to make it even is not an option under the current rules.

Just a thought, but if you are on a budget you may be better off buying a car that is already legal and has a log book (many are for sale at reasonable prices). Although I know the enjoyment of building a car, I also know the headaches involved. Most first time builders usually do something wrong, this usually adds to the cost (not to mention the time before you get to play).

All that said, if you buy a car that hasn't been raced in a few years you may need to make safety related changes (changes to the roll cage, add a fuel cell or fire system, etcetera) - but this consideration comes into negotiated price. Always make sure you get the log book for a car you buy.