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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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


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