Proposed Rules Clarifications

[Greg Amy]

In another topic I noted that I've been tasked to "clean up" the STCS so that class-specific rules are not within the general section, but within the class-specific sections. an example is from the June 2011 Fastrack where the STCS moved the porting rules from the general Engine section.

To move this process along I'm going to post these changes here for the board to intorturate, kind of a "pre-pre-Fastrack" review, so that if I've made any mistakes in these it can be corrected prior to going to the STAC for approval and forward to the CRB. I should do anywhere from 2-4 of these proposals per month.

Going through these is probably only for the rules nerds in any of us; it'll be dry stuff. But as I noted before, I highly encourage you to read those changes and ensure that I/we have not made a mistake! While these will be vetted by both the STAC and the CRB prior to being published as Technical Bulletins, there's always a chance of mistakes. These are not intended to be rules changes, these are simple re-write of the words (rules changes do not go into effect until the next racing year). If you see anything in there that actually results a rule change, please let me know!

Enjoy!

GA

[Greg Amy]

Clarification of Turbocharged Cars


9.1.4.G.17 currently begins:

"Cars utilizing forced induction may not have a boost controller within reach of the driver. A car must enter pit lane to have the boost level changed by the crew if necessary. Competitors must be prepared to demonstrate the boost adjustment process to officials."

Cut the subsequent lines from that paragraph and insert as new line 9.1.4.G.2, and move all following lines down.

"Unless otherwise noted, the follow restrictions apply to turbochargers.
- Turbocharging is permitted only with a factory turbo/engine combination; turbochargers may not be added to engines that did not originally come equipped with one.
- Swapping of turbochargers between engine makes and models is prohibited.
- The inlet restrictor (if required) shall be positioned in the compressor inlet housing.
- Supercharged cars may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Club Racing Technical Office for details."

[Greg Amy]

Move cam allowances to individual class specs.

9.1.4.G.5, change paragraph to:

"Alternate camshafts are allowed; see individual class regulations for lift limits. Camshaft timing is free."

Insert 9.1.4.1.D.6, Valve lift is limited to .600 inches

Insert 9.1.4.2.B.5, Valve lift is limited to .600 inches

Insert 9.1.4.3.B.6, Valve lift is limited to .425 inch for 4 valve/cylinder engines, .425 inch intake and .450 inch exhaust for 3 valve/cylinder engines, and .450 inch for 2 valve/cylinder engines.

[Greg Amy]

This one is truly for only the rules nerds...


Aero/Bodywork cleanup rules.

9.1.4.C.1 (Bodywork)
- Delete sentence "OEM or aftermarket spoilers and wings are permitted." It is redundant to, and superceded by, similar verbiage in 9.1.4.D.2
- Cut all sentences after "A photographic replica is not sufficient," to be moved to Aerodynamic Devices section.
- Insert the following sections before current 9.1.4.D.3 (Aerodynamics) and renumber 3 appropriately:
9.1.4.D.3 A close-out panel may be mounted behind the grille.
9.1.4.D.4 OEM side skirts may be used if they were available on the car from the dealer provided they meet the minimum ride height rule.
9.1.4.D.5 Aftermarket side skirts may be used provided they meet the minimum ride height rule, have no openings/ducts in them other than for jacking insert(s), are no wider than the approved fascias, do not extend any higher than the bottom of the door and do not reinforce the chassis.

9.1.4.D.1.a, cut sections encompassing "STO and STU" and "STL", to be moved to individual class sections.
Add 9.1.4.D.1.d: See individual class regulations for further restrictions

9.1.4.1, STO, insert new section B, "Aerodynamic Devices" and renumber subsequent (to keep in same order as main sections)
Add 9.1.4.1.B.1 Front Splitter
Add the following subsections:
a. The front splitter must not extend more than 2.0 inches past the original or approved bodywork as viewed from above for the entire profile of the splitter.
b. The splitter shall not extend laterally any further than the widest point of the outside sidewall of the front tires with the wheels pointed straight ahead. Additionally, the splitter may not extend more than 2.0 inches beyond the bodywork, regardless of where the outside edges of the front tires are.
c. The splitter may have vertical deviations, fences, etc., only if they are part of the production bodywork for street use.

9.1.4.2, STU, insert new section B, "Aerodynamic Devices" and renumber subsequent (to keep in same order as main sections)
Add 9.1.4.2.B.1 Front Splitter
Add the following subsections:
a. The front splitter must not extend more than 2.0 inches past the original or approved bodywork as viewed from above for the entire profile of the splitter.
b. The splitter shall not extend laterally any further than the widest point of the outside sidewall of the front tires with the wheels pointed straight ahead. Additionally, the splitter may not extend more than 2.0 inches beyond the bodywork, regardless of where the outside edges of the front tires are.
c. The splitter may have vertical deviations, fences, etc., only if they are part of the production bodywork for street use.

9.1.4.2, STL, insert new section B, "Aerodynamic Devices" and renumber subsequent (to keep in same order as main sections)
Add 9.1.4.3.B.1 Front Splitter
Add 9.1.4.3.B.1.a The front splitter/spoiler must not extend past the approved bodywork as viewed from above for the entire profile of the front fascia.

9.1.4.D. 2, Renumber first paragraph as subsection "a" and renumber second paragraph as sub section "b".
9.1.4.D.2.a, cut entire sections encompassing "STO" and "STU and STL".
Add 9.1.4.D.1.c: See individual class regulations for further restrictions

9.1.4.1, STO
Add 9.1.4.1.B.2 Rear Wing
Add the following subsections:
a. The rear wing is limited to a single element with a chord length of 12.0 inches, including any wicker.
b. The entire wing assembly may be no wider than the widest part of the car, not including fender flares/lips and mirrors, or a maximum width of 72.0 inches, whichever is the lesser.
c. The entire rear wing assembly, including the end plates and any wicker , shall be mounted level with, or below, the peak of the roof.
d. The trailing edge of the rear wing may be mounted no further rearward than the center of the rearmost part of the approved bodywork.
e. Wing end plates must not exceed 144.0 square inches.

9.1.4.2, STU
Add 9.1.4.2.B.2 Rear Wing
Add the following subsections:
a. Wings shall be a single element with a maximum chord length of 8.50 inches, including any wicker.
b. The entire wing assembly may be no wider thana maximum of 48.25 inches.
c. The entire rear wing assembly, including the end plates and any wicker, shall be mounted a minimum of 6.0 inches below the peak of the roof. Cars with a wagon-style or hatchback body (e.g., Mazda Protege 5, Civic hatchback) may have the rear wing mounted a maximum of 4.0 inches above the roofline. The mounting position will be measured between the highest points of the roof and the wing assembly.
d. The trailing edge of the rear wing may be mounted no further rearward than the center of the rearmost part approved bodywork.
e. Wing end plates must not exceed 64.0 square inches.
f. APR performance wing GTC-200 part #AS-104801, variable cord length (8.75” Inner/6.75” Outer), is permitted.

9.1.4.3, STL
Add 9.1.4.3.B.2, Rear Wing
Add the following subsections:
a. Wings shall be a single element with a maximum chord length of 8.50 inches, including any wicker.
b. The entire wing assembly may be no wider thana maximum of 48.25 inches.
c. The entire rear wing assembly, including the end plates and any wicker, shall be mounted a minimum of 6.0 inches below the peak of the roof. Cars with a wagon-style or hatchback body (e.g., Mazda Protege 5, Civic hatchback) may have the rear wing mounted a maximum of 4.0 inches above the roofline. The mounting position will be measured between the highest points of the roof and the wing assembly.
d. The trailing edge of the rear wing may be mounted no further rearward than the center of the rearmost part approved bodywork.
e. Wing end plates must not exceed 64.0 square inches.
f. APR performance wing GTC-200 part #AS-104801, variable cord length (8.75” Inner/6.75” Outer), is permitted.

[Chip42]

Move cam allowances to individual class specs.

9.1.4.G.5, change paragraph to:

"Alternate camshafts are allowed; see individual class regulations for lift limits. Camshaft timing is free."

Insert 9.1.4.1.D.6, Valve lift is limited to .600 inches

Insert 9.1.4.2.B.5, Valve lift is limited to .600 inches

Insert 9.1.4.3.B.6, Valve lift is limited to .425 inch for 4 valve/cylinder engines, .425 inch intake and .450 inch exhaust for 3 valve/cylinder engines, and .450 inch for 2 valve/cylinder engines.

while you're in there might as well make STL (your 9.1.4.3.B.6)

Valve lift is limited to .425 inch. 3 valve/cylinder engines are limited to .425 inch intake and .450 inch exhaust, 2 valve/cylinder engines are limited to .450 inch.

In order to accomodate the 5 valve/cyl engines (VW 1.8L 20V Turbo in USDM, some more if the JDM gates open)

[Greg Amy]

while you're in there...

Good point, though I think that may fall under a "rules change". I'll pass it by the committee, and submit a change request if needed. Thanks!

[Chip42]

This one is truly for only the rules nerds...

I resemble that remark

9.1.4.1, STO, insert new section B, "Aerodynamic Devices" and renumber subsequent (to keep in same order as main sections)
Add 9.1.4.1.B.1 Front Splitter
Add the following subsections:
a. The front splitter must not extend more than 2.0 inches past the original or approved bodywork as viewed from above for the entire profile of the splitter.
b. The splitter shall not extend laterally any further than the widest point of the outside sidewall of the front tires with the wheels pointed straight ahead. The splitter may not extend more than 2.0 inches beyond the bodywork, regardless of where the outside edges of the front tires are.
c. The splitter may have vertical deviations, fences, etc., only if they are part of the production bodywork for street use.

9.1.4.1, STO
Add 9.1.4.1.B.2 Rear Wing
Add the following subsections:
a. Wings shall be a single element with a maximum chord length of 12.00inches, including any wicker.
b. The entire wing assembly may be no wider than the widest part of the car, not including fender flares/lips and mirrors, or a maximum width of 72.0 inches, whichever is the lesser.
c. The entire rear wing assembly, including the end plates and any wicker , shall be mounted level with, or below, the peak of the roof.
d. The trailing edge of the rear wing may be mounted no further rearward than the center of the rearmost part of the approved bodywork.
e. Wing end plates must not exceed 144.0 square inches.

9.1.4.1.B.1.b for clarity - the "aditionally" term is unneeded and clunky.
9.1.4.1.B.2.a to match the stylings of the other classes' rules and to clarify the 12.00" maximum chord, in lieu of the current wording which suggest that a wing must be 12.00" in chord, no more, no less. if I'm worng on that point then this would be a change, not a correction.

[Greg Amy]

the "aditionally" term is unneeded and clunky.

Agreed.

9.1.4.1.B.2.a to match the stylings of the other classes' rules and to clarify the 12.00" maximum chord, in lieu of the current wording which suggest that a wing must be 12.00" in chord, no more, no less.

Nice catch. It's probably a left-over from the World Challenge rules, but I *think* STO is intended to be a maximum of 12", not an absolute number. Yet again something to pass through the STAC, and do a change request as needed. - GA

[Andy Bettencourt]

Nice job Greg, that's a lot of work there.

[Matt93SE]

Nice work. Keep going!

[Greg Amy]

No new submissions for this month. Last month's did not get published due to a compressed calendar, so we'll submit the current ones for next month. - GA

[Greg Amy]

This month's submissions...

Re-wording, Ride Height

Current rule 9.1.4.F.5 "Chassis":

Minimum ride height is 3.0 inches for STO, 4.0 inches for STU and 5.0 inches for STL. Ride height will be measured at the lowest point of the rocker panel, not including the pinch weld.

Change 9.1.4.F.5 to read:
Ride height will be measured at the lowest point of the rocker panel, not including the pinch weld.

Add 9.1.4.1.C.5 (STO)
Minimum ride height is 3.0 inches.

9.1.4.2 (STU) Insert new Sub-Section letter prior to "Engines", labeled "Chassis". This will be Section "C" if the aero re-wording goes into effect prior to this change.

Add 9.1.4.2.C.1 (STU)
Minimum ride height is 4.0 inches.

9.1.4.3 (STL) Insert new Sub-Section letter prior to "Engines", labeled "Chassis". This will be Section "C" if the aero re-wording goes into effect prior to this change.

Add 9.1.4.3.C.1 (STL)
Minimum ride height is 5.0 inches.

[Greg Amy]

Re-wording - Dry Sumps

Current rule 9.1.4.J.4, "Dry Sump Systems":

4. Dry-sump systems:
STO:
The dry-sump system is limited 5 stages. It shall consist of 1 pressure stage and a maximum of 4 scavenge stages. If the OEMstyle pressure pump is used it shall count as the one permitted pressure stage. There may be a maximum of 2 two-port scavenge stages, or a maximum of 4 single-port scavenge stages, or any combination such that oil is not being scavenged from more than a maximum of 4 locations.
STU:
The dry-sump system is limited to 3 stages. It shall consist of 1 pressure stage and a maximum of 2 scavenge stages. If the OEMstyle pressure pump is used it shall count as the one permitted pressure stage. There may be a maximum of 1 two-port scavenge stage, or a maximum of 2 single-port scavenge stages, such that oil is not being scavenged from more than a maximum of 2 locations.
STL:
Dry sump systems are not permitted.

Delete 9.1.4.J.4 entirely.

Add 9.1.4.1.D.6 ("STO, Engine"):

Dry sump systems are allowed. The dry-sump system is limited 5 stages. It shall consist of 1 pressure stage and a maximum of 4 scavenge stages. If the OEM style pressure pump is used it shall count as the one permitted pressure stage. There may be a maximum of 2 two-port scavenge stages, or a maximum of 4 single-port scavenge stages, or any combination such that oil is not being scavenged from more than a maximum of 4 locations.

Add 9.1.4.2.B.5 ("STU, Engines"):

Dry sump systems are allowed. The dry-sump system is limited to 3 stages. It shall consist of 1 pressure stage and a maximum of 2 scavenge stages. If the OEM style pressure pump is used it shall count as the one permitted pressure stage. There may be a maximum of 1 two-port scavenge stage, or a maximum of 2 single-port scavenge stages, such that oil is not being scavenged from more than a maximum of 2 locations.

Add 9.1.4.3, STL, no addition required, as dry sump systems are not allowed.


PLEASE NOTE: The section letters for "Engines" may/will change based on prior re-verbiage approvals. The section letters used above are relfective of the July 2011 issue of the GCR.

[Greg Amy]

Re-wording - Suspension Pickup Points

Existing rule 9.1.4.N.2, "Suspension and Steering"

2. STO and STU original suspension pick-up points below the upper line of the wheel rim must be used within a tolerance of 1.0 inch; however, if the lower suspension pickup point is changed from the OEM location, 50 lbs. must be added to the car. STL cars must retain the OEM lower suspension pickup points. The body/frame around the pick-up points may be reinforced. This reinforcement shall be limited to a radius of 6.0 inches. The 1.0 inch tolerance applies to pick-up points on the chassis only.


Changes:

Delete the sentence "STL cars must retain the OEM lower suspension pickup points."

9.1.4.1, STO, Add Section "Suspension and Steering" prior to "F. Brakes"

Add to that above 9.1.4.1.x section "suspension and Steering:

1. Original suspension pick-up points below the upper line of the wheel rim must be used within a tolerance of 1.0 inch; however, if the lower suspension pickup point is changed from the OEM location, 50 lbs. must be added to the car. The body/frame around the pick-up points may be reinforced; this reinforcement shall be limited to a radius of 6.0 inches. The 1.0 inch tolerance applies to pick-up points on the chassis only.

9.1.4.2, STU, Add to 9.1.4.2.D, in existing "Suspension and Steering" section:

3. Original suspension pick-up points below the upper line of the wheel rim must be used within a tolerance of 1.0 inch; however, if the lower suspension pickup point is changed from the OEM location, 50 lbs. must be added to the car. The body/frame around the pick-up points may be reinforced; this reinforcement shall be limited to a radius of 6.0 inches. The 1.0 inch tolerance applies to pick-up points on the chassis only.

No change needed in STL.

Existing rule 9.1.4.N.3, "Suspension and Steering"

3. STO and STU suspension mounting points above the upper line of the wheel rim must be retained within a tolerance of 3.0 inches, however, the body/frame around the pick-up points may be reinforced. This reinforcement shall be limited to a radius of 6.0 inches. The 3.0 inch tolerance applies to pick-up points on chassis only. STL cars must retain the OEM upper suspension mounting points.


Changes:

Delete sentence "STL cars must retain the OEM upper suspension mounting points."

Add to the above-new section in STO, "Suspension and Steering"

2. Suspension mounting points above the upper line of the wheel rim must be retained within a tolerance of 3.0 inches, however, the body/frame around the pick-up points may be reinforced; this reinforcement shall be limited to a radius of 6.0 inches. The 3.0 inch tolerance applies to pick-up points on chassis only.

9.1.4.2, STU, Add to 9.1.4.2.D, in existing "Suspension and Steering" section:

4. Suspension mounting points above the upper line of the wheel rim must be retained within a tolerance of 3.0 inches, however, the body/frame around the pick-up points may be reinforced; this reinforcement shall be limited to a radius of 6.0 inches. The 3.0 inch tolerance applies to pick-up points on chassis only.

No change needed in STL.

[mossaidis]

Change 9.1.4.F.5 to read:
Ride height will be measured at the lowest point of the rocker panel, not including the pinch weld.

No mention of exhaust?

[Greg Amy]

No mention of exhaust?

That ride height requirement - which caused me to lose a qually session at the Runoffs last year 'cause my ITS exhaust was too low - was changed with the 2011 rules (before I joined the STAC). Whereas before ride height was 3" across the whole bottom of the car, now ride height is measured at the rocker.

GA

[benspeed]

Greg - keep after it and you'll have the tighest/clearest class ruleset in the GCR!

Question, It appears that the 968 turbo was only a Euro model and it never came with a 2.5L turbo. Can the car still be classed in STU with turbo or is it a better approach to request a supercharger be permitted on the Porsche 968?

Still looking at STU as the next class up for the car.

Thanks

[Chip42]

good work, Greg.

on the upper suspension mount rules - take out "however" and replace it with a period.

[Greg Amy]

....take out "however" and replace it with a period.

Noted, thanks.

Greg - keep after it and you'll have the tighest/clearest class ruleset in the GCR!

Hmmm, a satisfied customer. No worries, we'll address that next concall.

Question, It appears that the 968 turbo was only a Euro model and it never came with a 2.5L turbo. Can the car still be classed in STU with turbo or is it a better approach to request a supercharger be permitted on the Porsche 968?

Right now we do not have "opportunity" (read: allowance in the rules/philosophy) to allow additions of turbos/SCs to cars that did not come from the factory that way (except in STO; see Acura NSX). There is discussion about allowing such beasts with spec'd TIRs, but I don't see that coming short-term. We are trying very hard to reign in the World Challenge cars so that they have a place to play but are not "the" cars to have, so I encourage you to consider doing a STU-to-the-rules build and see what comes of it...2750# for a built 2.5L is pretty attractive versus an Acura TSX WCT 2.4L car at 3,045 piggies...300 hundred pounds more...

GA

[benspeed]

Thanks Greg - appreciate the clarifications. Figure I still have a couple ITR seasons left, but do have the desire to run nationals and stick with the 968.