IT to ST crossover cage rules

[EV]

GCR 9.4.C sections 2 and 3 exempt IT, SS, SM and T from the requirement of having a cage tube that extends from the forward down tube. I think STU and STL should also be included in this exemption as many of these cars cross over and without that tube, you risk running a fowl of the rules.

Thoughts?

p.s. letter already submitted, but wanted to see if I am out of line

[Greg Amy]

GCR 9.4.C sections 2 and 3 exempt IT, SS, SM and T from the requirement of having a cage tube that extends from the forward down tube. I think STU and STL should also be included in this exemption as many of these cars cross over and without that tube, you risk running a fowl of the rules.

Thoughts?

p.s. letter already submitted, but wanted to see if I am out of line

It's actually already in our agenda to discuss...

The problem is that Super Touring requires a horizontal dash bar and front leg stubs (the 7th/8th points) but Improved Touring (and SM, T, and SS) has them as optional. Therefore there's only one of two resolutions:

- Make these bars optional in Super Touring, or
- Require them in Improved Touring (and SM, T, and SS).

The former idea goes against the grain of those who believe lack of these "optional" bars is a true safety hazard; the latter is opposed by those already in those categories that want to keep them optional. Some scrutineers feel that our allowances of cars into ST prepped to other categories also exempts them from the additional safety requirements, while others feel that it does not.

My personal opinion is that from a safety aspect these bars should be mandatory for all categories, and I suspect the vast majority of the cars out there already have them in some form (or they can be easily added). But in the end, that's a decision the CRB is going to have to make.

As noted, it's in our agenda for discussion. - GA

[Dano77]

I'm thinking it is already covered.

GCR listed IT cars,85 and newer,under current IT specs.

Cage is ok in IT,should be OK in ST under this rule. Correct? or did I miss something. Or did I just over simplify this?

Why add more words to an already wordy book.

Dan

[Greg Amy]

I'm thinking it is already covered.

Dan, relevant sections from the GCR, from page 109 of December 2011 (bold and italics mine):

Front Hoop Bracing

All open cars with a high front hoop and all closed cars
except those competing in the Improved Touring, Showroom
Stock, and Spec Miata classes must incorporate a
horizontal front hoop brace at the approximate level of
the dashboard. It is recommended that cars competing
in Improved Touring, Showroom Stock, and Spec Miata
classes also have the front hoop brace.

One tube must extend, from each front down tube, forward
to the firewall or through the firewall except in vehicles in
Improved Touring, Showroom Stock, Spec Miata, and Touring.
This tube, one on each side, must connect to the chassis at a
point not more than 12 inches forward of the front axle centerline.

Cars competing in Improved Touring, Showroom Stock, Spec
Miata, and Touring may extend one tube, from each front
down tube, forward to the firewall, bulkhead or wheel well,
but not penetrating any panel.

These tubes are required in Super Touring...

Cage is ok in IT,should be OK in ST under this rule. Correct?

Depends on whom you ask. "Some say" that our allowance for IT cars to compete in ST under their IT prep rules does not waive the GCR rollcage requirements for cars competing in ST. That has not been formally clarified.

GA

[EV]

Depends on whom you ask. "Some say" that our allowance for IT cars to compete in ST under their IT prep rules does not waive the GCR rollcage requirements for cars competing in ST. That has not been formally clarified.

GA

And this is my point... An overreaching tech inspector could gaff you if they wanted to. Heck, I once had a note in my log book that said "paint must match"... Really?

[jhooten]

ST requires a fuel cell. IT does not. Does that mean I have to put a fuel cell in my IT car to run it in ST? NO.

IT cars prepped to the IT rules are allowed to in ST as is. The GCR is clear on the subject as written as of the December updated version:
"Any GCR listed IT cars, 1985 and newer, under their current IT
specifications may compete in STU. GCR listed IT cars of 2 liters
and less engine displacement, 1985 and newer, may compete in
STL under their current IT specifications.
Note: While IT cars may not be competitive in the ST category,
their inclusion in the category will allow regional competitors to
participate in national events."

[Greg Amy]

You're "preaching to the choir", Jerry. But I'm hearing not everyone thinks that way, which is why we're going to clarify it.

Actually, there is a third option: CRB comes out and formally says that "IT prep" means everything, including safety items.

GA

[EV]

ST requires a fuel cell. IT does not. Does that mean I have to put a fuel cell in my IT car to run it in ST? NO.

I am sure Greg will correct me if I am wrong, but the last rule set I saw said fuel cells are required only if the fuel tank isn't located between the axles and frame rails. So no, a fuel cell isn't required.

If you remember, new rules for next year also exempt ST from the fire system requirements presumably for the same reason as I am requesting the cage rules be clarified.

But again, I could be wrong.

[JS154]

ST requires a fuel cell. IT does not. Does that mean I have to put a fuel cell in my IT car to run it in ST? NO.

I. Fluid Piping & Fuel Tank

1. Fuel Cells/Tanks
The use of a fuel cell is required unless the stock fuel tank is located
between the axle centerlines and within the main chassis structure

(i.e., frame rails, etc.).

[EV]

Tx. Part of me knows I should have these bars, but my wallet is talking louder