MY RX-7 weighed in this weekend at 2366 lbs, with a spec weight of 2280 lbs - and I was 2420 lbs at the last race of last season, so I've made some progress. I'm 180 lbs, but they won't let me drive in the suit I wear at that weight. With Driver's suit and helmet, well ... Anyway, that last 85 lbs is going to be tough, and may induce compromises I'm not willing to take.
That's part of the issue, though. Sure, maybe it is physically and legally possible to meet the minimum spec weight, but at what cost (and I'm not going to cry 'safety'. Suspension parts chosen for weight over performance? Short header simply to eliminate weight, at a loss of torque? Minimal cage, eliminate strut bar to cut weight?
Yes, I'm all for 'try smarter', but don't tell me that everybody that buys an Integra has put in more sweat and tears and smarts to be competitive and hit the target weight. There is a level of 'reasonable' to go along with an approachable spec weight. If you want a design competition, go run Formula SAE (or E Prod). If you want to do some competitive club racing, let's keep the required preparation in mind when we specify weights.
That being said - I'm encouraged by the changes, acknowledge that I've been running with parts that are not required by the rules, and having fun trying to work within the new rules.
As an aside:
Jake F., I'm way away from 135 RWHP, but if you've seen chassis data, I guess it's possible. 125 RWHP for a professionally built RX-7 is more typical, if not the best, IMHO. But I digress.
Dave Youngren
NER ITA RX7 #71
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