I've talked to 3 STAC and an SEB member. IMO if we don't send letters, the new cars will be allowed.

I'll be sending in a similar letter. But also add that although the C5 would be on 285s (for now), it will be the only car in the class that uses the inside tires in a corner effectively, significantly increasing the overall tire contact patch. It can also run so low (for CG) that it's very close to the ground, making the front end too low, and basically be undriveable on the street.

Also, ST was for commonly modded street cars to have a class. How many standard C5s have you seen with suspension work? AStock has shown that there are not a lot of SCCA members with C5s. Many have ZO6's, which would be a good start for a sports car ST class. C5 variations are already competitive in SS, AS, SSM and ASP, do they need to dominate an established ST class?

The LS1 picks up a lot of torque with long tube headers, so the gearing isn't as much of an issue. In fact, the tall first gear may help get through the slow elements in the beginning of the course, before shifting to 2nd. From a standing start, the C5 is on par with the AWD STU cars in 1/4miles times, including the AWD launch advantage. On a roll to 60mph, the large displacement V8 C5 is faster.

The 350Z may prove faster too on 285s. I was 1 sec off this weekend from the winning STR 350Z (with 4 of the top STR cars present), but I'm sure that was due to my bad, and his good driving. But at least compared to the C5, the Z has strut suspension and a V6. I also think that if (when) the AWD cars go to 255s, the Z will be close in performance.

I don't like the idea of allowing semi sportscars like the Z in STU, but we did have a preceived low class attendance last year - Yes I am blameing you NW guys! So additions to STU are going to happen, which should be fun. Also it would be bad for the C5 to kill new cars like the BRZ STI, CLA 45, e9x M3, etc.

We may think that the SCCA wouldn't inadvertently kill off the main cars in the class like the Evo and STi, but that's exactly what happened to the AWD WRX in STX. So please write a letter to give the STAC and SEB your feedback.

Rick

 

Great meeting some of the other names on this forum this weekend. AWESOME STU field, was lots of fun all around. Congrats again to the green-wheeled-wonder drivers.

 

I wouldn't include the participation numbers in the argument. STF is taking off. STC is still strong. Looking at the reg list for nats right now and I see that STU is the lowest of the ST bunch at 19. (And yeah - sorry that I can't go this year..)

If the C5 arrives then I'll leave the class. I have no interest in driving across the country to an event where I *hope* that it rains.

-'chono'

 

Yeah there was a gap between when I started writing the letter and when I sent it. In that time STF picked it up. As of right now:

STC: 24
STF: 20
STS: 23
STX: 51
STU: 22
STR: 45

Obviously STX and STR are kicking ***, and those are two of the biggest classes at nationals.

But the other ones are: 20, 22, 23, 24, all pretty much the same range.

I wish I could come this year to chase around Josh+Shane some more, but having a daughter does affect National solo schedules Sorry I am not helping the numbers.

 

my first ever trip to nationals is now set... fingers crossed it all goes smoothly.

 

bring a bike, or rent a golfcart... there's a lot to soak-in and see, and people to meet, so try not and get too hung up on the competition side of things on your first trip out!

 

ask luster, I came to wilmington with my craigslist steal of the day... 33cc gas scooter woohoo! (folds up into my trunk easily...)

think this, but 10yrs old and rusty... but.. $50 (seat comes off, handlebars fold down)

 

wow, I need one of those (...now one step closer to getting a tire/stuff trailer)

 

Congrats Brian on the 3rd place finish @ Wilmington and good luck at nationals! I wish I could join you, but it looks like next year will be my first time out as long as STU stays Evo competitive.

 

Yep, good luck Brian. I was going to recommend a bike too. Helps when you are walking all over grid trying to find a stupid flare nut wrench to replace your brake lines

Oh yeah, if you don't have brake brackets, make some!

Are you doing the Finale too? It's great practice / shakedown, plus it gives you time to get acclimated to everything so Nats doesn't feel like as big a deal.

 

Doug, best $50 i have spent in a long time!

Thanks Ryan, great meeting you too, I have some work to do to get 'on pace' but reviewing video... the car has the potential, the driver needs fine-tuned.

Thanks John, scooter is awesome, and maybe I will bring it to grid with me just in case I need to go get something! And my un-pimpy-single-adjustable Ohlins have brake brackets /problems. Didn't do a pro so no to the finale, but "yes" to the EVO T&T, my concrete setup seems good judging by Wilmington.

 

Only thing is, not all concrete is alike. I dunno how Wilmington compares but I've heard from a few folks that Toledo and Lincoln do not reward the same setup.

 

wilmington and toledo don't like the same setup either. but I will adjust as necessary, hence the EVO T&T.

 

first real pictures of the new STU car for me:

 

One other thing to be wary of is that the surface is different between the T&T course and the East/West courses. I know people who set their car up on/for the T&T course and it completely screwed them for the real courses. They un-did a lot of their setup tweaks and that setup worked better...

-Bryan