topramn
10-05-2007, 10:19 AM
Local road racing organization, NASA Pro Racing (Club Racing AZ) needs a new sponsor for time attack. This series is hosted approximately 10 times a year at PIR and FIR.
For more info, read below. If you find yourself interested in having your shop sponsor our program, please contact me via PM. Thanks!
Club Racing Arizona created the "Time Attack" as a means for the advanced level "DE" driver to showcase their car and capabilities as a driver, without having to subject themselves or their vehicle to the additional hazards of wheel to wheel racing.
The format and rules that CRA uses to run their "Time Attack" is closely modeled after the Japanese style Time Attacks you see in those crazy videos straight from Japan and readily available from many local shops.
Four distinct classes have been established based on overall speed potential of stock and modified street cars. There are no rules that limit how fast you can ultimately make your street car go. If you want to prove you are as fast as you think you are, or maybe just baseline yourself against some of the best drivers, then the CRA Time Attack is the place for you!
Time Attack Format
The maximum allowed entries into the Time Attack will be based on several factors which include the number of available transponders, overall event schedule as well as track layout. Registration priority will be on a first come, first served basis. If there is a
surplus of registered entrants, a waiting list will be created. Confirmed entries and waiting list entries will be emailed directly to the competitors and/or posted on the CRA Time Attack Forum section 12-24 hours in advance of the scheduled event.
There is a mandatory meeting that all Time Attack participants must attend to go over any last minute details and to distribute transponders and grid assignments. Any competitors not present at the Time Attack meeting will forfeit their spot which will be given to the next available competitor on the waiting list.
It is the responsibility of each Time Attack competitor to securely fasten their transponder to the front of their own vehicle (so bring plenty of zip ties and tape!). Competitors will be responsible for replacement cost of any damaged transponders (est. $300) due to insufficient securing of the unit to the front of their vehicle.
The cars will be put into heats consisting of 2-4 vehicles on track at a time with as much spacing between vehicles as possible to reduce the chances of any passing. Competitors will be assigned in heats according to lap time potential.
All competitors will be given 1 warm up lap then 2 Flying Laps and 1 cool down lap. Competitors will be disqualified (DSQ) from the Time Attack results if they:
1. Spin their vehicle more than 90 degrees
2. Drop more than 2 wheels off track
3. Do more than 1 warm up lap, 2 flying laps and 1 cool down lap
If you are DSQ'd you will be black flagged and need to return to the hot pits immediately.
Due to scheduling limitations it is rare that reruns/redos are granted but CRA will do it's best to try to accommodate when possible. Examples where a CRA official would consider a rerun/redoe could be: Timing error, lap traffic, poor track conditions, etc.
Once you complete your laps, all competitors will be required to remove their transponder from their vehicle and return them to the CRA official collecting them. ALL Time Attack transponders must be collected and accounted for prior to the results being distributed.
Club Racing Arizona Time Attack Classing Rules
All Time Attack entries must be registered for the day (i.e. DE Advanced, Drift, Race, etc.) AND must have driving abilities equal to or greater than the "DE Advanced" group with no issues/incidents reported to any CRA Officials. No passengers allowed in any vehicle competing in the Time Attack. No racing slicks in Class A-C (Slicks "ok" in Class
U). Only mass production street cars are eligible for the Time Attack (i.e. No purpose built Production Race Cars). If your car is stock and it is not already listed in one of the classes below, use the "Power to Weight" (PTW) method. Vehicles that have been modified will need to use the PTW method to determine if they will remain in the same class or get bumped up into a higher classNo cars that have already been listed in a respective class are allowed to drop down a class regardless of their actual PTW ratio. Vehicles may add ballast, but are limited to a maximum amount of 75 lbs. Cars on DOT R-tires will receive a 25 HP penalty and will use the PTW method.
NOTE: See "Appendix and Definition of terms" below for additional clarification on bolded items above.
Class A (Power to weight up to 15:1)
Acura (all 4 cyl models - excl. Type R), Acura (all 6 cyl sedan based models), Audi (all 4 cyl models), BMW 4 cyl (all - excl. E30 M3), BMW Z3 (all), Chevy Cavalier / Cobalt (all), Chevy Camaro (all 4 cyl & V6), Chevy Corvette (pre 84), Chrysler Crossfire (all
- excl. SRT6), Dodge Charger/Magnum (all - excl. SRT & Hemi), Dodge Neon (all - excl SRT4), Dodge Stealth (4 cyl non-turbo), Ford Contour / Escort / Focus / Taurus
/ Thunderbird (all), Ford Mustang (all 4 cyl & V6), Honda (all 4 cyl models - excl. Type R), Honda (all 6 cyl sedan based vehicles), Hyundai Tiburon (all), Infiniti (all 4 cyl models), Lexus IS300, RSX, Mazda 3 (All), Mazda 6 (All - excl. Mazdaspeed), Mazda RX3 (all), Mazda Miata (All - excl. Mazdaspeed), Mazda RX7 (all non-turbo), Mazda Protégé (All - excl. Mazdaspeed), Mini Cooper (all - excl. Works), Mitsubishi (all 4 cyl non-turbo), Nissan (all 4 cyl non-turbo), Nissan Altima / Maxima (all), Plymouth (all 4 cyl non-turbo), Pontiac GT/Grand Am (all), Pontiac Fiero (all), Pontiac Firebird (all 4 cyl & V6),Pontiac Solstic, Porsche 914 / 924 / 944 (non-turbo), Saab (all 4 cyl non-turbo), Saturn Sky (non-Redline), Subaru (all non-turbo models), Toyota (all 4 cyl non-turbo), VW Bettle / Corrado / GTI /
Golf / Jetta / Rabbit / Scirocco (all - excl. R32)
Class B (Power to weight 14.99:1 - 11.5:1)
Acura/Honda (all Type R models), Audi (all 6 cyl models), Audi S4/S8 (all), BMW E30 M3, BMW 6 cyl (all - excl. E46 M3), BMW 8 cyl (all - excl. M5), Cadillac CTS, Chevy Camaro (all V8), Chevy Corvette C4 (all - excl. ZR1), Chrysler Crossfire SRT6, Dodge Charger/Magnum (all SRT & Hemi), Dodge Neon SRT4, Dodge Stealth (V6 non-turbo), Ford Mustang (all V8),
Honda S2000, Infiniti (all 6 & 8 cyl models), Lexus IS350, Mazda RX8, Mazda Protégé Mazdaspeed, Mazda 6 Mazdaspeed, Mazda Miata Mazdaspeed, Mini Cooper Works,
Mitsubishi 3000GT (non-turbo), Mitsubishi (all 4 cyl turbo & 6 cyl), Nissan (all 4 cyl turbo), Nissan 300ZX (non-turbo), Nissan 350Z (all), Plymouth (all 4 cyl turbo), Pontiac Firebird (all V8), Pontiac GTO, Porsche 911 (all non-turbo, excl. GT3), Porsche 924 / 944 turbo, Porsche Boxster (all), Saab (all 4 cyl turbo), Saturn Sky Redline, Subaru (all turbo models -
excl. STi), Toyota (all 4cyl turbo), Toyota Supra (non-turbo), VW Golf R32, VW Passat W8
Class C (Power to weight 11.49:1 - 8:1)
Acura NSX (all), Audi A8, BMW E46 M3, BMW M5/M6 (all), Cadillac CTSV / XLR / STS-V (all), Chevy Corvette C5 (all - excl. Z06), Chevy Corvette ZR1, Dodge Stealth (turbo), Lotus Elise/Exige, Mazda RX7 turbo (all), Mitsubishi 3000GT (turbo), Mitsubishi Lancer (all turbo), Nissan 300ZX (turbo), Porsche Turbo (all - some excl.), Subaru STi, Toyota Supra TT (all)Class U (Power to weight less than 7.99:1 / Unlimited / Shop Cars / Etc.)
All CR1 race cars, All Shop/Tuner cars, All kit cars, All tube frame cars, All exotics, Chevy Corvette C6/Z06 (all), Dodge Viper (all), Porsche GT2/3 (all)
NOTE: CRA officials will not change existing car classing mid season but they do reserve the right to add vehicles not currently listed to an appropriate class onsite at an event or without notice.
Points that drivers earn throughout the season will be earned in the respective class and will NOT follow if the driver changes classes mid season. Each driver will be allowed to drop their lowest score. Additionally, at the end of the season, a single driver can only qualify for one class. The class with the better finishing position (or higher points if the
finishing position is the same in both classes) will be the one that is used for official season end results. For example, if Driver A runs a car in Class A and accumulates 40 points and then runs Class B and accumulates 35 points and results in 2nd place in
either class, then the results of 40 points in Class A and 2nd place would be the official season end results. In the event of a points tie, all events where the two competitors competed on the same track will be added up and the margin of victory (i.e. the
one with the lowest total cumulative lap time) will determine the winner.
NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep the structure of the series the same for the entire year (2007). However, CRA officials reserve the right to modify it if they feel changes are needed between Season #1 and Season #2. If changes are made they will be publicly communicated at least 30 days prior to the start of Season #2.
Appendix and Definition of Terms
Actual vehicle weight: The actual weight of the car (not including driver) immediately after running the Time Attack as measured on CRA's scales. In most
cases the weight can be done prior to the Time Attack, but in the event of a questionable protest, another competitor can request that the vehicle be weighed immediately after the Time Attack laps.
Ballast: "Ballast" is a safe means of adding weight to a vehicle. The most popular methods is adding lead bars or readily available home gym weights to the floor of a vehicle and secured with large bolts and washers. If ballast is added to a vehicle, it must be present in the vehicle at the time of the tech inspection in which the tech inspector can sign off on the mounting technique for the ballast.
DOT R-Tires: Any tire with a DOT rating and treadwear rating less than "140".
Exotic: Sports car based with retail price in excess of $100K
Modified: ANY changes resulting in vehicle that is different than would be delivered from the factory (i.e. different size/lower treadwear tires, shocks, springs, sway bars, wings, intake, etc.)
"Power to Weight" method:
-For initial classing on stock vehicles, use the
manufactured claimed curb vehicle weight (w/o driver) as well as the factory rated flywheel HP. If a stock vehicle consistently proves to be uncompetitive (or overly competitive) for it's class using this method, it will be considered for a re-classification.
-Modified vehicles will use the "actual vehicle weight" and HP as measured at the wheels by any Professional Local Dyno Shop. Vehicles that are in a questionable class and do not have a readily available dyno chart to prove HP output will be classed at the discretion of the CRA Time Attack Director. All competitors that feel they may have borderline vehicles are *highly* encouraged to get their vehicle dyno'd to settle any potential protests and avoid any subjective classing.
Production Race Car: Any production vehicle that was built for the sole purpose of racing and never intended for public roads by the manufacturer. Examples of these types of cars would be a Formula Ford, Formula Mazda, DSR, etc. NOTE: The Time Attack
Director may make some exclusions such as the Competition Viper - no VIN, old Bondurant Mustangs - no VIN, etc.)
Racing Slicks: Any tire without a DOT rating and treadwear below 140.
Stock: A "stock" vehicle means a vehicle that is exactly the same as you would receive it from the manufacturer. Any available "options" must have an OEM part number and designated for that specific make and model (ß for example Comptech/Nismo parts are not considered "stock" even if equipped from a dealership). The only exception allowed is the tires may differ as long as the following conditions are met:
1. The tire size needs to remain the exact OEM size.
2. The treadwear rating must be the same or higher than the OEM tires.
Street Tires: Any tire with a DOT rating and treadwear rating higher than "140".
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: The only thing I did to my car was removed some interior and added a set of coilovers. After I did the PTW calculations I got bumped into the next class. How is that fair?
A: Certain cars were strategically placed in very specific base classes to purposely make this happen. With every car out there and only 4 classes to put them in, there were several cars that were on the border of several classes. In most cases they were
placed in the slower class. The theory is that in completely stock trim "most" cars aren't that fast and once you modify them they're going to get bumped (Example: Acura RSX Type S is appropriate in Class A but once modified it should easily be equally competitive in Class B). Conversely, there are several cars that are underdogs for their respective
class and this is simply due to the nature of not being able to make every single car competitive for its class, especially when there are only 4 total classes. The one advantage of a vehicle that might be an underdog in stock trim is that you are allowed lots
of modifications and power adders without even jumping up to the next class. Many cars may not seem like they are classed fairly initially, but with careful modifications, planning and very specific engine tuning, just about ANY car can competitive in it's respective class or even higher up classes.
Q: This whole power to weight (PTW) method seems to make sense but won't this make things a mess trying to class cars?
A: I don't think so. We need to get to a point where there is enough honor and integrity within the competitors to be able to trust one another. Additionally, there won't be a need to weigh every car after the Time Attack. Most competitors should know
the approximate weight of their vehicle and if it's a questionable weight, the vehicle could be weighed before the Time Attack and even during tech. If the vehicle weight is still questionable/borderline, another competitor could request that the vehicle in question be weighed immediately after the Time Attack (forcing the protested competitor to run the
appropriate amount of gas and/or ballast to ensure legality for the class. The end result though, is that classing can and should be established and proven (if needed) prior to the event even starting. Every effort possible will be made so that the PTW method does not cause chaos trying to analyze dyno charts, weigh cars and subjectively classing cars on the fly in just 15 minutes prior to the Time Attack. Everyone should know who is in their class to give them a chance to protest (if needed) prior to the start of the Time Attack.
Q: The CRA race classes use the PTW method but they also include the driver's weight. Why not do the same thing for the TA series?
A: With the Time Attack you'll get half the people who feel it should be with the driver and the other half saying without. Since it's 50/50 I think it's easier to class the CAR to keep things consistent and simple from an administration standpoint and especially for T&S.
Q: I was a really big fan of drivetrain style classing why was that not done?
A: Granted this would be the easiest to class from an administrative standpoint, but *I* feel it would have the potential to create the most uncompetitive environment and classing system when compared to other methods. For example an 1800 lb Honda CRX on Hoosiers with 300 HP in theory would not be a fair against a stock Ford Focus. Another example is a modified but still low HP Subaru 2.5RS on Hoosiers against a STi with 600HP and the same tires.
Q: I don't understand why there's a tire penalty. Shouldn't the rules simply allow R-tires with out a penalty? Some of the street tires guys just need to step up!
A: This was a really tough one. As most high performance drivers know, (besides HP) tires are the single most important modification you can make to a car to lower your lap times. With that said, it would be unsportsmanlike to think that a similarly prep'd car
on street tires could be just as competitive as one with DOT legal R compound tires. With this reasoning, a 25HP penalty will be added to help level the playing field. Some may feel that the rules should simply allow them with no "penalty" and the lesser street tire guys simply need to step up! The goal of the rule was not to screw the street tire guys while at
the same time not slap the R-tire guys with *too* bad of a penalty. A 25HP penalty should give the street tire guys an edge but it is not a high enough number that I feel that street tires will dominate. Once the rules are in place and real world data is collected,
this number can be adjusted if needed. Fair enough everyone?
Q: Okay, the R-tire thing makes sense but there are lots of other modifications besides tires that make a car fast. Why aren't any of those mods addressed?
A: Good point. However, *most* competitors in the Time Attack generally all have the same basic modifications (i.e. shocks, springs, sway bars). When was the last
time you saw a completely stock car running and someone was complaining about it? So my question is why do rules need to be written to address a non-issue? Additionally, if the goal was to keep the rules short and sweet and not have a points system like other organizations, I'm not sure how it could be accomplished. If you don't believe me, check out how many rules there are for SCCA Solo 2...
Q: What is the purpose of banning "Slicks" but not"R-Tires" in classes A-C, aren't they practically the same thing?
A: There are a few reasons behind this but the biggest problem with "slicks" is that they are not readily available in the correct sizes and/or compounds for the majority of the typical street cars that run in the Time Attack.
Q: The original rules banned the super fast "Race Cars" and heavily penalized the "Race Cars" that were eligible, why was that rule originally created and how come the new rules don't include something like that?
A: The rule was originally created mostly out of fear that a super well prep'd race car would jump into the TA from a Race Group and crush all the "regular" folks. The problem now is take a look at some of the Time Attack cars vs race cars and tell me how to define the difference?
For more info, read below. If you find yourself interested in having your shop sponsor our program, please contact me via PM. Thanks!
Club Racing Arizona created the "Time Attack" as a means for the advanced level "DE" driver to showcase their car and capabilities as a driver, without having to subject themselves or their vehicle to the additional hazards of wheel to wheel racing.
The format and rules that CRA uses to run their "Time Attack" is closely modeled after the Japanese style Time Attacks you see in those crazy videos straight from Japan and readily available from many local shops.
Four distinct classes have been established based on overall speed potential of stock and modified street cars. There are no rules that limit how fast you can ultimately make your street car go. If you want to prove you are as fast as you think you are, or maybe just baseline yourself against some of the best drivers, then the CRA Time Attack is the place for you!
Time Attack Format
The maximum allowed entries into the Time Attack will be based on several factors which include the number of available transponders, overall event schedule as well as track layout. Registration priority will be on a first come, first served basis. If there is a
surplus of registered entrants, a waiting list will be created. Confirmed entries and waiting list entries will be emailed directly to the competitors and/or posted on the CRA Time Attack Forum section 12-24 hours in advance of the scheduled event.
There is a mandatory meeting that all Time Attack participants must attend to go over any last minute details and to distribute transponders and grid assignments. Any competitors not present at the Time Attack meeting will forfeit their spot which will be given to the next available competitor on the waiting list.
It is the responsibility of each Time Attack competitor to securely fasten their transponder to the front of their own vehicle (so bring plenty of zip ties and tape!). Competitors will be responsible for replacement cost of any damaged transponders (est. $300) due to insufficient securing of the unit to the front of their vehicle.
The cars will be put into heats consisting of 2-4 vehicles on track at a time with as much spacing between vehicles as possible to reduce the chances of any passing. Competitors will be assigned in heats according to lap time potential.
All competitors will be given 1 warm up lap then 2 Flying Laps and 1 cool down lap. Competitors will be disqualified (DSQ) from the Time Attack results if they:
1. Spin their vehicle more than 90 degrees
2. Drop more than 2 wheels off track
3. Do more than 1 warm up lap, 2 flying laps and 1 cool down lap
If you are DSQ'd you will be black flagged and need to return to the hot pits immediately.
Due to scheduling limitations it is rare that reruns/redos are granted but CRA will do it's best to try to accommodate when possible. Examples where a CRA official would consider a rerun/redoe could be: Timing error, lap traffic, poor track conditions, etc.
Once you complete your laps, all competitors will be required to remove their transponder from their vehicle and return them to the CRA official collecting them. ALL Time Attack transponders must be collected and accounted for prior to the results being distributed.
Club Racing Arizona Time Attack Classing Rules
All Time Attack entries must be registered for the day (i.e. DE Advanced, Drift, Race, etc.) AND must have driving abilities equal to or greater than the "DE Advanced" group with no issues/incidents reported to any CRA Officials. No passengers allowed in any vehicle competing in the Time Attack. No racing slicks in Class A-C (Slicks "ok" in Class
U). Only mass production street cars are eligible for the Time Attack (i.e. No purpose built Production Race Cars). If your car is stock and it is not already listed in one of the classes below, use the "Power to Weight" (PTW) method. Vehicles that have been modified will need to use the PTW method to determine if they will remain in the same class or get bumped up into a higher classNo cars that have already been listed in a respective class are allowed to drop down a class regardless of their actual PTW ratio. Vehicles may add ballast, but are limited to a maximum amount of 75 lbs. Cars on DOT R-tires will receive a 25 HP penalty and will use the PTW method.
NOTE: See "Appendix and Definition of terms" below for additional clarification on bolded items above.
Class A (Power to weight up to 15:1)
Acura (all 4 cyl models - excl. Type R), Acura (all 6 cyl sedan based models), Audi (all 4 cyl models), BMW 4 cyl (all - excl. E30 M3), BMW Z3 (all), Chevy Cavalier / Cobalt (all), Chevy Camaro (all 4 cyl & V6), Chevy Corvette (pre 84), Chrysler Crossfire (all
- excl. SRT6), Dodge Charger/Magnum (all - excl. SRT & Hemi), Dodge Neon (all - excl SRT4), Dodge Stealth (4 cyl non-turbo), Ford Contour / Escort / Focus / Taurus
/ Thunderbird (all), Ford Mustang (all 4 cyl & V6), Honda (all 4 cyl models - excl. Type R), Honda (all 6 cyl sedan based vehicles), Hyundai Tiburon (all), Infiniti (all 4 cyl models), Lexus IS300, RSX, Mazda 3 (All), Mazda 6 (All - excl. Mazdaspeed), Mazda RX3 (all), Mazda Miata (All - excl. Mazdaspeed), Mazda RX7 (all non-turbo), Mazda Protégé (All - excl. Mazdaspeed), Mini Cooper (all - excl. Works), Mitsubishi (all 4 cyl non-turbo), Nissan (all 4 cyl non-turbo), Nissan Altima / Maxima (all), Plymouth (all 4 cyl non-turbo), Pontiac GT/Grand Am (all), Pontiac Fiero (all), Pontiac Firebird (all 4 cyl & V6),Pontiac Solstic, Porsche 914 / 924 / 944 (non-turbo), Saab (all 4 cyl non-turbo), Saturn Sky (non-Redline), Subaru (all non-turbo models), Toyota (all 4 cyl non-turbo), VW Bettle / Corrado / GTI /
Golf / Jetta / Rabbit / Scirocco (all - excl. R32)
Class B (Power to weight 14.99:1 - 11.5:1)
Acura/Honda (all Type R models), Audi (all 6 cyl models), Audi S4/S8 (all), BMW E30 M3, BMW 6 cyl (all - excl. E46 M3), BMW 8 cyl (all - excl. M5), Cadillac CTS, Chevy Camaro (all V8), Chevy Corvette C4 (all - excl. ZR1), Chrysler Crossfire SRT6, Dodge Charger/Magnum (all SRT & Hemi), Dodge Neon SRT4, Dodge Stealth (V6 non-turbo), Ford Mustang (all V8),
Honda S2000, Infiniti (all 6 & 8 cyl models), Lexus IS350, Mazda RX8, Mazda Protégé Mazdaspeed, Mazda 6 Mazdaspeed, Mazda Miata Mazdaspeed, Mini Cooper Works,
Mitsubishi 3000GT (non-turbo), Mitsubishi (all 4 cyl turbo & 6 cyl), Nissan (all 4 cyl turbo), Nissan 300ZX (non-turbo), Nissan 350Z (all), Plymouth (all 4 cyl turbo), Pontiac Firebird (all V8), Pontiac GTO, Porsche 911 (all non-turbo, excl. GT3), Porsche 924 / 944 turbo, Porsche Boxster (all), Saab (all 4 cyl turbo), Saturn Sky Redline, Subaru (all turbo models -
excl. STi), Toyota (all 4cyl turbo), Toyota Supra (non-turbo), VW Golf R32, VW Passat W8
Class C (Power to weight 11.49:1 - 8:1)
Acura NSX (all), Audi A8, BMW E46 M3, BMW M5/M6 (all), Cadillac CTSV / XLR / STS-V (all), Chevy Corvette C5 (all - excl. Z06), Chevy Corvette ZR1, Dodge Stealth (turbo), Lotus Elise/Exige, Mazda RX7 turbo (all), Mitsubishi 3000GT (turbo), Mitsubishi Lancer (all turbo), Nissan 300ZX (turbo), Porsche Turbo (all - some excl.), Subaru STi, Toyota Supra TT (all)Class U (Power to weight less than 7.99:1 / Unlimited / Shop Cars / Etc.)
All CR1 race cars, All Shop/Tuner cars, All kit cars, All tube frame cars, All exotics, Chevy Corvette C6/Z06 (all), Dodge Viper (all), Porsche GT2/3 (all)
NOTE: CRA officials will not change existing car classing mid season but they do reserve the right to add vehicles not currently listed to an appropriate class onsite at an event or without notice.
Points that drivers earn throughout the season will be earned in the respective class and will NOT follow if the driver changes classes mid season. Each driver will be allowed to drop their lowest score. Additionally, at the end of the season, a single driver can only qualify for one class. The class with the better finishing position (or higher points if the
finishing position is the same in both classes) will be the one that is used for official season end results. For example, if Driver A runs a car in Class A and accumulates 40 points and then runs Class B and accumulates 35 points and results in 2nd place in
either class, then the results of 40 points in Class A and 2nd place would be the official season end results. In the event of a points tie, all events where the two competitors competed on the same track will be added up and the margin of victory (i.e. the
one with the lowest total cumulative lap time) will determine the winner.
NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep the structure of the series the same for the entire year (2007). However, CRA officials reserve the right to modify it if they feel changes are needed between Season #1 and Season #2. If changes are made they will be publicly communicated at least 30 days prior to the start of Season #2.
Appendix and Definition of Terms
Actual vehicle weight: The actual weight of the car (not including driver) immediately after running the Time Attack as measured on CRA's scales. In most
cases the weight can be done prior to the Time Attack, but in the event of a questionable protest, another competitor can request that the vehicle be weighed immediately after the Time Attack laps.
Ballast: "Ballast" is a safe means of adding weight to a vehicle. The most popular methods is adding lead bars or readily available home gym weights to the floor of a vehicle and secured with large bolts and washers. If ballast is added to a vehicle, it must be present in the vehicle at the time of the tech inspection in which the tech inspector can sign off on the mounting technique for the ballast.
DOT R-Tires: Any tire with a DOT rating and treadwear rating less than "140".
Exotic: Sports car based with retail price in excess of $100K
Modified: ANY changes resulting in vehicle that is different than would be delivered from the factory (i.e. different size/lower treadwear tires, shocks, springs, sway bars, wings, intake, etc.)
"Power to Weight" method:
-For initial classing on stock vehicles, use the
manufactured claimed curb vehicle weight (w/o driver) as well as the factory rated flywheel HP. If a stock vehicle consistently proves to be uncompetitive (or overly competitive) for it's class using this method, it will be considered for a re-classification.
-Modified vehicles will use the "actual vehicle weight" and HP as measured at the wheels by any Professional Local Dyno Shop. Vehicles that are in a questionable class and do not have a readily available dyno chart to prove HP output will be classed at the discretion of the CRA Time Attack Director. All competitors that feel they may have borderline vehicles are *highly* encouraged to get their vehicle dyno'd to settle any potential protests and avoid any subjective classing.
Production Race Car: Any production vehicle that was built for the sole purpose of racing and never intended for public roads by the manufacturer. Examples of these types of cars would be a Formula Ford, Formula Mazda, DSR, etc. NOTE: The Time Attack
Director may make some exclusions such as the Competition Viper - no VIN, old Bondurant Mustangs - no VIN, etc.)
Racing Slicks: Any tire without a DOT rating and treadwear below 140.
Stock: A "stock" vehicle means a vehicle that is exactly the same as you would receive it from the manufacturer. Any available "options" must have an OEM part number and designated for that specific make and model (ß for example Comptech/Nismo parts are not considered "stock" even if equipped from a dealership). The only exception allowed is the tires may differ as long as the following conditions are met:
1. The tire size needs to remain the exact OEM size.
2. The treadwear rating must be the same or higher than the OEM tires.
Street Tires: Any tire with a DOT rating and treadwear rating higher than "140".
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: The only thing I did to my car was removed some interior and added a set of coilovers. After I did the PTW calculations I got bumped into the next class. How is that fair?
A: Certain cars were strategically placed in very specific base classes to purposely make this happen. With every car out there and only 4 classes to put them in, there were several cars that were on the border of several classes. In most cases they were
placed in the slower class. The theory is that in completely stock trim "most" cars aren't that fast and once you modify them they're going to get bumped (Example: Acura RSX Type S is appropriate in Class A but once modified it should easily be equally competitive in Class B). Conversely, there are several cars that are underdogs for their respective
class and this is simply due to the nature of not being able to make every single car competitive for its class, especially when there are only 4 total classes. The one advantage of a vehicle that might be an underdog in stock trim is that you are allowed lots
of modifications and power adders without even jumping up to the next class. Many cars may not seem like they are classed fairly initially, but with careful modifications, planning and very specific engine tuning, just about ANY car can competitive in it's respective class or even higher up classes.
Q: This whole power to weight (PTW) method seems to make sense but won't this make things a mess trying to class cars?
A: I don't think so. We need to get to a point where there is enough honor and integrity within the competitors to be able to trust one another. Additionally, there won't be a need to weigh every car after the Time Attack. Most competitors should know
the approximate weight of their vehicle and if it's a questionable weight, the vehicle could be weighed before the Time Attack and even during tech. If the vehicle weight is still questionable/borderline, another competitor could request that the vehicle in question be weighed immediately after the Time Attack (forcing the protested competitor to run the
appropriate amount of gas and/or ballast to ensure legality for the class. The end result though, is that classing can and should be established and proven (if needed) prior to the event even starting. Every effort possible will be made so that the PTW method does not cause chaos trying to analyze dyno charts, weigh cars and subjectively classing cars on the fly in just 15 minutes prior to the Time Attack. Everyone should know who is in their class to give them a chance to protest (if needed) prior to the start of the Time Attack.
Q: The CRA race classes use the PTW method but they also include the driver's weight. Why not do the same thing for the TA series?
A: With the Time Attack you'll get half the people who feel it should be with the driver and the other half saying without. Since it's 50/50 I think it's easier to class the CAR to keep things consistent and simple from an administration standpoint and especially for T&S.
Q: I was a really big fan of drivetrain style classing why was that not done?
A: Granted this would be the easiest to class from an administrative standpoint, but *I* feel it would have the potential to create the most uncompetitive environment and classing system when compared to other methods. For example an 1800 lb Honda CRX on Hoosiers with 300 HP in theory would not be a fair against a stock Ford Focus. Another example is a modified but still low HP Subaru 2.5RS on Hoosiers against a STi with 600HP and the same tires.
Q: I don't understand why there's a tire penalty. Shouldn't the rules simply allow R-tires with out a penalty? Some of the street tires guys just need to step up!
A: This was a really tough one. As most high performance drivers know, (besides HP) tires are the single most important modification you can make to a car to lower your lap times. With that said, it would be unsportsmanlike to think that a similarly prep'd car
on street tires could be just as competitive as one with DOT legal R compound tires. With this reasoning, a 25HP penalty will be added to help level the playing field. Some may feel that the rules should simply allow them with no "penalty" and the lesser street tire guys simply need to step up! The goal of the rule was not to screw the street tire guys while at
the same time not slap the R-tire guys with *too* bad of a penalty. A 25HP penalty should give the street tire guys an edge but it is not a high enough number that I feel that street tires will dominate. Once the rules are in place and real world data is collected,
this number can be adjusted if needed. Fair enough everyone?
Q: Okay, the R-tire thing makes sense but there are lots of other modifications besides tires that make a car fast. Why aren't any of those mods addressed?
A: Good point. However, *most* competitors in the Time Attack generally all have the same basic modifications (i.e. shocks, springs, sway bars). When was the last
time you saw a completely stock car running and someone was complaining about it? So my question is why do rules need to be written to address a non-issue? Additionally, if the goal was to keep the rules short and sweet and not have a points system like other organizations, I'm not sure how it could be accomplished. If you don't believe me, check out how many rules there are for SCCA Solo 2...
Q: What is the purpose of banning "Slicks" but not"R-Tires" in classes A-C, aren't they practically the same thing?
A: There are a few reasons behind this but the biggest problem with "slicks" is that they are not readily available in the correct sizes and/or compounds for the majority of the typical street cars that run in the Time Attack.
Q: The original rules banned the super fast "Race Cars" and heavily penalized the "Race Cars" that were eligible, why was that rule originally created and how come the new rules don't include something like that?
A: The rule was originally created mostly out of fear that a super well prep'd race car would jump into the TA from a Race Group and crush all the "regular" folks. The problem now is take a look at some of the Time Attack cars vs race cars and tell me how to define the difference?