And this is why I'm a perfect future candidate for SM2: I've got a 10AE
Miata that's still under warranty, but when it's over, I'd love to do some
kind of FI WITHOUT having to run EM for Pete's sake!
And another reason I want SM2: in csp I can't even put in an 8lbs. HEAVIER
radiator for g_d's sake! I do track days and I don't want my car to over
heat anymore during 125 degree track temp days like we had this summer. A
heavier radiator makes NO performance advantage in AX, but CAN save an
engine doing "hot laps"
This is just my personal beef w/SP rules, but it illustrates how SP rules
are antiquated. People use their cars for things, hold on to your hats
folks, for things other than AX! Gasp! And please don't tell me about "if
you want to play [at National's] you got to pay [follow the rules]". It has
even been suggested elsewhere that if you want to run w/some minor rules
infraction, just stay racing at the local level and you should be o.k. I
DON'T WANT TO BREAK ANY RULES, AT ANY LEVEL!! BUT I WANT TO COMPETE WITH
REAL WORLD RULES!
Now the coup de grace of my argument; I quote from the bottom of p. 97 of
the SP rules from the 1999 SOLO Rules: "...The original concept of this
catagory as made up predominantly of street-driven vehicles has been
rendered inappropriate." Innappropriate is right! To me, this is an
complete addmission that the SP rules are antiquated and should either: be
replaced by, or at the very least, supplimented by, an accross the board SM
classification, i.e., SM, SM2, SM3, etc.
Adios SP! Long live SM!!!
Sorry for the rant, I've been carrying that around on my cheast for nearly a
year and I feel much better now :-}
Bill Schenker
'99 Miata 10AE
Team CalClub #36 csp
S.C.A.T. (SDR) #58 csp
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brad Cox" <COXB@trimofran.org>
To: <autox@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 6:56 AM
Subject: Why I like SM...
> >>To say that since only 4 marques trophying (or whatever
> the statement was) means the class doesn't have a "level playing field" is
> laughable.<<
>
> The fact that at least a few top level drivers have been willing to
prepare and campaign SM cars this year is a very good start, IMO.
>
> I think SM is getting a lot of looks right now from people in various
classes. It's a great option for people like me. I've had a lot of
discussions with fellow competitors about various changes I would like to
make that are illegal under SP rules, but I can't since I'm still intent on
running in SP.
>
> As far as car prep goes, I LOVE the variety. Remember the recent thread
where everyone described their version of the ideal SM car? All kinds of
neat ideas. Well, looking at the results, most of our (more feasable) ideas
haven't even started showing up yet. When they do, I'm sure that Grant and
Rafferty will have an answer for them, and the variety/competition will be
better than ever.
>
> I fit the SM demographic perfectly and I'd consider SM immediately if my
car were a bit older (warranties, etc.). I drive a '98 Honda Civic DX.
It's my daily driver and I run in FSP. BUT, while I enjoy running the
'easier' pax, I'm getting sick and tired of day after day dealing with my
wimpy 106 HP engine. The D16Y motor is a dog and so is the tranny. Honda
tuners don't even bother with it. I'd love to do an engine swap someday.
Won't happen in the next year or two, but it's really nice to know I have a
place to play if/when I decide to take that route. I have to think there
are a *bunch* of people out there that are in a similar situation. That's
why I think SM is a great class, but it will take another year, probably
two, to see it really flourish.
>
> -brad
>
>
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