Ok, I'll bite... damnit... :)
Isn't there a better way to predict rollover stability? Didn't this come
up when that idiot at the insurance department or something used a formula
similar to Kevin's numbers comparison (sorry Kevin, not a jab at you) and
came to the conclusion that any SUV has a 95% chance of rolling over?
It was disputed that even the height of the CofG does not have a
substantial effect on rollover probability. I think it was also discussed
on the national list that rear suspension and shock function at full (and
over) compression and full extension contribute to a large portion of
rollovers. I would think it would have to do more with roll centers and
polar movement and inertia than just track/height.
Now, whether you want to make that a requirement for vehicle eligibility is
up for debate... and what other cars might be excluded (Larry's Focus? BMW
318ti's?) too...
--D
p.s. I wouldn't allow the Previa to run just on the "why push our luck"
common sense rule, but you're right in that there's no specific rule. I
don't have my rulebook handy but I'm sure there's an out for the Safety
Steward or Solo Chief to override anything in the name of safety. Of
course, then the action is protestable, but a PC will most likely agree
with the chiefs.
At 12:31 PM 10/18/00, Kevin Stevens wrote:
> >A Previa is not an acceptable vehicle for Solo II.
> >
> >--John Kelly
>
>(paraphrased: "Ditto." -- Charlie Davis)
>
>I'm wondering about the grounds for these opinions? I don't particularly
>care about the Previa, but let's look at it.
>
>What the (1999) rulebook says:
>
>=========================
>3.1 ELIGIBLE VEHICLES
>A Solo II Event is open to any vehicle that can pass safety inspection...
>except that vehicles with wheelbases exceeding 116 inches may be excluded...
>
>Unstable vehicles with a high center of gravity and a narrow track must be
>excluded (e.g. Suzuki Samurai, Jeep CJ series, and GEO Sidekick).
>==========================
>
>Vehicle Track Height
>Samurai 51.4 65.6
>Wrangler 58.0 70.6
>Sidekick 55.x 64.3
>Previa 61.4 68.7
>Camaro 60.6 51.8
>
>Clearly the Previa doesn't have a narrow track compared to anything. High
>CG would have to be measured; however of note is that each of the exampled
>vehicles are taller than they are wide. The Previa is two inches wider than
>tall. It also carries its engine and drivetrain significantly lower than
>most vehicles. Its wheelbase is 112.8 inches, the 4x4s range from 80-93.4.
>
>If we intend to exclude all minivans and SUVs, we better say so - the
>rulebook quite carefully does not. If there's some more subjective criteria
>y'all are using, what is it? I don't have enough experience with non-coupe
>cars in autocross to have a valid opinion - I never see them run.
>
>KeS
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