I have driven this van before. We used to have one as a parts van. If
autocrossed it will end up like an upside down turtle....
-Derek
Keith Hearn wrote:
> Frankly, I don't have any experience with a Previa, so I have no clue as
> to whether or not it's safe to autox. Does anyone out there who is
> saying it's unsafe have an actual experience with it, or or we just
> seeing knee-jerk reactions because it's a mini-van?
>
> Kevin's numbers at least make me think it *might* be safe. How many of
> those saying it's not safe realised that it's got a wider track
> than a Camaro? If it's got a track that's wider than a Camaro, it
> hardly falls into the "narrow track" category. I have no idea if it
> falls into the "high center of gravity" category, but at this point
> I'm not going to assume anything.
>
> How about if someone with some experience takes the vehicle in
> question out for a test drive and see how it feels? Who knows,
> maybe it's safer than those Rabbits that regularly get several
> inches of air under their rear wheels and have a history of
> rolling in autocrosses, yet are still allowed to run.
>
> Keith Hearn
> '99 Miata 10AE "Sexy Sadie" the Sapphire Shark
> B-Stock
> Milpitas, CA
>
> In message <4.3.2.7.0.20001018130914.02b50a20@derf.madams.com>, "Darren P.
>Mada
> ms" writes:
> > 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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