SCCA Houston Region B Spec build :)

[FHT_Racing]

It's been some time since I've done any competitive racing(Formula Mazda '07-08), but I'm finally putting something together to get back into the swing of things :)

I had been itching to put a B Spec car together since first hearing about the program years ago with my sights on a Honda Fit. But, since I am a Toyota employee and I see that there is no other current Yaris competitors, I pulled the trigger.

I will be documenting the cars build for myself, forum members, and for current and future sponsors :)

As she sits today...

http://i49.tinypic.com/2v0d1n8.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/10fuqg3.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/2akmgao.jpg
http://i46.tinypic.com/2dhtx5w.jpg

THANKS!

Andrew

[Jason@SportsCar]

Good luck man, I hope the class gains some traction this year. :thumbsup:

[cali yaris]

Yes, great news!

[ilikerice]

Whaaaaat! Subscribed.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Wish we could swap with you, ours needs to get out more. :frown:

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/222688_10200582807162620_1205181458_n.jpg

[racerb]

Yes, keep us posted I'm looking for a second Yaris to do the same with, my current car is already being prepped for STF Autocross duties.

racerb :w00t:

[FHT_Racing]

Wish we could swap with you, ours needs to get out more. :frown:

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/222688_10200582807162620_1205181458_n.jpg

I'll come pick it up :)



I have an open track day coming up at Texas World Speedway on March 2-3rd. So be ready for some pictures and updates!

Thanks,

Andrew

[Jason@SportsCar]

I'll come pick it up :)



I have an open track day coming up at Texas World Speedway on March 2-3rd. So be ready for some pictures and updates!

Thanks,

Andrew

I would take you up on that if it was mine to trade.

Are you going to have any B-Spec parts or race tires on it when you run?

[racerb]

I would take you up on that if it was mine to trade.

Are you going to have any B-Spec parts or race tires on it when you run?

Jason, where do I find the allowable B-Spec mods for the Yaris, I can't find anything in the GCR? Is it strictly whatever TRD offers in the way of struts, shocks, springs, and swaybars??

racerb :iono:

[Jason@SportsCar]

Jason, where do I find the allowable B-Spec mods for the Yaris, I can't find anything in the GCR? Is it strictly whatever TRD offers in the way of struts, shocks, springs, and swaybars??

racerb :iono:

We submitted the parts (TRD shocks and springs) for testing, and requested the part numbers be put on the spec line. They should show up eventually. :iono:

The car also needs a weight break. I think it should weight the same as the Mazda 2, based on power and gearing, but without more on track results I doubt they will adjust it.

[racerb]

Sounds about right, I've been given permission to run the car in NASA with all TRD parts as either B-Spec or PTG Limited Prep car. Thinking of keeping it B-Spec so I can run both SCCA and NASA, since I'm already running SCCA Solo events in STF with my 2010 Yaris.

[FHT_Racing]

I would take you up on that if it was mine to trade.

Are you going to have any B-Spec parts or race tires on it when you run?

I will be running it in stock form for it's first time out. I do have some Dunlop DZ101's with decent tread left though...

We submitted the parts (TRD shocks and springs) for testing, and requested the part numbers be put on the spec line. They should show up eventually. :iono:

The car also needs a weight break. I think it should weight the same as the Mazda 2, based on power and gearing, but without more on track results I doubt they will adjust it.

What did that B-Spec end up weighing before ballasts?

Thanks,

Andrew

[FHT_Racing]

ALSO, dropped by my friends at PowerFab Automotive here in town and got a few free dyno pulls :)

ALL stock 2009 3-door hatch with 38k miles!

http://i49.tinypic.com/o5uiva.jpg
http://i47.tinypic.com/9t3lnp.jpg

Very consistent numbers and GREAT torque from 2-5k. I believe these were done in 3rd gear on a DynoJet dyno.

Thanks,

Andrew

[racerb]

Not 100% sure, but doubt very seriously SCCA would have any problem with you running the full TRD suspension system. The TRD parts are so basic compared to say the Ford Racing and/or Mazda Speed kits that both have adjustable ride hieght setups.

Here is a link to Sparks Toyotas TRD page with the parts I'll be running in NASA...
http://www.trdsparks.com/displayparts.php?Mdl_dtl=712&Part_cat=11&parts_id=1104

By comparison here is the Ford Motorsports kit info, quite a bit more racecar like, than what TRD is currently offering!
http://www.fordracingparts.com/competition/bspec.asp

racerb

[racerb]

Here is what Mazda Speed offers for the 2, which I think is the cars the Yaris is most closely match to in about every category....
http://www.mazdamotorsports.com/wcsstore/B2BDirect/Motorsports/pdfs/contingency/Mazda2_B-spec_flier11.pdf

racerb

[Jason@SportsCar]

What did that B-Spec end up weighing before ballasts?

Thanks,

Andrew

We built the car back in 2010, and I don't recall the exact number. However, it was not built light... The car was built with a 1.75x.120 cage (at the time it was thought this might become the B-Spec standard due to Grand-Am possibly being the officiating body, but that did not happen), so that is extra weight. It still has the complete sheet metal in the front doors (no Nascar style bars), plus both power windows and some of the audio gear is also in there. We also mounted the drivers seat on sliders with a back brace to accommodate guest drivers. Complete fire system. Has a TRD muffler, instead of a strait pipe.

When it ran at Fontana a few weeks ago it was on heavy stock steel wheels, and I filled the gas tank till fuel was right at the flap, finished the race 7lbs over minimum - which sounds great, but we also had a 6'+, 240lb+ Swede behind the wheel.

Figure on a standard build with an average size driver you are looking at 150-200lbs of ballast.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Not 100% sure, but doubt very seriously SCCA would have any problem with you running the full TRD suspension system. The TRD parts are so basic compared to say the Ford Racing and/or Mazda Speed kits that both have adjustable ride hieght setups.



racerb

The rules certainly don't lend themselves to that interpretation. We had one guy questioning if we could even run the car, because he did not see it on the list of BS cars for World Challenge. :laugh: You are stock until they approve your kit.

I think the other guys have way overdone it on the kits... They keep dumbing cars down with weight and restrictors because the Fiat can't keep up - even thought it got a CAI and header. :mad: Not much point in developing good parts for a car if the reward is being slowed down more. That is why when we talked with Toyota we decided to keep it simple and inexpensive. I would rather see the Yaris get a weight break then have to buy a more expensive suspension kit. :wink:

[racerb]

Well, I guess NASA it is!! They have already given me the go ahead to run the TRD pieces and compared to the other trunk kits, it's pretty cheap and simple. Even if it doesn't draw more B-Spec cars out to the track, I can make additional mods and run it as a Performance Touring car, with nearly limitless modifications. :redface:

[FHT_Racing]

Recieved my OMP wheel today :) Thanks, Jason!

Also installed my Hawk HPS pads, resurfaced rotors, and Goodridge SS lines. Bedded them in well and boy do they STOP! haha

Thanks,

Andrew

[FHT_Racing]

Well the first track day with the Yaris went spectacular! Spent the first day and the first session of the second day on the factory tires, and swapped to some Direzzas and factory camber bolts the last sessions. What a great car!

I've had a bit of experience in Formula Mazda and other various non-SCCA track days in my personal cars(S2000, WRX, RX7, etc.), but this has got to be the most fun and forgiving car i've driven hard in a LONG time. Everyone was snickering at the guy who trailered in a Yaris, but by the end of the day people were coming up to me asking me how the car was sooo fast haha.

After the first two sessions, the instructor waved me for the rest of the weekend. Certainly not bragging, but most of the instructors said if it wasn't for the car being so low on power that I'd be in another run group. The FF layout feels very comfortable for me coming from a Formula background and braking BEFORE the turn and powering through. I'll be posting some video of me chasing down and passing a GT Mustang and a BMW Z4 as well :)

http://i50.tinypic.com/2im6ixc.jpg

Thanks,

Andrew

[justjesus]

That's awesome ! I'd be :-O if I saw a Yaris being trailered in. That sounds funny (unless it's Jason's race Yaris!)

Heck yeah, post them videos!

[Jason@SportsCar]

Well the first track day with the Yaris went spectacular! Spent the first day and the first session of the second day on the factory tires, and swapped to some Direzzas and factory camber bolts the last sessions. What a great car!

I've had a bit of experience in Formula Mazda and other various non-SCCA track days in my personal cars(S2000, WRX, RX7, etc.), but this has got to be the most fun and forgiving car i've driven hard in a LONG time. Everyone was snickering at the guy who trailered in a Yaris, but by the end of the day people were coming up to me asking me how the car was sooo fast haha.

After the first two sessions, the instructor waved me for the rest of the weekend. Certainly not bragging, but most of the instructors said if it wasn't for the car being so low on power that I'd be in another run group. The FF layout feels very comfortable for me coming from a Formula background and braking BEFORE the turn and powering through. I'll be posting some video of me chasing down and passing a GT Mustang and a BMW Z4 as well :)

http://i50.tinypic.com/2im6ixc.jpg

Thanks,

Andrew

Nice work. Now quit screwing around at track days and get that racecar built. :biggrin:

[mazilla]

Well the first track day with the Yaris went spectacular! Spent the first day and the first session of the second day on the factory tires, and swapped to some Direzzas and factory camber bolts the last sessions. What a great car!

I've had a bit of experience in Formula Mazda and other various non-SCCA track days in my personal cars(S2000, WRX, RX7, etc.), but this has got to be the most fun and forgiving car i've driven hard in a LONG time. Everyone was snickering at the guy who trailered in a Yaris, but by the end of the day people were coming up to me asking me how the car was sooo fast haha.

After the first two sessions, the instructor waved me for the rest of the weekend. Certainly not bragging, but most of the instructors said if it wasn't for the car being so low on power that I'd be in another run group. The FF layout feels very comfortable for me coming from a Formula background and braking BEFORE the turn and powering through. I'll be posting some video of me chasing down and passing a GT Mustang and a BMW Z4 as well :)

http://i50.tinypic.com/2im6ixc.jpg

Thanks,

Andrew




:headbang::headbang::headbang:

[FHT_Racing]

Nice work. Now quit screwing around at track days and get that racecar built. :biggrin:

That's the plan :) Next is cage and safety equipment. Great article on Pro Racing in the latest SportsCar btw.

[FHT_Racing]

Also need to find a new daily driver hahaha

[FHT_Racing]

Nothing new to report as of yet, but by June she will be caged!!!

[racerb]

Need to hurry up and get your car built, there are 20 B-Spec cars registered for the TCB class for the COTA round of World-Challenge. Even Shea Holbrook who normally races a Honda Civic is racing a B-Spec Fit for this event. At least the class is growing somewhere.......

racerb :iono:

[Jason@SportsCar]

Need to hurry up and get your car built, there are 20 B-Spec cars registered for the TCB class for the COTA round of World-Challenge. Even Shea Holbrook who normally races a Honda Civic is racing a B-Spec Fit for this event. At least the class is growing somewhere.......

racerb :iono:

The lure of COTA has created record fields for pretty much anything that has turned a wheel there. Lime Rock will be a better indicator on if the class is gaining traction.

Its a shame that the move to team owner took Shea out of the TC seat. But you got to pay the bills.

[FHT_Racing]

I will be there as part of a friends pit crew. He has a Mazda2. Excited!!!!!

[racerb]

Sounds like fun, tell your buddy, Good Luck!

Can't wait to one day get this and/or any Yaris built for track duty!!

racerb :w00t:

[racerb]

Results from todays TCB (B-Spec) class qualifying at COTA, strong field but still need a Yaris out there representing!!

http://www.world-challenge.com/event/results.php?ID=1849&event=9165

racerb :thumbsup:

[racerb]

My good friend Johan Schwartz at COTA, he recently reset the World-Record for the longest constant drift at over 51 miles!

http://www.world-challenge.com/event/vote.php?photo=7392

https://www.facebook.com/johan.schwartz.904?fref=ts

racerb:clap:

[FHT_Racing]

It was a great weekend. My friend's name is Steve Taake. He ended up with a 12th place win on Sunday and found 2-3 seconds over the weekend. Fantastic racing and only ended up rotating tires and adjusting tire pressures as far as set-up! Easy and fun!

I will definitely be shooting for Houston in October :)

[racerb]

I was watching for him on the live feed from PWC, however my computer kept kicking me off line, so it was pretty hit and miss. Tell him he did a great job given the level of prep he was running against, Shea Holbrook said she was amazed at how different the cars were comparatively.

racerb :w00t:

[Jason@SportsCar]

Just got off the phone with a member of the CRB... We will not be getting a suspension kit for the Yaris in B-Spec. Since the Yaris was not at the previous test days (the ones used for Grand Am/WC/SCCA), the other manufacturers that make up the B-Spec board are not incline to allow any parts for the car - even though the GCR specifically allows any individual to submit a kit.

Our BS car has run its last race in that trim level - granted it only ran twice, but we actually had someone that wanted to run the June double in it. Thinking about a mild STL build.

[FHT_Racing]

That sucks. I met alot of very nice people/volunteers/PWC staff that are rooting for me to make the Grand Prix in October. I've even put together some great sponsors, so we shall see...

[Jason@SportsCar]

That sucks. I met alot of very nice people/volunteers/PWC staff that are rooting for me to make the Grand Prix in October. I've even put together some great sponsors, so we shall see...

There is no doubt the PWC group wants you there, they want the car counts, entry fees and to put on a good show.

[Larry@CFR]

Jason, does that mean the 2012-13 Chevy Sonic which just submitted their B-Spec kit won't be approved either?? I hope this isn't another manufacturer controlled class!!! Best of luck with the CRB.

[FHT_Racing]

I think because there is not an actual "kit" from Toyota, that manufacturers don't want competitors to be able to bolt on what ever they want. The only cars that are racing are ones with actual B-Spec kits(Honda, Fiat, Ford, Mini, Mazda).

[racerb]

I think because there is not an actual "kit" from Toyota, that manufacturers don't want competitors to be able to bolt on what ever they want. The only cars that are racing are ones with actual B-Spec kits(Honda, Fiat, Ford, Mini, Mazda).

That is what is so puzzling about the Yaris, the fact there is a TRD suspension system, exhaust, and drop-in performance air filter, seems like a B-Spec kit to me!! :iono:

[Jason@SportsCar]

That is what is so puzzling about the Yaris, the fact there is a TRD suspension system, exhaust, and drop-in performance air filter, seems like a B-Spec kit to me!! :iono:

It is a very hypocritical process... What I believe it really comes down to is who will pony up the money for a pro racing program.

The rational for not allowing the Toyota B-Spec kit because it is not a "factory" submission does not fly for a number of reasons:

Out of the currently approved cars in B-Spec with kits only two were actual factory efforts, Mazda and Honda. The Fiat 500 was built by Angry Sheep Motorsports, the Ford was from Phoenix Performance, Mini from Mini of Charleston, Kia from Kinetic, these are all race teams/prep shops or car dealerships. While they would have had factory backing they are not the same as the Honda and Mazda builds.

We were on the original B-Spec committee, serving as Toyota representative - in the same manner as Mini of Charleston and Kinetic - but as soon as it was clarified that Toyota was not going to go with a Pro B-Spec program we were shut out. If you don't get the answer you want ask someone else, but in this case they could not find anyone at Toyota who would say yes to pro.

The losers in this are the people that want to race a Yaris and the class itself. While B-Spec Yaris are never going to pop up in mass numbers the class is currently last in national participation numbers, even one or two Yaris could help. Sadly, based on the Club Racing numbers it appears to me the class would die if World Challenge pulled the plug.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Jason, does that mean the 2012-13 Chevy Sonic which just submitted their B-Spec kit won't be approved either?? I hope this isn't another manufacturer controlled class!!! Best of luck with the CRB.

I think they will get it because they are committed to Pro/WC. Tail wagging the dog.

[FHT_Racing]

Well then the Yaris "B Spec" build is on hold. But I am going to keep building it/tracking it til the end of the year. Then I will decide on where exactly to commit :) Taking the car to a rally event next weekend!!!

Thanks for all the info, opinions, and luck!

[Larry@CFR]

Well then the Yaris "B Spec" build is on hold. But I am going to keep building it/tracking it til the end of the year. Then I will decide on where exactly to commit :) Taking the car to a rally event next weekend!!!

Thanks for all the info, opinions, and luck!

:frown: Andrew, I really hope you do keep going with the BSpec build! I think, at worst, the Comp Board will have a year-end test for all of the manufacturer cars. I just hope between you and Jason, at least one Yaris can be at the next test session. Have you considered building it to the BSpec rules, make up you own TRD list of parts & run in STL? That would give the CRB input to parts, speed and competitive weight. Best of luck whichever way you go!

[racerb]

:frown: Andrew, I really hope you do keep going with the BSpec build! I think, at worst, the Comp Board will have a year-end test for all of the manufacturer cars. I just hope between you and Jason, at least one Yaris can be at the next test session. Have you considered building it to the BSpec rules, make up you own TRD list of parts & run in STL? That would give the CRB input to parts, speed and competitive weight. Best of luck whichever way you go!

That is exactly what I was thinking, TRD has struts/shocks, lowering springs, rear sway bar, oil and air (drop-in) filters, and even a axel-back exhaust system. Put these items on the car, run them in whatever class you're allowed to run and just hope for the best. In fact contact TRD/Sparks in Myrtle Beach SC and see if they would work you a deal on the whole package.

racerb :iono:

[FHT_Racing]

Thanks for the great input. I actually work at Fred Haas Toyota here in Houston and have already received the parts in stock. We'll see how it goes...

I DID however run the car at an event this weekend and took 2nd place :)

http://i42.tinypic.com/35hpg76.jpg

Street Tire 2WD class with Texas Rally Sport! Took 3rd fastest 2WD lap and 2nd Place in S2! Had a blast and is definitely the funnest race weekend I've had in a looooong time.

Thanks,

Andrew

[racerb]

Cool, love running those events! We used to call them Dirt Autocrosses back in the day, won a few times in home build Civic 1200s.

racerb :clap:

[7:34pm]

Wish we could swap with you, ours needs to get out more. :frown:

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/222688_10200582807162620_1205181458_n.jpg
Are these the oem steelies? With what size tires?

They look beefier.

[FHT_Racing]

Stock steelies and 205/50/15 tires.

[FHT_Racing]

Just to cheer everyone up, got a few sponsors committed for next year and will be starting the build back up soon!!! Already purchased the tubing for the cage and am on the look out for a extinguisher and little odds and ends.

Thanks,

Andrew

[racerb]

Good to hear you haven't given up, I decided just to Auto-X my Yaris and build my Celica for road racing. If you need a good deal on safety gear for your car, check with Ron at Discovery Parts, he will give you package pricing for the works.....
http://www.discoveryparts.com/

Ron provides trackside support for all our races and even sponsors quite a few Drivers.

racerb :w00t:

[TRacing]

Hey you all, any updates on this? I ran across this thread searching for any B-Spec Yaris projects after seeing there was no notes in the GCR so wasn't sure if a kit was available...guess not.

I was considering building one this winter for next season as the Yaris can be found much less than a Mazda or Honda. Please keep this updated to if any package will be approved.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Hey you all, any updates on this? I ran across this thread searching for any B-Spec Yaris projects after seeing there was no notes in the GCR so wasn't sure if a kit was available...guess not.

I was considering building one this winter for next season as the Yaris can be found much less than a Mazda or Honda. Please keep this updated to if any package will be approved.

The CRB and B-Spec committee have been a challenge to deal with... The committee is made up of the manufacturers that support BS in Pro Racing (Mazda/Honda/Fiat/Ford/Mini/Kia), and they essentially don't want anyone to come in who is not committed to Pro Racing. Toyota had no official interest in BS until it became a National Club Racing class, and still have no interest in Pro Racing.

Because Toyota will not enter World Challenge the BS committee and CRB have made no effort to approve the kit we submitted on behalf of TRD over a year ago. We have had a number of exchanges via email and phone with members of the committee and got nowhere.

Finally at this years Runoffs we put them on the spot in front of other members at the CRB town-hall, asking why our kit had not been approved, as they let BS sit dead last in participation numbers. They alleged that they offered us the TRD kit with a 100lb weight penalty and we declined. This was completely untrue. We now have a verbal, of course I am not holding my breath, that we will get the kit with a 100lb weight increase to the car - moving it from 2420lbs to 2520lbs.

On the surface this sounds bad, but when you compare the Yaris to its nearest rival on paper, the Mazda 2, it should be ok. The Mazda 2 has had a number of weight hits over the last year, and as of next month will reportedly have to weigh 2450lbs ( http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/assets/TB%2013-09%20prelim.pdf ) this was supposed to happen in Sept but they decided to wait until after the Runoffs. The Mazda 2 also just got a restrictor plate in World Challenge, and the CRB says it will follow the WC adjustments, so that car will get even slower.

Unfortunately these cars all continue to get slowed down in an effort to make the Fiat competitive.

[Larry@CFR]

To those who have built a Yaris or are in the process, what weight is the gutted body and what is the weight with a full comp SCCA cage? I am looking for the difference in Andrew's 2009 & the 2012? Thanks!

[Jason@SportsCar]

To those who have built a Yaris or are in the process, what weight is the gutted body and what is the weight with a full comp SCCA cage? I am looking for the difference in Andrew's 2009 & the 2012? Thanks!

We have only built a 2008 and 2009 in B-Spec trim, our 2007 and 2012 were H Prod cars.

Our 2009 BS was raced this past January, without driver and 3/4 fuel at the end of the race it weighed: 2197
The driver was a 6'+ and 230lbs, so it just made minimum weight.
This car has a way overbuilt cage (because when we built these back in 2010 the thought was BS was going to use Grand Am specs for cages), 1.75"x .120 tubes, it is a heavy cage. The car also has a full fire system, and ran on steel wheels. Any normal size driver is going to need a lot of ballast and start with a full tank of fuel.

In H Prod trim when I weighed both the 2007 and 2012 with empty tanks the difference was 100lbs. However, the 2012 did not have the benefit of a carbon hood or hatch like the 2007, and at the time the 2007 was on a much lighter 13" wheel/tire package. I think the actual weight difference between the two cars if setup exactly the same would be less than 50lbs. With the longer, more stable wheelbase, and cleaner aero the 2012 should be the better choice.

[Jason@SportsCar]

From the latest tech bulletin (figures, just as we are stripping the BS car for the crusher)

B-Spec
1. #12883 (Club Racing Board ) Yaris Update for 2014 In B-Spec, Toyota Yaris (07-12), add to the spec line as follows:
Weight
2420 old
2500 new
Notes:
PTR04-52061 TRD Sport Shocks
PTR11-52070 TRD Spring Kit

[FHT_Racing]

No turning back now :) Dropped off the car for CAGE!

[malibuguy]

Sweet build.

I'd love to build a yaris for track duty to eventually replace my turbo tercel track day car.

With the weight limits it looks like for bspec...it might be easier to build a sedan...take advantage of the slightly better aero

[FHT_Racing]

From the latest tech bulletin (figures, just as we are stripping the BS car for the crusher)

B-Spec
1. #12883 (Club Racing Board ) Yaris Update for 2014 In B-Spec, Toyota Yaris (07-12), add to the spec line as follows:
Weight
2420 old
2500 new
Notes:
PTR04-52061 TRD Sport Shocks
PTR11-52070 TRD Spring Kit

So we are weighted down an extra 80lbs with or without the TRD suspension?!

[Jason@SportsCar]

So we are weighted down an extra 80lbs with or without the TRD suspension?!

Not only is the weight now 2500lbs, the 2014 GCR still does not show the kit. :laugh:

[Larry@CFR]

Not only is the weight now 2500lbs, the 2014 GCR still does not show the kit. :laugh:

Yes but the Mazda2 is back to 2350 & Chevy package is listed! :iono: I would imagine if you printed the Fastrack 13-12 where it lists the TRD package you would be fine. Englewood or Topeka, they still can't keep it straight. :wink:
I did notice all cars get adjustable swaybar links. Is there a good model to use with the TRD bars?

[xnamerxx]

TRD bar isn't legal.

[Larry@CFR]

TRD bar isn't legal.

Correct, but the rest of the needed parts are going to have to be requested from SCCA and fight our way thru the approval process.

[Larry@CFR]

If you guys want to see some great B-Spec pictures from SCCA Major at Sebring, check Facebook at 'Michael Lilley Photography and Design' and search for '2014 BFGoodrich Tires Sebring Super Tour'. The Saturday set starts with B-Spec group and a Fiesta getting punted on the 1st laps! 7 B-Spec's were entered and 6 showed up. PWC TCB driver Ernie Francis, Jr was DQ'd on Sunday due to "Unsafe Driving". Wonder where he learned that??

[xnamerxx]

If it were me I'd start with trying to get another suspension approved, the TRD isn't good enough for track use. Given Bilstein has worked with my HR springs it should be pretty easy to adapt the HR coilovers to something useful.

[xnamerxx]

Well throwing my hat into the pool with a B spec Yaris. Got 2 Honda Fits signed up for the license school so I should have some fun trying to keep up with the Hondas.

Been thrashing for the past few months trying to get the car ready and its finally close enough to be legal to race. Gotta add quite a bit of weight for it to hit the minimum 2500lbs

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1555543_610537149017232_478733685_n.jpg

With the stock suspension car rides kinda high.

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/1546004_615760541828226_1561347529_n.jpg

[Jason@SportsCar]

Well throwing my hat into the pool with a B spec Yaris. Got 2 Honda Fits signed up for the license school so I should have some fun trying to keep up with the Hondas.

Been thrashing for the past few months trying to get the car ready and its finally close enough to be legal to race. Gotta add quite a bit of weight for it to hit the minimum 2500lbs

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1555543_610537149017232_478733685_n.jpg

With the stock suspension car rides kinda high.

https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/1546004_615760541828226_1561347529_n.jpg

Should have grabbed the blue mirrors. Remember that weight is with driver at the end of the race.

[xnamerxx]

Yeah it really would have matched the car better with the blue mirrors but I've got some ideas for livery on the car. There has been some talk at work about adding a corporate livery to the car but I don't think it'll gain any traction.

I figure the car would need about 100-120lbs with my weight when its all said and done.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Yeah it really would have matched the car better with the blue mirrors but I've got some ideas for livery on the car. There has been some talk at work about adding a corporate livery to the car but I don't think it'll gain any traction.

I figure the car would need about 100-120lbs with my weight when its all said and done.

Put half a tank of gas in and see where you are. If you start full you won't get under half in a 40 min race.

Is the TRD suspension still on your car?

[xnamerxx]

TRD is still on my car, everything is getting pulled off and replaced sometime this week. Although I've been really tempted to throw the STF Bilsteins on the car just to see what its like.

[RJay]

2500 lbs? That's quite some weight for a little car, that's heavyer than stock or isn't it for your modelyears?

I weigh 1035 kilos / 2277 lbs with just my road car with the stuff I have in it on a normal day including me & half a tank of fuel. (Yes, that's my yaris. My bmw weighs about 30-70 kilos less depending on fuel and including me)

[xnamerxx]

The car has never been vetted so the minimum weight might change in the future, depending on how competitive the car is with its competition.

I've been told the Fiat 500 is so slow that all the other cars had to be dumbed down so it could keep pace.

My autox car weighs 2110 with a full interior and a really lightweight exhaust, but it doesn't have a cage to deal with.

[RJay]

Fiat 500? Wouldn't you be better off racing the scorpion-badged version?

Mine's bone stock. with spare tire and tools and such. Also airconditioning adds a little.

[ilikerice]

The Abarth is turbo charged pushing 180ish bhp. That would slaughter the others with the rules that allow certain upgrades for all vehicles. Best was is to just add weight to even out the playing field.

[RJay]

I see the problem, bound to an average bph / weight ratio....
And it's cheaper to add weight than to add power.

A friend of mine had to ad about 140-150 lbs of lead to his Suzuki Swift cupracer last year, cause the caŕ's stripped out and he himself is little more than a twig....

[xnamerxx]

Well final weight on the car is 2430 so I have to add some ballast but not a ton.

[xnamerxx]

Almost looks like a racecar now.


https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1511187_617234381680842_1794270237_n.jpghttps://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1511187_617234381680842_1794270237_n.jpg

[xnamerxx]

Well finished up my Drivers school, got my competition License and attended my first B-Spec race. Its been a long weekend but I finally have some time to reflect over the past weekend at Buttonwillow. We ran configuration 14 cw

http://buttonwillowraceway.com/brp/wp-content/themes/buttonwillow/images/track-map-race-14.jpg

The car performed about as well as expected, the weight and suspension are holding it back, spinning the inside tire on every corner aside from Riverside was extremely frustrating. High speed stability is still questionable, but somewhat easy manage if you keep the speed below 95. The car really needs some more rear roll stiffness ala TRD bar or something. The stability issue was probably tire or alignment related, haven't figured that one out yet.

I had 2 Honda Fits to compete against and the 5 second gap between me and the faster driver of the Honda Fit is likely something I wont be able to overcome with the cars current setup. While it was quite fun dicing with the slower driver, but its difficult in knowing I have a long hill to climb if I want to keep up with the faster cars.

All in all I'm finding it very hard to get motivated with this car as penalized as it currently is. A few tweaks to the weight and suspension, and it should be good.

[Larry@CFR]

Well finished up my Drivers school, got my competition License and attended my first B-Spec race. Its been a long weekend but I finally have some time to reflect over the past weekend at Buttonwillow. We ran configuration 14 cw

http://buttonwillowraceway.com/brp/wp-content/themes/buttonwillow/images/track-map-race-14.jpg

The car performed about as well as expected, the weight and suspension are holding it back, spinning the inside tire on every corner aside from Riverside was extremely frustrating. High speed stability is still questionable, but somewhat easy manage if you keep the speed below 95. The car really needs some more rear roll stiffness ala TRD bar or something. The stability issue was probably tire or alignment related, haven't figured that one out yet.

I had 2 Honda Fits to compete against and the 5 second gap between me and the faster driver of the Honda Fit is likely something I wont be able to overcome with the cars current setup. While it was quite fun dicing with the slower driver, but its difficult in knowing I have a long hill to climb if I want to keep up with the faster cars.

All in all I'm finding it very hard to get motivated with this car as penalized as it currently is. A few tweaks to the weight and suspension, and it should be good.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have built & raced a Toyota Yaris in SCCA which only one other car/driver has done. Now we can use your & Jason's experience to lobby SCCA Comp Board for changes. Without another car on track it's impossible to have any data to prove our case. Good job building a car that ran the entire school and was able to compete, but I know you didn't feel competitive. Were the 2 Honda's schoolies or licensed drivers getting track time?:thumbsup:

[Larry@CFR]

Haven't heard from FHT_Racing in awhile, how's the build going in Houston?? Saw Joe McClughan used Taake's TCB car for a B-Spec SCCA Major race last weekend and set the lap record. Unfortunately, no competition there but he ran well.

[Jason@SportsCar]

CONGRATULATIONS! You have built & raced a Toyota Yaris in SCCA which only one other car/driver has done. Now we can use your & Jason's experience to lobby SCCA Comp Board for changes. Without another car on track it's impossible to have any data to prove our case. Good job building a car that ran the entire school and was able to compete, but I know you didn't feel competitive. Were the 2 Honda's schoolies or licensed drivers getting track time?:thumbsup:

Well only one Yaris still has done it, he resurrected our car from the scrap heap. :laugh:

Wow are those numbers small... Are those 8" high with a 1.5" stroke?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t31/1799082_10152176722564350_1240550287_o.jpg

[xnamerxx]

CONGRATULATIONS! You have built & raced a Toyota Yaris in SCCA which only one other car/driver has done. Now we can use your & Jason's experience to lobby SCCA Comp Board for changes. Without another car on track it's impossible to have any data to prove our case. Good job building a car that ran the entire school and was able to compete, but I know you didn't feel competitive. Were the 2 Honda's schoolies or licensed drivers getting track time?:thumbsup:

Both were going through the school as well, one was a THR-W employee the other was a HPD employee. One was in the familiar Red TCB world challenge car, and the other was driving a Black Honda Fit. The red TCB car set a B-Spec lap record at the track and was a full 5 seconds faster than my race time although it was only 4 seconds faster than my qualifying time.

I'll admit I'm not the best driver, and running on old tires doesn't help my case either, and I know my rant was doom and gloom, but the chassis really isn't bad, the inside spin issues just need to be reduced and the car should fly on track...well fly as fast as a b-spec car can.

[xnamerxx]

Something like that, I pulled the out of the vinyl bin a few minutes before I left. The guy that normally makes that stuff for me had his machine break so I was left scrambling to get something on the car. Timing and scoring had a nice chat with me about that.

Also looking at that picture I think I'm almost on the rear bumpstops LOL.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Both were going through the school as well, one was a THR-W employee the other was a HPD employee. One was in the familiar Red TCB world challenge car, and the other was driving a Black Honda Fit. The red TCB car set a B-Spec lap record at the track and was a full 5 seconds faster than my race time although it was only 4 seconds faster than my qualifying time.

I'll admit I'm not the best driver, and running on old tires doesn't help my case either, and I know my rant was doom and gloom, but the chassis really isn't bad, the inside spin issues just need to be reduced and the car should fly on track...well fly as fast as a b-spec car can.

Keep in mind that configuration is typically only used for the school weekend, so often times the records are/were very soft or did not previously exists. While the BS record is a 2:09 now, the HP record dates back to 1996 and is a 2:16. :laugh:

Once you get to Willow Springs you will have a better idea of how far off the car is.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Something like that, I pulled the out of the vinyl bin a few minutes before I left. The guy that normally makes that stuff for me had his machine break so I was left scrambling to get something on the car. Timing and scoring had a nice chat with me about that.

Also looking at that picture I think I'm almost on the rear bumpstops LOL.

You should be on all of the stops as soft as those springs are.

Did anyone trip over your front tow hook? :laughabove:

[xnamerxx]

LOL no but a few people jumped on it to see how sturdy it was.

Yeah the car riding the bump stop like that makes sense as to why the car was so loose going into Riverside. Diving in at 106 mph resulted in a very tight sphincter when the back of the car decided it didn't want to follow me. Jason in the black Fit even backed up a bit when I missed the apex by 10ft expecting a big crash.

[Jason@SportsCar]

LOL no but a few people jumped on it to see how sturdy it was.

Yeah the car riding the bump stop like that makes sense as to why the car was so loose going into Riverside. Diving in at 106 mph resulted in a very tight sphincter when the back of the car decided it didn't want to follow me. Jason in the black Fit even backed up a bit when I missed the apex by 10ft expecting a big crash.

You got in to 4th gear? :clap:

[xnamerxx]

My 106 run I was on the speed limiter, after that I usually lifted somewhere around 100-105. I had to shift into 4th during Dog Leg and Sunset and the front straight. Like I said I had no complaints about power, I could pull on the Hondas during the faster portions of track, but they walked away from me during the twisty bits.

[Jason@SportsCar]

My 106 run I was on the speed limiter, after that I usually lifted somewhere around 100-105. I had to shift into 4th during Dog Leg and Sunset and the front straight. Like I said I had no complaints about power, I could pull on the Hondas during the faster portions of track, but they walked away from me during the twisty bits.

Speed limiter or rev limiter? I thought the top speed limiter was 118 mph?

My math shows the top of 3rd is 91mph with a stock ECU, and 124 in 4th.

[xnamerxx]

The speed limiter is supposed to kick in at 112mph, the car really didn't want to go above 106 indicated, it kinda felt like the speed limiter was kicking in. Not sure if it was or not but it felt like it.

[Jason@SportsCar]

The speed limiter is supposed to kick in at 112mph, the car really didn't want to go above 106 indicated, it kinda felt like the speed limiter was kicking in. Not sure if it was or not but it felt like it.

That is just wind resistance. :laugh:

[xnamerxx]

Talking to the Honda guys they were just shifting into 5th so they were doing 104-110 give or take.

[xnamerxx]

CONGRATULATIONS! You have built & raced a Toyota Yaris in SCCA which only one other car/driver has done. Now we can use your & Jason's experience to lobby SCCA Comp Board for changes. Without another car on track it's impossible to have any data to prove our case. Good job building a car that ran the entire school and was able to compete, but I know you didn't feel competitive. Were the 2 Honda's schoolies or licensed drivers getting track time?:thumbsup:

I don't know how the bspec board works, and I'm not positive without Toyota's support we'll be able to proceed forward.

I was really happy with the track performance of the old 2012 STF suspension and it fits the bill pretty well for B-Spec, but I don't think you could create a "kit" out of it because of the fact parts need to be modified to work.

If you want details I can post shock dyno data, but essentially it was the H&R Coilover kit with 7"x2.5"x350# front springs and 8"x3"x400 rear springs. The rear shocks will need to be shortened by 1" as they have too much travel and allow the spring to unseat, but zip ties seem to hold the spring in well enough. Car was reasonable comfortable on the street, I drove from Irvine, California to Lincoln, Nebraska with that setup, and didn't roll like a boat on the track, it was reasonable able to grip the inside front with minimal inside front spin.

[xnamerxx]

Shot during practice.

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t31/1597069_624565037614443_1366846104_o.jpg

[FHT_Racing]

Looking good! I'll post up pictures of mine today.

I'll be putting it on the scales and adding weight this week.

Updates ASAP!

[FHT_Racing]

http://i59.tinypic.com/2rx8l07.jpg

I need better brake pads! The HAWK HPS crapped out.

[xnamerxx]

Make sure you get lots of weight, if your car is anything like mine you'll need to add 100+ lbs.

I had to add a bunch of weight to the front footwell and rear passenger seat area to get the numbers this close. Still running too much fuel though.

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1069364_640578799346400_1382403979_n.jpg

[xnamerxx]

Nice looking car :)

Yeah get rid of that street crap, it'll save you headache in the future. I'm running Carbotech XP8 I think, they work really well for the price, but I would probably get a set of cut DCT-60s

[Jason@SportsCar]

I need better brake pads! The HAWK HPS crapped out.

The black stripe looks good.

About the only "off the shelf" pad is a carbotech - typically they don't stock them, but can make them in a few days. We ran those for a year or so, but never really liked them. They have to much initial bite for my taste, and with no ABS allowed in Prod they tended to cause flat spotted tires. :laugh: We had Porterfield cut a set of Hawk DTC-60 pads down to fit the Yaris caliper, and have never been happier. Very progressive pads, and with more than a year of racing on them they still look like new. :thumbsup: Well worth the money.

[xnamerxx]

They have to much initial bite for my taste, and with no ABS allowed in Prod they tended to cause flat spotted tires. :laugh:

I resemble that remark :laugh:

[Jason@SportsCar]

I resemble that remark :laugh:

How many tires do you have to kill before you hook the ABS back up? :laugh:

[xnamerxx]

Probably never just knowing that a mistake will cost me $170 helps keep me in check.

[FHT_Racing]

Yep, with full gear, a little over half tank, and 40lbs on the passenger side it came out to be 2,375lbs :/

So I'm looking at a full tank and 100lbs.

I may try the Carbotech pads just to see how I like them.

Thanks!

[Jason@SportsCar]

Just need to get the cars out there and start recording some finishes, then spend six months trying to convince the CRB to take weight off the car. :laugh::frown:

[xnamerxx]

Well I'll be at the Majors event in a couple of weeks, just have to beg them to add a CRB data box to the car. :frown:

Just a heads up add more weight and run less gas. I was weighed at my last race and just barely made weight even though I put several more gallons of gas in than I typically would have needed. SCCA scales aren't always accurate and nothing would suck more than to get DSQ'ed for being 5 lbs underweight.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Well I'll be at the Majors event in a couple of weeks, just have to beg them to add a CRB data box to the car. :frown:

Just a heads up add more weight and run less gas. I was weighed at my last race and just barely made weight even though I put several more gallons of gas in than I typically would have needed. SCCA scales aren't always accurate and nothing would suck more than to get DSQ'ed for being 5 lbs underweight.

edit:

Butch is going to work with me this weekend so I can learn the procedure they use. He is going to get me the equipment so we can pull data at BW.

[Larry@CFR]

FHT_Racing you will get to race Joe McClughan & the other 2 Mazda2 guys. Glad SW Div is getting a few more B-Specs on track!

[FHT_Racing]

FHT_Racing you will get to race Joe McClughan & the other 2 Mazda2 guys. Glad SW Div is getting a few more B-Specs on track!

Yes, sir! Joe, Steve, and James I believe. It will be fun chasing them down :)

[cali yaris]

About the only "off the shelf" pad is a carbotech - typically they don't stock them, but can make them in a few days.

I typically do stock them, in three or four flavors. :thumbsup:

[FHT_Racing]

3rd Place at the SCCA Circuit de Mayo race this weekend :)

[xnamerxx]

Congrats on the 3rd place finish.

Out of curiosity what tires are you running? Your car also looks like it sits lower than mine did you modify the BS suspension?

[Jason@SportsCar]

Video or it didn't happen. :wink:

[Jason@SportsCar]

When the Yaris got its TRD shock and spring package it was rewarded by the CRB with 100lbs of weight. Now the Nissan Versa has picked up an equivalent kit, but only gained 60lbs. :confused:

[xnamerxx]

Wow gearing on that car doesn't look that bad if the suspension kit isn't TRDish it might actually do well.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Wow gearing on that car doesn't look that bad if the suspension kit isn't TRDish it might actually do well.

I submitted my letter to the CRB asking them to look at the data recorded at the Buttonwillow US Majors, and to reduce the weight of the Yaris back to its 2400lb listing.

I also pointed out the inconsistency in their adjustments for kits, as the Yaris got 4% more weight, and the Nissan only got 2.4%.

[FHT_Racing]

My car does seem to sit lower than other kits. Any info Jason? Lol

If the car weighed 2400 and used the rear sway bar as well, it would be killer!

[Jason@SportsCar]

My car does seem to sit lower than other kits. Any info Jason? Lol

If the car weighed 2400 and used the rear sway bar as well, it would be killer!

I thought your car looked a little low. It is possible that due to the very early production of those springs, and what they were used for, that they could have been modified or are not the same as the TRD springs we see today.

The shocks are easy, those part numbers match up with the current stuff. But those springs are a different color, matching the old catalog images and not what we see today. Might be worth updating at some point. Maybe you can find someone with the current springs that would swap for something lower.

[Larry@CFR]

When the Yaris got its TRD shock and spring package it was rewarded by the CRB with 100lbs of weight. Now the Nissan Versa has picked up an equivalent kit, but only gained 60lbs. :confused:

Jason, just checked the next few Majors entry lists for B-Spec. Mid-Ohio has SEVEN B-specs, including a 2014 Nissan Versa Note for David Daughtery. So the preliminary approval says June1 and the package is TBD? :rolleyes:

[Jason@SportsCar]

Jason, just checked the next few Majors entry lists for B-Spec. Mid-Ohio has SEVEN B-specs, including a 2014 Nissan Versa Note for David Daughtery. So the preliminary approval says June1 and the package is TBD? :rolleyes:

Awesome. He made a great showing with a Z after coming out of retirement for the 50th Runoffs. No doubt if he is in a BS car it will be fast.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Jason, just checked the next few Majors entry lists for B-Spec. Mid-Ohio has SEVEN B-specs, including a 2014 Nissan Versa Note for David Daughtery. So the preliminary approval says June1 and the package is TBD? :rolleyes:

Looks like David is back, running a two car effort this year.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/v/t1.0-9/1620579_610501579023368_1516142378_n.jpg?oh=2c8e1e da2da4501f50e4080737939412&oe=54029C81&__gda__=1407491039_26c07e0265a2a11696fd70eb3f28d05 5

[FHT_Racing]

AWESOME!

I feel the stock spring felt better than these early TRD springs. We'll see how it goes at Texas World Speedway this Sunday! But yes, I do plan on buying the newest TRD springs soon.

Is anyone correcting their rear toe alignment? Here is what my current alignment settings are with factory Toyota camber bolts...

-1.6* Camber
+5.4* Caster
-1.2mm Toe-Out

-0.8* Camber
+3mm Toe-In


Thanks,

Andrew

[Jason@SportsCar]

Is anyone correcting their rear toe alignment? Here is what my current alignment settings are with factory Toyota camber bolts...

-1.6* Camber
+5.4* Caster
-1.2mm Toe-Out

-0.8* Camber
+3mm Toe-In


Thanks,

Andrew

I did my rear toe. Just cut a set of simple shims and put them under the front of the hub.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/945735_395046503941817_515515185_n.jpg

[xnamerxx]

Yeah I picked up some .5mm ss shims from mcmaster. On the street car I'm very close to 0 with it being slightly toe-in

http://www.mcmaster.com/#90214a428/=s2zddt

[FHT_Racing]

The shims don't need to be angled?

[xnamerxx]

They probably should be but sometimes you work with what you got. Haven't seen any issues on the street car.

[FHT_Racing]

http://i60.tinypic.com/ftd4eu.jpg
http://i61.tinypic.com/az8her.jpg

[FHT_Racing]

Well, no one else signed up in B Spec this weekend. FIRST PLACE BOTH DAYS!!! Woohoo!