SCCA B-Spec

[Jason@SportsCar]

The preliminary rules for SCCA's version of B-Spec have been posted. There are still a few details to be worked out, and some corrections to be made, but is looks like a very inexpensive way to get the Subcompacts out road racing.

For 2011 the cars will all run in Showroom Stock C (SSC), with much faster cars like the Celica GT-S and Acura Integra. This gives the cars a place to play, but it is unlikely any of the B-Spec cars would ever see the podium.
For 2012 the B-Spec cars will still share the track with SSC, but they will be competing only against the other B-Spec cars - sort of a race within the race.

These cars should be very inexpensive to prep, I could see $3k on the low side (MI Autopower cage kit, off the shelf suspension, minimal spares), up to $10k depending on how crazy you want to get (custom cage, custom shocks, piles of wheels and tires). The 98 and 20 cars we worked on are pretty much B-Spec cars at this point - almost like we planned that when we built them.

All of the cars get the same mods, and use 15x7 (min weight 12lbs) wheels with a 205-50-15 DOT R tire, weight will be used to equalize performance. The Yaris is listed at 2250lbs w/driver.

#4607 (CRB) SSC B-Spec rules and specs
Effective upon publication, add a new subsection 9.1.7.E.34 as follows:
“For each of the following cars in SSC, Ford Fiesta 4 door (2010-11), Honda Fit 5 door (2009-2011), Nissan Versa 4-5 door (2010-2011), Mazda2 4 door (2010-2011) and Toyota Yaris 2-4 door (2010-2011), the following apply:
Interiors may be removed, including seats, seat brackets, carpet, carpet padding, OEM seat belts, interior trim and headliners. OEM radio and air conditioner may be removed. Heaters and all duct work must remain, except duct work that goes under seats.
Maximum 2.5 degrees negative chamber on front and rear; MacPherson strut suspension may decamber wheels by the use of eccentric bushings at control arm pivot points, by the use of eccentric bushings at the strut-to-spindle, and/or by use of slotted adjusters at the top of the strut mounting plate. If upper strut slotted plates are used, they shall be located on existing chassis structure, utilizing the OEM bolt holes and may not serve as reinforcement for that structure. On other forms of suspension, camber adjustment may be achieved by the use of shims and/or eccentric bushings.
Ride Height: Minimum ride height is five (5) inches, to be measured without driver at the lowest point of the rocker panels, but not to include welded seams or fasteners.
Suspension: Any OEM or aftermarket non-adjustable shock absorber intended for the specific make, model and year car is permitted. The shock absorber must be installed in the stock mounting location. Remote reservoir shocks are not permitted. Any springs up to a maximum spring rate of 500 pounds may be used. The spring must be installed in the stock location. Threaded shock bodies or adjusters may be used.”

The years are going to be changed for all models that did not have any production changes. This will allow the 2007+ Yaris in.

For 2012 the following cars may be added:
Chevrolet Sonic
Fiat 500
Hyundai Accent
KIA Rio
Scion XD
Scion IQ
VW Polo

[thebarber]

a stripped down xd would be competitive, no?

[eTiMaGo]

this should get interesting :D

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by thebarber

a stripped down xd would be competitive, no?

An xD would punch a big hole in the air. And remember, all of the cars are adjusted with weight, based on displacement and power output (there are other factors as well). If you look at the 1.8li Versa (closet thing in B-Spec to the xD) is has to weigh 2675lbs. So yes, it has a lot more power than a Yaris, but it has to weigh 425lbs more.

Current weights with driver:
Ford Fiesta 2500lbs 119hp/109tq

Honda Fit 2400lbs 117hp/106tq

Nissan Versa 2675lbs 122hp/127tq

Mazda2 2130lbs 100hp/98tq

Toyota Yaris 2250lbs 106hp/103tq

[thebarber]

the mazda2 looks very competitive then...

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by thebarber

the mazda2 looks very competitive then...

Could be, but only 100hp. Also keep in mind not every car can hit its minimum weight. The 98 and 20 Yaris ended up weighing 2200lbs w/o driver. Now we can still pull the rest of the audio, the door glass, Sparco passengers seat and rear swaybar. I think with all of that gone the car would be around 2100lbs, this means with a 150lb driver we are right at minimum weight. The 2 has to get another 120lbs off, that could be difficult. The bigger cars will install ballast to make weight, and this can be used to balance the car better.

On paper I like the Honda. It has a good balance of power, weight and gear ratios. The nose/hood is also low, that could help on long straits.

[thebarber]

Originally Posted by Jason@SportsCar

Could be, but only 100hp. Also keep in mind not every car can hit its minimum weight. The 98 and 20 Yaris ended up weighing 2200lbs w/o driver. Now we can still pull the rest of the audio, the door glass, Sparco passengers seat and rear swaybar. I think with all of that gone the car would be around 2100lbs, this means with a 150lb driver we are right at minimum weight. The 2 has to get another 120lbs off, that could be difficult. The bigger cars will install ballast to make weight, and this can be used to balance the car better.

On paper I like the Honda. It has a good balance of power, weight and gear ratios. The nose/hood is also low, that could help on long straits.

what kind of power is the 1.5 in the 2 actually making? what about the fit? what about 1st gen usdm fits?

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by thebarber

what kind of power is the 1.5 in the 2 actually making? what about the fit? what about 1st gen usdm fits?

See my updated post with the weights. As I understand it the first gen Fit will not be included, Honda only wanted the current car.

[thebarber]

but the 100bhp mazda 2 makes about what with mods? and the fit?

im not sure you'd keep track of that info, however...

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by thebarber

but the 100bhp mazda 2 makes about what with mods? and the fit?

im not sure you'd keep track of that info, however...

Only power mods in SSC/B-Spec are a drop in air filter element (in the stock air box) and a cat-back exhaust. And considering all the cars get the same mods they should all increase similarly percentage wise.

The biggest issue I see with the 2 is I don't think it can get down to a 2130lb race weight. Stock it weighs 2310lbs (data provided by Mazdaspeed). You can pull all of the interior (less the dash), AC and audio, but you have to put in a 6-point roll cage. When SCCA does the weight calculations they base it on a 180lb driver, so that would mean to hit the 2130lb number you need the car to weigh 1950lbs. Not likely in SSC/B-Spec trim.

[thebarber]

Originally Posted by Jason@SportsCar

Only power mods in SSC/B-Spec are a drop in air filter element (in the stock air box) and a cat-back exhaust. And considering all the cars get the same mods they should all increase similarly percentage wise.

The biggest issue I see with the 2 is I don't think it can get down to a 2130lb race weight. Stock it weighs 2310lbs (data provided by Mazdaspeed). You can pull all of the interior (less the dash), AC and audio, but you have to put in a 6-point roll cage. When SCCA does the weight calculations they base it on a 180lb driver, so that would mean to hit the 2130lb number you need the car to weigh 1950lbs. Not likely in SSC/B-Spec trim.

good point.

looks like you're driving the right car then...

[Jason@SportsCar]

So when are we going to see the Micro Image B-Spec car???

Get started Garm.

[cali yaris]

^ Tempting! Garage is full at the moment, though. I need to race the one I have more.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

^ Tempting! Garage is full at the moment, though. I need to race the one I have more.

You could... Just pull a full cage in it.

[cali yaris]

^ What about my motor and drivetrain mods, etc.?

[Jason@SportsCar]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

^ What about my motor and drivetrain mods, etc.?

Improved Touring E (ITE), aka Improved Touring Everything, any car that meets safety and does not have a class can run in ITE.

[ilikerice]

DO IT GARM! u a vendor now for autopower.. u have no excuse anymore.. hahahahaha

[cali yaris]

Yeah! I'll have to add a rear section to the cage though, mine is 4-point.