I've been reading through some old posts and also read through some SCCA guidelines. I've only autocrossed once so a lot of lingo is new to me. From what I gathered the old GP fell into DSP. Is this the same case for the GP2?

I know at the end of the day its all about fun but how do yall think the GP2 will measure up to the cars in its class (figuring equal driver skill)?

 

I don't think its been classed yet. A little earlier this year the fast track included a proposal to class the GP in DSP. The SEB rejected that proposal and said they'd wait and see.

I think in order to get classed someone has to reqest it again.

 

Forgive my ignorance but is this something just anyone can request?

How competitive would the GP be in DSP?

 

I'd take it up with your local Region, rather than use the National process. The Region will find a class for you I am sure.

I am aware of one or two serious DSP builds based on the Mini, and I am now aware that the result was anything like dominance.

The thing is, it just doesn't matter! What matters is that you take what you have and go and fall in love with the quirky and exasperating sport of autocross.

The car will enjoy it, and without doubt will provide you with more than enough performance to make your learning process fun and exciting. Once you have been doing it for a few years and when you've reached the point where your driving has progressed, then you may wish to consider classing and car preparation more seriously - but not yet!

I've been actively autocrossing with the SCCA for ten years now - here's the story in a nutshell...

Chapter 1 - Charlie buys a Works R53 because he is in love, and then discovers that the car is classed in ASP! Charlie runs two years in that class and as a novice is five seconds or more off the pace of the fast drivers. Charlie has mucho fun, and keeps learning...

Chapter 2 - Charlie realizes that due to a rules change the JCW can run in STX, and switches to that class for the next six years. During this period Charlie learns how to drive better - little by little - and finally reaches the point where the car actually matters.

Chapter 3 - Charlie sells the now FULLY prepped STX car because despite having won a couple of Regional titles the car will not beat a properly prepped and well driven RX8 or 330ci - one factor is simply that a FWD car will lose a few tenths to a RWD car in the first 60' of the course.

Chapter 4 - Charlie buys the HS car, and this year is hunting bear. Of course the joke is on me as this is probably the last year for Hoosier equipped Justa dominance at the National level due to the impending rules changes for 2014.

What matters in this tale is that every damned year I ran I had a ton of fun, and got a little better as a driver. The fact that I was not competitive at all for a very long time did not prevent me from enjoying myself, because like all novices I could always find progress, and someone at the same stage in their learning with whom to compete.

So hook up with the Region, and let them find you a class to run in, and then go and have fun.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

Thanks for the reply Charlie. Some serious words of wisdom!

Going to the next autox event is exactly what I have planned. Just trying to get my car broke in between now and then. Cant wait!

 

I agree with Charlie that it's probably just easiest to take it up with your local chapter. They are given leeway to accommodate their participants in regards to classing.

There were some DSP mini builds but they just didn't really cut it. A 265 Hoosiers just isn't enough especially when the competition is running 285s and is RWD.

I actually think a mini could be very competitive in STX. Courtney Cormier ran a STX mini in 2003 and 2004 at Nats and took 2nd both times behind a WRX. The WRX has kind of fallen out of favor in STX because of transmission reliability issues but many many people believe it's still the "car to have" in STX. Courtney drove our mini and agreed that it could be competitive. It's got more power than his did and can fit more tire and weighs the same. I'm still working on the driving and our mini is a pretty half-assed STX build (suspension and a battery) but it does pretty well. Put a national level driver in it and it's right up there. However I doubt you'll ever get the GP2 placed in STX :D

 

Yea v10 thats what Im going to do. The main reason for me asking was to see if I could learn any information here that I could take with me to my local meet. Also to learn where the most ideal class is if they give me an option to choose between two.

 

Anyone can as far as I know. http://www.sebscca.com

The Fasttrack I was thinking of was March:

 

What information are you looking for exactly?

If you're completely stock I would ask to be placed in DS with the JCW mini. You're not that much lighter and don't really make any more power and the "race" tires don't matter in Stock class as race tires are legal for the class.

 

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a lot.