I read a note in Mini2 that the 05 MCS is going to be put in D-Stock. I got the impression this was mainly due to the availability of a factory LSD. (I'm sure the extra 7hp and gearing changes had something to do with this.)

Since Mini2 is more international than this board, I'm not sure if they were referring to SCCA or some other body. The poster mentioned "autocrossing," too, so I'm not sure what he was talking about. (I gather the SCCA doesn't use that term?)

Anyone have any info or comments?

 

Well, I think everyone thought that the 05+ Mini Cooper S would be placed in D-Stock, but the SEB suprised everyone, and left it in G-Stock.

So in fact, what you read is wrong, all Cooper S's are in G-Stock for the time being.

 

You probably saw one of my posts. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion surrounding this. I think people are misreading the December FasTrack. On page F-287 (center column), it states the 1/2005 move from GS to DS ('02+) was recommended to the BOD. Further down, it adds the '05 Cooper to GS (effective immediately). I think people are reading this as a reversal, rather than adding the '05 classification to the current listing (which is still GS until the year end). I haven't seen a published decision from the BOD.

I heard over the weekend that there was a big "discussion" on the SCCA forums about it. I'm checking there now.

Brock

 

I'll correct myself:

*I* misread and skipped a line in the December FasTrack stating the move from GS to DS had been withdrawn.

The Cooper S (all years) remains in GS. (Woohoo!)

See you in GS...

Brock

 

its gonna kinda suck for us pre-05s running against minis with LSDs and more hp. what are you gonna do.

 

Tighten the nut behind the wheel. Practice, practice, practice.

 

Worse yet- motoringfile.com states the LSD is not backwards compatible. At least the MINI's are holding resale value very well...

Brock

 

And just to clarify this, even if the LSD was backwards compatible, you would *not* be allowed to put an LSD in an 02-04 Cooper S and stay in Stock.

 

Darn. You're right. The update/backdate rule doesn't kick in until street prep. Thanks.

I guess I get to snuggle up with a rulebook this winter. I'm out of practice.

Brock

 

If you don't have an 05 MCS with LSD then you'll need sticky race rubber and superior driving skills. Nice light rims (SSR comp R) don't hurt either.

To get the most out of the LSD you still need to drive well. I feel tires can make more difference than the LSD.

 

in the SCCA Solo II rule book from previous years. The implication is that the SEB can recommend reclassification of the '05 MCS at any time next year. If the LSD option turns out to be very effective (nobody knows yet, since none have been built yet for sale, let alone autocrossed), all '05 MCS will probably be put in DS at some time next year, probably before the Nationals.

Since the LSD is a stand-alone option for 2005, any '05 MCS that does not have it now (i.e. ALL of them) could have it installed and be legal in Stock class (but it might require getting a new transaxle).

Dave

 

We will be campaigning an '05 for the entire year next season. I think even if it is moved to D, it could be a trophy winner (maybe not a champion), but it will definitely be the car to have in GS. Now if the V710 was available in our size...


It will be nice to have a full season of sorting the car before nationals - instead of jumping in a car we had no experience with like this past year. Hope to see you all out there in '05!

Randy

 

710's in 215/40/16 are supposed to available in March. that should do the trick.

 

Congrats BTW! See you in Topeka, or where ever south they are holding it. Are they using Forbes Field for one more year, or will the new location be ready by '05?


Randy

 

It will be at Forbes next year... there is no way to prep that much ground for next year. SCCA is trying to leverage Forbes (MTAA) into fixing the existing site, with the treat of moving to Heartland Park. but nothing will happen until 2006 at the earliest.

Definitely see you there, I have to defend the title.