I can't find anything official yet, so I started digging through the FastTracks. Only found two entries:

I'm not sure if that's the official announcement or if I've missed it. But it looks like we're moving. Anybody else know anything?

 

As I understand it, per the SCCAforums site and SCCA, the rule change has been sent to the Board Of Directors as being approved by the Solo Events Board. Unless there is an extreme amount of last-minute dissent, it will be approved. Look for the formal announcement in the October or November FastTrack.

Also, the JCW (gen II) will remain in what is now BS - which appears to be called CS next year with the SS (most cars) to AS, AS to BS, and the combination of BS/CS. Gen I JCW should remain in DSP.

So, the competition in DS for next year looks like Cobalt SS, MazdaSpeed3, Integras, TTs, and the occasional 1-Series. Not bad competition in my opinion, and there doesn't appear to be a for-sure favorite car in the group like there is today in some of the other stock categories (including GS), and the S should still be pretty competitive.

 

I know my WRX was in DS. Are they not much of a force? I know I had a heck of a time getting mine to turn, but it was completely 100% bone stock. I didn't know if doing some of the few things that you can do in the stock category would make much of a difference on those cars.

With cars like the Cobalt SS, MazdaSpeed3, etc; that looks to be some stiff competition.

 

It seems goofy to send it to DS after moving so many of the DS cars to GS this year. Seems like the SRT-4 and ION Redline should move with it.

 

Doesn't GS (IE. MINIs) tromp on DS times at the big events anyway? Don't worry bout it.

 

Yea, the top GS Minis were faster than the top DS cars. I was just thinking along the lines of DWatkins; they just moved the SRT4 into GS as our main competition, so why move us now. But I guess it makes sense over all. Here locally, we have a VW R32 that comes out in DS and it's hard to catch him.

 

Yup, stiffer competition locally for sure. But better competition means better MINI drivers!

 

Not at this year's Nationals. Fastest MINI S would have been third behind a pair of Acuras.

 

Yeah, at the new site in Lincoln(concrete), the Mini S is going to have a real hard time catching the Integra Type R.

However, with that said. The 2009 Mini Cooper S has some advatages over the 07-08 or 05-06 S. There is a PORT INSTALLED JCW ecu upgrade option for the Mini Cooper S that is legal for GS/DS usage. This will be the best Mini available for SCCA Solo competition since the 2010 S will have the crappy electronic LSD. Also, with the 2009, you can left foot brake without throttle cut off. If I was ever going back to a Mini, this would be my choice for DS by a long shot.

 

Top two DS Type R drivers were almost 2 seconds faster than other Type Rs. The courses seemed to have lots of sweepers.. would that benefit Type R more?

I guess I can always trade in for a base Mini... but the Cooper S is such a fun daily driver.

 

The one course definitely had several sweepers. I think with Lincoln Air Park being so huge that every National Championship is going to have a very good dose of sweepers. There have been years where the Mini has beaten the Type R though so maybe 2010 will be different? Either that, or, maybe the Mini Cooper Coupe Concept will materialize here in the US as a 2010 model. If so, if it has a real LSD I think it would be instantly competitive in DS since it would be so much lighter than the R56(I assume 200 pounds or so?). Anyway, I still love Mini's so u can't go wrong either way.

 

November Fastrack has been posted... MCS to DS for 2010 is official.

Locally it make no difference, I run against fast guys in DS and have to beat them because of the PAX. Now I just have to run even.

 

Do tell! Can you point me someplace for more details? I'm waiting for my 2010 to arrive at Port Huenme (got it w/ the mechanical diff, BTW), so it's probably too late for me to have them add it on, but maybe it can be installed at the dealership.

 

I'm going to guess that it is not legal in DS, since it is specifically a JCW upgrade, and the JCW is classed in CS.

 

Well, its official now. If you were running a MCS in GS, you will now be running a MCS in DS. Also, R56 JCW MCS is now CS (along with ever other car that was in BS). Changes approved by the SCCA BOG for 2010

 

Yep. Looks like it time to finally invest in some go-faster stuff.

 

I'll be running my new 2010 for the first time in the Las Vegas region on the 17th. DS should be interesting.

Koitus, I'm moving to California for work. I need to look you up and find out about the local Solo2 scene.

 

Sounds good. Just PM me and I'll send you my email and cell phone.