robselina wrote:
for those of you who race your creations, any thoughts on design philosophy?
I'm new to racing but I've definitely got the bug
So far I'm getting my feet wet at auto-x, but there's a couple of tracks nearby with acceptable classes for my MG that I'd like to frequent and try out for the day.
I guess I'm wondering about any thoughts on making the car competitive for either auto-x or track. Gearing is something that would seem to be compromised to me trying to do both and I wonder about tire size compromises (I'm thinking wider is better for auto-x since resistance is less important at those speeds compared to handling). Everything else seems like it would work well in either case....
Any thoughts for someone in the preliminary planning stage?
Also, what class would a locost typically fall into for auto-x? DM? I'm presently running FSP in my Midget.
I agree with Josh that what you mainly need to focus on is your cage design and safety equipment. The one big difference I see in road racing from autocross is potential for a deadly high speed accident or rollover. Sanctioning bodies therefore require that the competitors car's safety equipment is up to spec. When you get a car inspected and issued a racing logbook they will go over it and inspect your tube thickness, verify it is the right grade, thickness and diameter tubing and that it is properly engineered. So you need to get it right and you should have a rulebook on hand to study as you design your car and it's safety equipment. There are other things like wheelbase measurements etc. that may effect the classing of your car. You don't want to build a car for a class where you will be a hopeless underdog.
As for specific classing I don't know for sure but I'll bet the folks over on sccaforums.com could set you straight.
The scca club racing (road racing) rulebook is available for download online from their website.