the it2 initiative
DESCRIPTION
The IT2 Initiative. Greg Amy [email protected] 203.874.1403. Introduction. Newer vehicles, such as those built within the last 10 years and typically associated with the ‘import car scene’, have become eligible for Improved Touring. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 211 January 2003
Introduction
Newer vehicles, such as those built within the last 10 years and typically associated with the ‘import car scene’, have become eligible for Improved Touring
Faced with a recent influx of these performance ‘pocket rockets’, the SCCA’s Competition Board has struggled to find a suitable classification
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 311 January 2003
The Issue
There is a significant performance gap between the ITA-dominating small-bore hatchbacks (e.g., Honda CRX Si, Nissan 240SX) and the ITS-dominating GT sports cars and sedans (e.g., BMW 325, Datsun 240Z, Mazda RX-7, Porsche 944)
Since the performance of our newer cars outstrips the existing ITA front-runners, they’ve been classified into Improved Touring S
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 411 January 2003
The Problem
Performance of these newer small cars is dramatically below that of a typical ITS front-runner
The vehicles are uncompetitive in ITS and members are not interested in preparing them
2002 ARRC Runoffs – only three 4-cylinder ITS cars, two Porsche 944s and a Mercedes 190E, entered
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 511 January 2003
The End Result
These cars are a huge proportion of the vehicles sold since 1990, and form the basis of a growing performance enthusiast market
Without a solution, the motorsports potential for these vehicles will otherwise go unrealized in SCCA Club Racing
A likely result will be the continued proliferation of single-marque ‘spec’ classes, such as Spec RX-7, Spec Neon, Spec Miata, Honda Challenge, and SE-R Cup, all in response to their being uncompetitive in ITS
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 611 January 2003
The Solution – Improved Touring 2
IT2 = a new classification, between ITS and ITA Focuses on post-1990, four-cylinder, compact cars Typically equipped with 120-150hp, weigh 2200-2800
pounds, have 5-speed transaxles, front wheel drive, front disc brakes, and electronic fuel injection.
Examples: Acura Integra Dodge Neon Honda Prelude Si Nissan Sentra SE-R and NX2000 VW GTi and Jetta 2.0 16V
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 711 January 2003
The Solution – Improved Touring 2
All vehicles would continue to be built to the existing Improved Touring preparation rules
All cars would continue to meet existing published specifications and would be scrutineered the same
The ease of implementation makes it immediately adoptable while not upsetting the ITA or ITS apple carts.
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 811 January 2003
The IT2 Initiative - Results
Addresses membership concerns in regards to classification of these cars
Very easy to implement No additional workload on volunteers Will result in dramatic increase in interest and
participation in IT, especially with newer cars Should stop the proliferation of spec classes
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 911 January 2003
The IT2 Initiative – Now In Process
Interested parties are currently petitioning the National Competition Board to consider adopting the IT2 classification for the 2004 season
Offered as a reasonable alternative to competition adjustments currently under consideration for IT
IT2 program administrators are reviewing the current ITS and ITA classifications to determine which vehicles would be eligible for 2003
Article on the IT2 Initiative to appear in next issue of Grassroots Motorsports
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 1011 January 2003
The IT2 Initiative – 2003 Goals
Goal for 2003 is to increase awareness of IT2 Interested competitors can sign up for the program and
run IT2 decals IT2 administrators will keep track of 2003 points and
‘crown’ a 2003 champion Given sufficient interest, will request inclusion as a
separate class at the 2003 ARRC Runoffs
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 1111 January 2003
The IT2 Initiative – 2004 Goals
Regions should adopt IT2 as a recognized class Regions can choose to classify additional eligible cars
not currently in IT (with IT2 admin recommendations) Competitors may voluntarily choose to run IT2 or their
existing class SCCA should adopt IT2 as a nationally-recognized class
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 1211 January 2003
The IT2 Initiative – The Future The ultimate goal of IT2 would be to offer competition
adjustments based on physical characteristics of the vehicle (e.g., hp, weight, number of valves and camshafts, VTEC)
Would allow a larger range of newer eligible vehicles without “tipping the performance cart”
Example formulas available onweb site
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 1311 January 2003
The IT2 Initiative – Drivers
Interested drivers should visit the IT2 web site for details on how to sign up for the program (nominal donation to cover decal costs):
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 1411 January 2003
The IT2 Initiative – Drivers
NE Region drivers are already signing up and have committed to running IT2 in the 2003 seasonThomas Hovind (Dodge Neon)Jeffrey Poor (VW GTi 2.0)Thor Schroeder (VW GTi 2.0)Greg Amy (Nissan NX2000)More are expected!
http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ 1511 January 2003
The IT2 Initiative – SCCA Admins
Please take time to visit the web site Interested IT2 personnel will be petitioning you
for formal regional acceptance in 2004 Please contact me with your region’s newsletter
info; I’d like to submit an article on IT2 Spread the word to other regions and to
National, and contact us if you have any questions or comments!
