First Solo II Nationals entry
 

Well, I just lodged my entry for the SCCA Solo II Nationals in Topeka next month. This will be my first time at Nationals, and although I've always placed well in local, Divisional and National Tour events, I'm fully expecting to have my ass handed to me on a plate in Topeka. Especially since I'll be running the car totally bone stock, on the OEM Bridgestones.

I've entered in STX because as it stands right now the RX-8 is eleigible for that class. If it gets added to the ST exclusion list, I'll bump to BS and really get creamed by the Hoosier-shod S2000's.

Unless I find an angel sponsor between now and then to buy me a second set of wheels and a grand's worth of Hoosiers. :)

Anyway, it looks like I'm the only RX-8 entered so far. Anyone else planning on making the trek?

I have a set of wheels, and I have been on the hunt for a set of tires for a week. There is no 225x45x18 in any brand race rubber; nor is there any 235x40x18 "anything" out there. If you have the sport package you cannot use 16 inch rims and I am not sure if 17s will fit over the front rotors. I don't think so, though.

Anybody have a suggestion for race rubber?

We have ordered 245/35/18 Hoosiers. Looks like there is plenty of room for these in the front (lock-to-lock), and you could put ANY size on the rear (lots of room).

We verified with a couple of Boxster drivers last weekend that these will work. They mount this size Hoosier on a 7.5" rim, and it works fine.

Re: First Solo II Nationals entry
 

I asked this question of a local club member who's on the SCCA Solo Events Board, and was informed that the SEB has ruled to add the RX-8 to the STX exlusion list; it will be published in the next FasTrack. :mad:

So, it's BS for me.

The next FasTrack will be the October edition, and FasTrack changes are effective the first day of the publication month. Nothing they say will take effect until after Nationals.

That said, you could still theoretically lose a protest if the vehicle is determined by the protest committee to be "sports car based".

Steven

After further discussion with the afforementioned SEB member, I can confirm the following:

• The RX-8 has been added to the STX exclusion list.
• Despite the fact that this may not be published before Nationals, the RX-8 is still ineligible for STX because of the catchall clause in the second para of Appendix A, which precludes "next model year" cars unless specifically classed.
• The RX-8 was classed in BS in the July FastTrack, which is the deadline for Nats eligibility (rule 3.1.0, second paragraph), so it is eligible for BS at the 2003 Nationals.

Phew, glad I got that sorted out.

And on a brighter note, a fellow competitor has offered me a set of wheels and R3S03 Hoosiers, in exchange for feedback and input on suspension settings for the car. :D I'm sure the fully-prepped cars will still hand me my ass on a plate, but at least I shouldn't be DFL now!

Wow,that's great. What size hoosiers are you going to run?

I'd also be interested to hear your impressions regarding suspension mods and wheel fitment for either BS or BSP. Good luck at Nationals.
________
LovelyWendie

Makes sense, I forgot about 3.1. I only have an '02 rulebook handy, what does the new Appendix A say? Still trying to figure out whether it is elligible for regional competition in STX.

Not that there's much point, if it's just going to be banned in a couple of months anyway. :(

Thanks!
Steven

245/35-18's

Let me know how they fit please! Pictures are good!

Vince