SCCA Members: Letter to CRB
 

Hey everyone if you're an SCCA member I'd really appreciate it if you took the time to head over to the this link, https://www.crbscca.com , and show your support for the letter I just wrote to the CRB requesting that the RX-8 be allowed to run the stock brake rotor configuration in STL. If you're a member and don't run in STL, or even in Road Racing, you can still write in and show your support.

Under the dropdown box for "Send Letter To" choose "Club Racing Board",
"Category" : "Super Touring"
"Class" : "STL"
Just copy and paste the following in the text boxes;

Title: "I Support Letter #25491"
Request: "I'm writing in support of Letter #25491."

Currently the class only allows a maximum brake rotor size of 300mm, which is forcing RX-8 owners to spend more money to switch to smaller size brakes. When the engine is already heavily penalized with a hefty throttle body reduction and sizable minimum weight. I feel for the benefit of safety and reducing the cost to drivers, that we should be allowed to run stock components which can be affordably obtained directly from Mazda.

Here's the contents of the whole letter if anyone's interested;

"Letter ID Number: #25491

Title: Request RX-8 Spec Line Re: Factory Brake Rotor Size

Class: STL

Request: Previously I submitted letter #25313 requesting a clarification on the Super Touring, specifically STL, rules on the maximum allowable size of brake rotors and the fact that the factory/stock brake rotors on the Mazda RX-8 exceed the 300mm limit in STL.

After submitting the letter, I spoke with members of the Super Touring committee they explained that the maximum allowable brake rotor size was 300mm regardless of the stock rotor size. The CRB agreed and published the same in the latest Fasttrack. Immediately upon speaking to members of the Super Touring Committee I set out looking for a brake kit for the Mazda RX-8 that was STL Legal, as the stock front rotors on a RX-8 are 323mm and the rear are 302mm.

As you may imagine, there is not a large demand for aftermarket brake kits that are smaller than factory/stock. Infact there is no market demand for smaller brake kit for the RX-8. Which left me with only one solution, to order a smaller brake kit that could be modified to work with the RX-8. I was able to locate a single kit that I could modify and use for the front brakes, the rear brakes had to be machined down 2mm to fit into STL specs. The kit for the front alone cost over $2,000 and still had to be modified to work with the RX-8. Now instead of being able to easily order spares from Mazda, or any other supplier of OEM parts, I have to go through the whole process of ordering an expensive one off kit from a single manufacturer and then proceed with modifying the parts that I just spent large amounts of money on. Reps at Mazda Motorsports were very surprised when I informed them of this situation.

After doing all this, I set out for the SARRC SIC this past weekend. The new smaller rotor/pad surface combination is not confidence inspiring at all! The braking zone had to be greatly extended. The combination of which I fell is unsafe. In consideration of the additional effort, costs and decrease in the ability to safely come to stop I'd like to propose the creation of a Spec Line for the RX-8 in STL.

The Renesis engine already enjoys a Spec Line which includes a hardy minimum weight (adding to the uneasiness when the size of the brake rotors are reduced) and a massive reduction in throttle body inlet size with the addition of a restrictor plate. I'd like to propose a Spec Line which allows the RX-8 to run the stock brake rotor configuration (stock 323mm front rotors, and stock 302mm rear rotors) in combination with the already existing Spec Line for the Renesis.

I do not believe the extra 23mm in the brake rotor surface would provide the RX-8 with a significant performance advantage over other vehicle configurations currently competing in STL. The rotary engine already suffers in-class in comparison to piston engines. Piston engines are given the benefit of significantly lower weight minimums and are allowed much more leniency in performance enhancing modifications. Producing cars with much more horsepower and less weight. For consideration, an NA Miata that took first place in SIC this past weekend was estimated to produce around 250hp and had a minimum weight of 2650lbs. While the RX-8 produces 198hp with a minimum weight of 2800lbs, and we are allowed no performance enhancement modifications. The results, after only 3 laps in the first practice session the NA Miata set a lap time of 1:20.4 while in the RX-8 the best we could produce was a 1:22.4 after 4 test sessions and 2 qualifying sessions.

In summary, I believe for the cost and safety benefit the RX-8 should be allowed to run the factory stock brake rotor configuration in STL. "

Excellent letter TO

Please, for the future of the RX8 in STL, support this proposal by clicking the link and letting your opinion be known.
There is not logical reason to ask competitors to source a downgraded rotor size. If a car is eligible for the class, it should be eligible as built, saving restrictor plate and weight adjustments. This rule goes contrary to the basic philosophy of grassroots motorsports.

Alan

Your letter will be rejected. The class is "balanced" on brake and tire sizes. everyone gets 300mm x28mm and 4 piston calipers. and everyone has to run on 225 tires on 7 inch wheels, max of 17 inches. From there you get to pick the engine and chassis/suspension.

The std suspension front rotors are 302MM as well, why would you not use that? You are also allowed a 4 piston caliper, have you done that yet?


The only way you might get it approved is to request a spec line for the automatic brakes which are 302mm and thinner than max allowance, but they might put an adder in there that you have to use the stock calipers too. Which are single piston right?

We attempted this over the course of many emails it was declined. Our options are to run MX5 brakes (which are a direct swap), turn a few mm off the automatic front and rear rotors, or rely on the +/- 1/10" allowance on rotor size to squeak through tech. We will make it work. Thanks for your thoughts

Every class has its rules, and every car has it warts. You could always changes classes. You can run the stock manual brakes in T4 or EP. Huffmaster ruined it for you. lol


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...e856ef6e93.jpg

You can see huffmaster has a different brake set up as well. STL is a decent fit for an RX8 with a lot of off the shelf parts, but like in any class, some custom stuff is needed to go the extra mile.

T4 is fine if you want to race a a nearly stock car.

EP would be a rough journey. Lots of development ($$$$$) required.

Just to add to this thread, because it slipped my mind about the ITS allowance....

You can run the RX8 at ITS specs in STL.

ITS specs in brief are:
3270 LBS
stock brakes, I/H/E, 225 on an 8" wheel or up to 275 on a 7" wheel, no diameter limitation.
no restrictor, no wing, less front splitter.
you get more power, more tire, more brakes and more weight.

Or you can run it in STL specs
2800lbs before you ad 5.5%, which is like 2950lbs
55MM restrictor
300mm brakes as the grief above
225 tire on a 7" wheel only 17" max diameter
you get to add a wing!

Are they insane?

With as much as I want to do some sprint racing with my 8 I'm gonna pass and race in a series where I can do whatever I want to the car and run it competitively with other cars on street tires.