Petition for solid axle handicap in 2008

[fast_frank_d]

What about a handicap for heavier than stock axles? I run a Dana 60 axle in my car for strength in drag racing on a sticky tire. I have added 90-100lbs of UNSPRUNG weight to it when guys are doing everything to save a couple lbs under there. Its can also be a nightmare for axle tramp (wheel hop) under braking.

 

I only bring this up because there might be other vehicles with upgraded rear axles for strength out there that put themselves into a severe handling disadvantage in order to have a dual purpose vehicle. Food for thought...

 

That's probably a bit too far, but makes for good discussion.

 

Frank D.

[fast_frank_d]

At the Mid-Ohio event August 17-18, the TTA winners ran 1.5-2.5 seconds faster than the 2 fastest AI drivers of the event (Robin Burnett and Jay Andrew). (recall my previous post explaining how AI cars would run TTA-TTS if entered in Time Trials)

 

Robin and Jay are the reigning American Iron National Champion and Runner Up.

 

I rest my case.

 

Frank D.

[Greg G.]

And who ever said that cars built to maximize under the AI Rules will somehow also be built to maximize under the TT/PT points modification system? We have Camaros, Firebirds, and Mustangs that are built with the TT/PT points system in mind that end up in TTC, TTB, TTA, and are very competitive in their classes. One thing about the points system, is that when you are prepping a car for another class, you will often do mods to the car that you otherwise wouldn't "waste" the points on, but in order to maximize for that class, you go ahead and do it. My point about AI was not to compare AI times with TT times. It was to show that there is a hot debate in AI as to whether IRS or solid axle is better. And, with the amount of mods (points taken) on most of the fast AI cars, then end up in TTS, where points do not matter any longer, and the mods are unlimited.

[fast_frank_d]

I think the only thing that AI can do to go faster, is add a little hp (higher base class) and/or hoosiers, because AI is already allowed every suspension mod TT is allowed. In order to add hp or hoosiers, they would have to undo quite a few mods that make their cars fast right now.

 

Are you suggesting that an AI car could go from shaved toyos to hoosiers, while requiring an “undoâ€

[QUASAR]

I think the only thing that AI can do to go faster, is add a little hp (higher base class) and/or hoosiers, because AI is already allowed every suspension mod TT is allowed. In order to add hp or hoosiers, they would have to undo quite a few mods that make their cars fast right now.

 

Are you suggesting that an AI car could go from shaved toyos to hoosiers, while requiring an “undoâ€

[Varkwso]

..... Maybe solid axle classing is not the problem. It could be corvette and AWD classing needs adjustment. Or maybe engine swap base classing needs refinement. Whatever it is, the data says something is up because when reviewed nationwide, solid axle cars are not competitive, particularly in TTA. I think the AI analysis is solid, and I stand by it.

 

Just for good measure, I'll add that the Midwest/OH/IN region has a couple TTB cars that compete with and beat fully prepped AI car lap times.

 

Frank D.

 

I know of several prepped solid axle Camaros that run with a C5 no problem and I know of several TTS Mustangs that are darn fast also. I had a prepped '94 Z28 that did well also. Corvettes got "adjusted" very heavily in 2007 by the way...

[fast_frank_d]

I know of several prepped solid axle Camaros that run with a C5 no problem and I know of several TTS Mustangs that are darn fast also. I had a prepped '94 Z28 that did well also. Corvettes got "adjusted" very heavily in 2007 by the way...

 

I agree; my case is weaker for the mod-unlimited SUR classes. There's less of a disadvantage once you can add as many suspension mods as you want. I think the AI guys have proven this, at least for mustang/mustang comparison.

 

Thanks for pointing out the fast camaros. I'm certainly open to documented examples to correct my perceptions. That was one of the purposes of this thread. Can you give me the names and classes of these several competitive camaros so I can add them to my list? I only ran across one that runs TTC.

 

Thanks!

Frank D.

[Varkwso]

Marcinek - 95 Z28 - runs in TTB...has not run much this year since he blew an engine at CMP last fall - when my '99 C5 was still TTB legal we ran together. With a fresh motor I hope he stays in TTB because I do not want him in TTA with me! He shook the car down at Road Atlanta a few weeks ago - it is quick.

 

But Camaros from '82 on all come with panhard bars originally...

[fast_frank_d]

Marcinek - 95 Z28 - runs in TTB...has not run much this year since he blew an engine at CMP last fall - when my '99 C5 was still TTB legal we ran together. With a fresh motor I hope he stays in TTB because I do not want him in TTA with me! He shook the car down at Road Atlanta a few weeks ago - it is quick.

 

But Camaros from '82 on all come with panhard bars originally...

 

It doesn't look like he has run any timed events in 2007, so unfortunately there's no usable information pertaining to this discussion on 2007 rules. Thanks though.

 

I'm planning on starting a new thread that is tangentially related to your last remark.

 

Frank D.