Assistance with Rules Interpretation

[Michael Alsip]

I am at the very beginning stages of even thinking about preparing my Integra as a HC vehicle. As I gather, it is classed in a base class, let's say H3 for example, and then I'm allowed to do certain modifications within that class from there.

 

My quesiton is this... What bumps you up to another class? If this car classifies originally as an H3 vehicle, what would take it to an H2 vehicle? It looks like an engine swap or significant weight reduction would change the class. So if that's right, am I allowed to do all of the modifications listed in section 7 of the rules as long as I don't change the engine or go below minimum weight?

 

Pardon my nubness. I'm coming from TT so you can probably guess why I have a bit of confusion when it comes to rule sets. This one seems too simple in comparison.

[vbspec]

Ok I'm guessing you have a typeR so the first thing you need to do is look at your weight which will have to be 2575 in H3 trim and you will need to follow the prep rules listed in section 5,6 and 7. And thats it if you want to race with people (as h3 is a dead class in most if not all regions) look at the H2 "limited preperation" Vechicles section for your weight and the follow sections 5,6,7 and 10 (Allowed Modofications H2 Only). If you plan on running H1 its 5,6,7, and 9. Thats pretty much it. Just remember if the rules dont say you can then you cant. Best of luck

[clock]

It also helps to clarify rules if you go and look at some vehicles that are implementing those rules. I would highly recommend going to an event in your local region and spending some time talking to someone in H2 with the rules and a list of your questions in hand. Then you can have a conversation with a compliant vehicle sitting there in front of you as an example. At least in norcal, every one of the competitors is very open to talking and answering questions. I imagine it is the same in other regions as well.

[drdisco69]

Don't forget to read the CCRs! I apparently read it more than others, as people always seem surprised when I mention some things it contains.

[ninetyfourintegra]

Sam Myers, MWHC Director would be a good person to look up as well. Not sure if you are going to Mid-Ohio in July or August but he is typically there with their H2 civic.

[H4CRXSi]

Michael,

 

This is Sam, the MWHC Series Director, and I co-own the car that was running against you in TTD at Putnam Park (silver 4-door '96 Civic w/ B18B swap). We spoke at Putnam about your spring rates (I believe that you're running progressive springs) and some of the handling issues that you were encountering.

 

Feel free to email (smyersjr at att dot net) or PM me here and we can discuss the best options for your ITR and where you go from here. As others have stated, I'd definitely recommend prepping the car to the H2 rules as H3 is non-existant all around the country. Basically, H2 allows you to run at a lighter minimum weight (easier on tires, brakes, etc.), do some more chassis prep items then are allowed in H3 (gut or carbon fiber hood, gutted trunk, lexan in the rear window and rear quarter), and also play around with some of the motor/transmission stuff more than H3, etc.

 

Feel free to contact me at any time, and I look forward to seeing you at the track soon!

 

Regards,

 

Sam

[Michael Alsip]

Sam, thanks for the good info. All of the handling issues have been sorted out since Putnam. I decided that the car handled and was setup fine. I just needed to man up and drive it the way it was supposed to be driven. I was able to sort it out on street tires at Autobahn at the ITR expo.

 

The lack of H3 competition makes me sad. I appreciate the information and honesty, though.

[ninetyfourintegra]

FWIW, I was in the same position with H3, but H2 seems to be the place to be. And you never know, you might find another Integra to play with next year if Sam can keep the momentum moving forward and also help expand it to the Great Lakes region too.

[Michael Alsip]

Yeah, I think that's going to have to be my position. I'm not comfortable with taking the Type R that far in preparation, removing AC, all the panels, etc. I think I'll probably end up holding off and looking for either a shell or a nicer high mileage car to start a build on.

[SFerg]

Don't forget to read the CCRs! I apparently read it more than others, as people always seem surprised when I mention some things it contains.

 

I get that too. .........makes me wonder..........

[sscguy]

Yeah, I think that's going to have to be my position. I'm not comfortable with taking the Type R that far in preparation, removing AC, all the panels, etc. I think I'll probably end up holding off and looking for either a shell or a nicer high mileage car to start a build on.

 

There are a good number of already-built cars floating around, FYI. You'll wind up saving a damn good chunk of money if you pick up something like that, even if it needs refreshing/sorting.

 

I saw you briefly at ITR Expo also, on one of my cool down laps. I was in a blue/black EG hatch with big orange numbers on the side.

[ninetyfourintegra]

^^^ What he said. I am still kicking myself for passing up an already done GSR for like 6K. I went like a dumba$$ and built my own for about $5K+, +, +, when I could have sold mine for 5-6K and been even or ahead depending on how you look at it.

 

I'm hoping there won't be a next time for that decision.

[Michael Alsip]

I saw you briefly at ITR Expo also, on one of my cool down laps. I was in a blue/black EG hatch with big orange numbers on the side.

 

Not sure I remember seeing you. You weren't the RHD hatch were you?

 

EDIT: I think I found you...

 

 

I don't remember seeing you at all out there. I guess that means we were both doing something really right or really wrong.