Steven Snyder Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 G.2 in the 2014 NASA Time Trial rules states the following (emphasis added by me): 2) Add, replace or modify a single flat, horizontal, front splitter/spoiler/wing/foil +3 This part may extend horizontally past the side of the vehicle no greater than five inches, with no limit on frontward protrusion. If any portion of this part that protrudes from the side of vehicle is not parallel to the ground, then additional points must be assessed for canards in G.4) below. No material, filler, or part may extend the vertical reach of the BTM front fascia without taking fascia/air dam Modification Points above (G.1). Does the non-zero thickness of the following splitter trigger G.1 per the last sentence of G.2? I don't think the intention of the rule is to have this configuration trigger G.1 as long as the splitter is of some reasonable thickness, say 1/4" / 7mm... but the way the rules are written it seems that it does, since it technically "extends the vertical reach of the fascia" by the thickness of the splitter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboShortBus Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 The splitter is allowed to have some reasonable thickness, obviously. Something in the 1/2" range would be fine, and is expected. Just don't make the splitter 6" thick so that it extends from the bottom of the BTM fascia to an inch off the ground (unless that distance just happens to be 1/2" on your car). Is there a maximum splitter thickness in the rules? No, there isn't; so, you are free to play a little bit with materials, but don't get too crazy. Like the Supreme Court on pornography, "I know it when I see it..." If you feel that you are working in a gray area with the thickness of a fabricated splitter, then it's best to check with the national director well in advance of your next event in order to avoid issues in impound/inspection. G.1 is intended to catch the people who fill in the gap between the top of the splitter and the bottom of the BTM fascia with any material...fiberglass, plastic, metal, and even tape. A driver at Nationals in 2011 or 2012 was caught not taking points for a vertical strip of duct tape to close the 1" gap between his splitter and BTM fascia, although he unsuccessfully tried to argue that it wasn't a fascia modification. Cue the sad trombone... Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbrew8991 Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 what Mark said concurs with my understanding of the rules, previous interpretations from Greg, impound "fun", etc. What you're purposing (if a reasonable thickness) is a textbook good example of a plain +3pt splitter addition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Snyder Posted April 10, 2014 Author Share Posted April 10, 2014 Mark and Ken, thanks for confirmation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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