This kind of got buried in the Thunderhill thread, but while at the race JG got to talk to Mazdaspeed's John Doonan about the new B-Spec rules package. It's designed to feature lightly modified subcompacts.
Here's the video, and I'd love to hear some feedback: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQExlv_rvJQ
I think it sounds great, alway have love'd the little cars.
damn, I thought this was going to be about the Subaru team b-spec legacy road racing cars (now replaced by the STi)....
seems like a cool concept though. Keep it inexpesive (in relative terms) to broaden the market...
and maybe good pub for an upcoming Mazdaspeed2?
Would be great to see some actual written rules. Especially since people have been talking about this since SEMA.
Though this thread is not all that active, i think this is interesting and great news. Oh how I would like to see these companies compete for a "Manufacturers Cup."
This is what it will take to get sporty version of Mazda 2's, Fits, Kia/Hyundai, etc. I hope this could be the same type of thing that brought us Rabbit GTI's, Renault GTA, All-tracs or other kinds of homoligation examples.
subrew wrote:Would be great to see some actual written rules. Especially since people have been talking about this since SEMA.
IIRC, JG's interview (with the Mazda rep) indicated the rules package is under development - meaning there are no written rules at this time.
There was mention of specific, authorized components (like coil-over sets) that would receive designated part numbers for the class. If, such a list is compiled, it would likely include items like wheels, tires, brake pads/shoes, mufflers (not exhaust systems), sway bars and safety equipment that can only come from an approved manufacturer. In the interests of simplicity and marketing/sponsorship, there is a good chance the parts sources would be singular entities for each component.
There may soon be another way to go racing for relatively low dollars and it won't be another one-make spec class, too!
oldsaw wrote:subrew wrote:Would be great to see some actual written rules. Especially since people have been talking about this since SEMA.
IIRC, JG's interview (with the Mazda rep) indicated the rules package is under development - meaning there are no written rules at this time.
There was mention of specific, authorized components (like coil-over sets) that would receive designated part numbers for the class. If, such a list is compiled, it would likely include items like wheels, tires, brake pads/shoes, mufflers (not exhaust systems), sway bars and safety equipment that can only come from an approved manufacturer. In the interests of simplicity and marketing/sponsorship, there is a good chance the parts sources would be singular entities for each component.
There may soon be another way to go racing for relatively low dollars and it won't be another one-make spec class, too!
Pretty much all true, to my knowledge, with the exception of the safety gear. What will probably happen in that regard is that there will be minimum and maximum standards set, but no "official" supplier mandated. Manufacturers don't want the liability hassle of having an "approved" cage, so they'll just specify stuff like number of attachment points, thickness and diameter, etc.
jg
Hopefully, there will be a Fiesta (otherwise known as 4 door car) package as well.
this is a great concept, one that can start teams down new car programs that lead to other series.
Good luck with that, and I hope to see it do well!!!
Fit v. 2 v. fiesta v. etc etc- that could be a very fun field.
In reply to alfadriver:
Fits and 2s are already 4-door cars that run in B-spec. Fiestas would just be more icing on a tasty cake recipe.
And Kias, and Hyundais, and 500's,
It's the one market that is small, but is the "ideal" when normally looked upon.
(and if I can't get S-plan, Fiesta is pretty high on the list).
I'm optimistic on this prep level (almost said the s word...)
Mini, Fit, Yaris, Mazda2, Fiesta, Accent, Rio, Scion xA, Aveo, Versa, Fiat 500
All 1.4 to 1.6L cars, making 100 to roughly 120hp stock. I would think minimum weights would need to be established, so something like the Fit doesn't have an advantage over the lesser hp cars. In this type of class, 10-15hp is a huge difference.
A fleet of these would look pretty awesome.
I would love to see the base MINI Cooper (non-supercharged) compete in B-Spec, I believe they do have contingency money as well. The new Chevy Sonic replacing the Aveo is actually aesthetically pleasing too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkLtTmCy3Cg&NR=1
Ford already has run some tests on the Fiesta. The suspension kit is available from Ford Racing.
TTAC ran an article on B-spec's outlook today: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/11/b-spec-racing-its-like-trans-am-for-the-p...
from the article:
"These are the initial SCCA-approved B-Spec cars:
•2010 and up Fiesta •2009 and up Fit •2010-2011 Versa, both bodystyles •2011 Mazda2 •2010-2011 Toyota Yaris
These cars are listed as likely future participants:
•Sonic •Fiat 500 •Accent •Rio — and Kinetic just debuted their proof-of-concept car, seen in the headline photo •Scion IQ and XD •VW Polo "
iceracer wrote:Ford already has run some tests on the Fiesta. The suspension kit is available from Ford Racing.
Ford Racing's own Fiesta ran at UTCC this year. They hadn't yet figured out how to completely defeat traction control at the time, but they said it felt like a very capable car. I recall one of the guys saying they could "catch up to the Spec Miatas in the corners."
Repost from http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/mazda-honda-debut-scca-b-spec-race-cars...
Now that this thread has revived, I'd like to point out that the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, and now Toyota Yaris have been built to B-Spec specifications:
http://www.scca.com/news/index.cfm?cid=50872
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/toyota/2012-toyota-yaris-b-spec-club-racer-ar118981.html
Alan Cesar wrote:iceracer wrote:Ford already has run some tests on the Fiesta. The suspension kit is available from Ford Racing.
Ford Racing's own Fiesta ran at UTCC this year. They hadn't yet figured out how to completely defeat traction control at the time, but they said it felt like a very capable car. I recall one of the guys saying they could "catch up to the Spec Miatas in the corners."
On the 2012's the TC is defeatable. No easy switch though.
I just test drove the 2012 Rio. Not a bad handling car. They claim 138hp and 123 lb/ft torque from a 1.6 direct injection engine. Very comfortable and sufficient head room for a helmet on my head and I am 6'2".
This just made my list.
In reply to Auto ADD:
Were you able to test drive one with a manual transmission? I only ask because the website shows zero manual transmission in inventory at the 6 closest dealers to me !
RexSeven wrote:Repost from http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/mazda-honda-debut-scca-b-spec-race-cars...
Now that this thread has revived, I'd like to point out that the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, and now Toyota Yaris have been built to B-Spec specifications:
http://www.scca.com/news/index.cfm?cid=50872
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/toyota/2012-toyota-yaris-b-spec-club-racer-ar118981.html
Aw, that Mazda is so happy to be in front
In reply to DeadSkunk:
I am in the Dallas area and not in MI that may have something to do with it. But they did only have the one and it was white (not my favorite color).
I think this is a great idea.
The $10K in upgrades is a little anti-GRM but other than that this is a great entry level class with a layout most younger drivers are familiar with.
Good job, I hope it works.
So, the idea of spec B racing is over a year old now. Is it ever going to happen?
