How is 2015 B-Spec shaping up

How is B-Spec shaping up for this year? Expected field turn out ect. I know it has been out a few years now and I am just wondering how it is going.

really? No one?

I know a Rio won the Runoffs..... lol.

Two friends racing at the next World Challenge race. It seems to be working as a support series, but I don't see it gaining a lot of traction at the regional level. The people I know use it more as an advertising tool than anything else. It's the most economical way to get you/your company out in front of people wanting to watch "real" racing.

It's been gathering more steam this year, as you can start with a used car, instead of buying brand new. So, instead of buying a new Fit for $15K, you can buy an older one for $5K and turn it into a race car. From what I've heard the fields are growing---- hopefully this will continue through 2015.

that's good, I was hoping this would become a replacement for spec E30

I know a few guys that are running it in Sonics, should be a good time. It's one of the few classes where nearly every manufacturer has a car that can come out and play.

I went to an SCCA Majors meet at Gingerman last year and there were 3 cars, a Sonic,a Fit, and a Versa.On paper it looks like a good idea, but it seems like an expensive way to go Improved Touring racing. For the cost of a B-spec you could build a SpecMiata,too.

Plus for the cheap guy you can find the IT cars used etc? I did like the prospect but it hasnt taken off like I had hoped to see. Also does it work as a feeder at all?

Jaynen wrote: Plus for the cheap guy you can find the IT cars used etc? I did like the prospect but it hasnt taken off like I had hoped to see. Also does it work as a feeder at all?

Can't exactly go pro-racing with an IT car, can you?

And the Miata's that pro-race are not Spec Miatas- but more than that.

Unless I'm missing something, this is still the cheapest pro racing car out there, as it's part of the Pirelli World Challenge (called Touring Car B-Spec).

Just looking it up- there are 18 TCB races for 2015- 3 races per weekend, 6 weekedends throughout the year.

Edit- TCB has nominal payouts- the total purse is roughly $250/car entered. Better than nothing, and since it's on TV, there's decent potential for sponsorship exposure.

DeadSkunk wrote: For the cost of a B-spec you could build a SpecMiata,too.

With or without an illegal head?

jstein77 wrote:

DeadSkunk wrote: For the cost of a B-spec you could build a SpecMiata,too.

With or without an illegal head?

They're both the same cost, just a little deeper cut makes it illegal, so pick your poison.

Here in SW Region, I've seen a whole 1 car come out in 3 races I worked this year. SRF,STL,FM and SM are really the 4 classes you see a bunch of cars in and the rest, at least for our region, are thin at best.

Joe Gearin wrote: It's been gathering more steam this year, as you can start with a used car, instead of buying brand new. So, instead of buying a new Fit for $15K, you can buy an older one for $5K and turn it into a race car. From what I've heard the fields are growing---- hopefully this will continue through 2015.

FWIW, of the Pirrelli World Challege races run last year, they averaged 12-13 cars for the 15 races. The TCB cars run with two other series at the same time.

Woo! Go Honda fit! The fit from honda...

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the cost to do a Pro series. Travel alone makes it out of range for most of us. Years ago, I looked at the IMSA RS Series and could do the car, but not the time and travel.

I guess whats a "pro" series being a bit ignorant. Because I've seen lots of guys run the NASA enduro stuff 24hrs of thunderhill etc in cars cheaper than a B spec

I suppose for TV advertising sponsorship stuff it makes sense. I like the B-spec cars I was expecting it to be more popular

In reply to Don49: Which explains why many teams seem to already be running a car in some other Pirrelli series- already travelling, bring a small car.

Jaynen wrote: I guess whats a "pro" series being a bit ignorant. Because I've seen lots of guys run the NASA enduro stuff 24hrs of thunderhill etc in cars cheaper than a B spec I suppose for TV advertising sponsorship stuff it makes sense. I like the B-spec cars I was expecting it to be more popular

Not sure what you mean. Do winners of the NASA endurance events get a monetary prize? I thought NASA was an amateur racing group.

If you are concerned about price, Crapcan racing also is endurance racing, and runs really low cost cars. I don't get what your point is.

I'm just trying to point out that the TCB cars are probably the cheapest car to go racing in a pro series. IT cars don't have a pro series, nor do most SM.

Are there cheaper options? Of course- all the way down to the various cheap series.

I honestly don't know about monetary prizes etc. I was just agreeing Deadskunk that if you just want to go racing its easier/cheaper to buy someone elses prepped car for an existing series. That was my only point :)

TCB? is that another name for B-spec?

The idea of an entry level feeder series to sportscar racing using fwd cars you can also actually buy is great. Especially if it does work in terms of building your name as a driver/exposure for sponsors etal.

looked this up, count me in as interested.

good article on some of the options

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/b-spec-racers-honda-fit-vs-kia-rio5-mazda-2-mini-cooper-hatchback-comparison-tests