And here's a simulcast of our live video:
We had heard the rumors, and today at the Tire Rack SCCA Solo Nationals was the big unveil: the SCCA’s Solo Spec Coupe autocross class.
What is it? Basically a pre-2017 Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S fitted with approved parts sourced from Tire Rack: Koni dampers, Eibach Pro Kit springs and adjustable anti-roll bars, SPC alignment aids and upgraded tires and wheels.
You can scroll down and read the official release. After the release you’ll find a live video we recorded with the car and SCCA officials.
New Solo Spec Coupe Class Unveiled for SCCA Autocross Competition TOPEKA, Kan. (Sept. 4, 2017) — The Sports Car Club of America® officially announced today the creation of a new Solo Spec Coupe (SSC) class for autocross competition. The new supplemental class for 2018 national and regional events was developed to be unique in that it primarily focuses on a competitor’s driving skill by having racers participate in nearly identical cars.
Mike Cobb, SCCA President & CEO, said SSC leverages the knowledge and market strength of longtime Club partners Tire Rack, Koni, Eibach and SPC Performance to produce a turnkey competition platform that is both cost efficient and fun.
“When you take an exciting car model and add great partner support, a dedicated Solo Spec Coupe class in which to play, and terrific drivers, you get an outstanding SCCA member experience we’re sure many people will enjoy,” Cobb said.
The base platform selected by the Solo Events Board will be the 2013 to 2016 Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S. Howard Duncan, SCCA Rally/Solo Senior Director, said the BRZ and FR-S were selected because the cars are modestly priced, rear-wheel drive, late model enthusiast vehicles useful as both a “daily driver” and for autocross competition.
“These cars offer aftermarket modifications embraced by enthusiasts who enjoy the driving experience,” Duncan said. “The vehicles are readily available and modifications fairly simple. The cars have shown reliability, which should help with cost containment. And a street ride can be maintained for daily use while also allowing for fun autocross performance. It’s a very positive package all around.”
Vehicles will be able to compete with original equipment. But the Solo Spec Coupe will also have a two-stage upgrade option. Tire Rack is SCCA’s Stage 1 Performance Package coordinating partner. The components will be offered to SCCA® members at a discounted price, and an opportunity for non-members to join the Club before purchase. Drivers interested in the package can learn more at Tire Rack’s SSC webpage, but the basic elements include:
- Koni Sport Shocks, factory sealed (front left strut, right front strut and rear)
- Eibach Pro-Plus Kit (F/R springs and F/R adjustable anti-roll bars)
- SPC Front Alignment Kit (camber bolts, adjustable lower control arms and toe arms)
Tire Rack is also the preferred supplier of the Stage 2 Performance Package that includes 17”x 8” wheels, running a minimum of 17 pounds with minimum offset of 40 millimeters. There will also be a 225/45R17 spec tire used in SSC with a minimum 200 treadwear. The specific spec tire brand will be named later this year.
A Stage 3 Performance Package, consisting of a PCM/ECU retuning module, is currently being researched and considered for future use.
For components not specifically listed in the Stage 1 or Stage 2 Packages, the Solo Street Category allowances will apply. Vehicles will be allowed to compete “under prepared” without all permitted modifications being installed. Where applicable, Solo Spec Coupe cars can also compete in the STX class.
For more information, please visit the SCCA Solo Spec Coupe webpage.
The Sports Car Club of America®, Inc., founded in 1944, is a 67,500-member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both club and professional levels. With headquarters in Topeka, Kansas, the SCCA annually sanctions over 2,000 events through its 116 Regions and subsidiary divisions. Much of the SCCA’s activities are made possible with support from the following Official Partners: Chevrolet, the Official Truck of the SCCA; Hawk Performance, the Official Brake Products of SCCA; Mobil 1, the Official Oil of SCCA; Sunoco, the Official Fuel of SCCA; and Tire Rack, the Official Tire Retailer of SCCA. To learn more, please visit www.scca.com.
And here's a simulcast of our live video:
This is one chassis where I have seen driver skill really stand out. At the Match Tour, people were asking one FR-S driver if his car was supercharged or running nitrous...they just could believe that tires and shocks and setup were all he did. Even locally, I have seen these cars punch well above their class with only simple mods.
Stock for stock, I'd take the FiST over the twins to win any day. Add sticky tires and shocks to the mix, and the reverse is true.
If we add enough class's, soon every one can be a winner.
Neat way for TR to increase sales.
I'll say ! Tire Rack sells over priced tires for E36 M3's sake, now they've muddled into and dictating what happens with an entire class in the SCCA? Hate to see a simple tire distributor have this much influence over the supposedly neutral SCCA. Very similar to what NOPI did in import drag racing and look how all of that turned out. Nothing wonderful happens when corporation get their noses into the mix.
So much negativity. Racing (even at a grassroots level) has always benefited and even relied on partnership and sponsorship. Done right it can save organizations, promote membership and participation, and lower costs for racers.
I like this SSC idea. It seems that many solo classes end up as virtual spec classes so why not create one explicitly? The Tire Rack tie in makes things easy for everyone.
I know this information says "sealed" dampers, but are they different than the normal Koni bits available for this platform?
If not, I don't see why Tire Rack has to be the source of the parts.
In reply to collinskl1 :
I don't think the entire kit needs to come from TR based on the usage of "minimum" wheel specs (meaning you can deviate from these unilaterally?) but the "sealed" verbiage brings the source restriction of the Koni's into question.
I'm not jumping in as I'm focused on other hobbies, but this is a great idea. I'd take the spec autocross idea a step further (forward for a guy like me, but probably backward for people without families) and make it a fun car that mom or dad can also drive the kids around in. New Civic Si would be a great option for something like that.
Wow, just what nobody ever asked for. Another SOLO II class, with even odder restrictions than usual.
Yep, I am kind of liking this idea too. A few pitfalls maybe but also some great potential. I didn't read all the first post so maybe it says it in there but TR should offer some sort of discount on parts to participants in this category. Sort of like what Mazda Motorsports does, meaning you have to post results to get the discounts.
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