I've been watching a nice E21 for a while now, but it just isn't time for a second car yet. I've owned a number of fun cars in the past, but for some reason, I chose the roomy if slow-witted SUV last time I had to upgrade the wheels.
My 2002 WJ is a base model with the 4.0 straight 6, and is in fairly good shape. It has fairly fresh tires, and is perfectly stock. I've never entered an autocross, but what I've read about their tech inspections make me think I'd pass easily.
Two years driving this thing have me really itching to do something sporting. That said, I'm not sure what I can do with what I have. I'd like to try RallyCross, but there isn't much going on around here. Autocross is easy to come by, but I'm worried that they won't let my Jeep in, even though it is not that far over the ground with its stock suspension.
So, can you think of something I can participate in with it? Do you think I'd be let into an autocross event?
I can't see why you couldn't autocross it. There are occasionally trucks at autocross events. For Rally Cross, you may be in a class by yourself. It seems to me that the Cherokee was disallowed in rally-x, but this was a long time ago and I just read it somewhere, so I may be wrong on that one.
while building the XJ-R i talked to my local BMWCCA autocross chair and discussed it since they have a specific no-SUV/truck rule. he agreed to let it run with the rule that if they feel for any reason it is unsafe they'll pull it. it obviously wasnt as those of you at the challenge know, but even with a stock jeep perhaps if you contact your local guys and just ask they might make that sort of compromise with you.
Vigo
HalfDork
10/31/10 11:48 p.m.
I have ridden in one truck at Autox that felt unsafe, and several more that didnt. I think in most easy-going, friendly clubs, it will be on a case-by-case basis.
Thanks for the advice. I'll email the locals to see what they have to say. I emailed the SCCA tech address, and they replied that RallyCross was my best bet as rollover risk precludes solo.
It just encourages my interest in getting a proper car again.
Vigo
HalfDork
11/1/10 9:24 p.m.
I think thats kinda silly.. trucks are way more likely to roll over in the dirt than on pavement.
But whatev, just see what your local club has to say about it, hopefully its good news :)