New Owner - SCCA Compliance

[slowdude]

Hi All,

 

New guy to the 7 world (but not British cars. I have a 69 Federal Spec Cortina GT as an ongoing project.)

 

I've been drawn to the Cat/Lotus 7 because of the driving experience. The closest I've had was sitting in one a few years back at an Event in CT.

 

I'm a bit of a track rat when funds allow, I've been running in Lemons for the past 7 years, primarily at NJMP/Thompson. In addition to this, I ride a vintage Honda CB750, and have done a few track days on BMW S1000RRs. I'd say I'm slightly below average on speed (I work in FP&A. By nature I'm fairly risk averse, but I am excited to start on this learning process with the Caterham.)

 

Ideally I see the car I just picked up as being more track oriented. I'd like to make it as SCCA compliant as possible (if not fully), but still welcome on the street. 

 

I am going to do some digging on the forum, but I'd be curious If there is a resident track guy here who I can connect with for guidance. (Maybe Croc? I've been following your for sale posts for about 2 years now.)

 

 

Now let's look at the car: 

 

https://www.lucassportscars.co.uk/cars/caterham/seven/s3roadsport1.8dvak-series/728216/

 

It's currently at the port in Liverpool (It was originally scheduled to come out of Dagenham, the same port as the cortina roughly 50 years before.) I am using a friend who has imported a few odd cars from Europe (the 037/Stratos running around the NYC area), so I am fairly relaxed with the travel time & in good hands as far as having the paperwork done correctly.

 

The 1.8 in the car was built by DVA tuning, with new pistons / rods / balancing / paperwork etc. The original 1.4 was a bit slow with the 5 speed, so one of the previous owners had the 1.8 built. It dynoed around 150, and from the builder estimation, ITB's + ECU will put it around 180. I'm looking to just go through it when it is here and get it prepped for the 2023 season. Any advice on these rover K Series engines / USA based engine experts would be awesome. I can't tell if LR or BMW has the spares for the engine. Car has had clean history and I have nearly full paperwork going back to 1995, including original order / build sheets from Caterham. I've been able to connect with a few previous owners as well.

 

With the fall of the GBP, and shipping costs coming down, I was able to grab this for a price I could just not get stateside. The RHD might be a nuisance, but the purpose of this car is not to be convenient, so I am not too bothered.

 

Any thoughts / items I should look out for would be certainly welcome. I know the foam baffle was removed as that is a problem point on the sump for these engines.

 

Also big thanks to Des, who has been putting up with my constant Instagram messages.

 

-Charlie

 

 

[Croc]

Hi Charlie, 

 

Welcome to USA7s with your first post and congratulations on finding a sweet little Caterham.  Having a Dave Andrews engine is a good thing so it should be sorted there.  

 

Lots to unpick in your email.  I will first off say that a Caterham is better to drive on track than a Lemons car!

 

I notice you are NJ/RI.  Strong suggestion is do not try to title/register a Caterham in NJ.  It is a pain of a state for sevens and anything imported internationally.  They wanted my last (over 25yo) RHD car to be converted to LHD.  While I have not checked RI requirements, that state (or any other state) has to be easier than NJ.  

 

In upgrading your car to SCCA standards, I am going to assume you are not wanting to fully conform the car to the specific Caterham run class (either F or E) as that involves more indepth changes like engine conversions as I cannot envisage SCCA accepting a Rover K series readily. 

 

So sticking with safety, here is an example of a top performing Caterham race car (along with its driver!) - use the photos to get an idea to compare to yours (as it is currently) on the level of changes needed.  

(9) Marketplace - 2001 Lotus Super 7 | Facebook

 

So the high level changes will be:

- cage

- seat/harness

- fuel system - cell/etc

- electrical cut out

- tires

- up rate brake pads

- suspension set up

- plus driver safety kit

 

The SCCA experts who should chime in here are @James A and @craig chima 

 

For roll cage, there is a guy in NJ/DE who has done a number of compliant cages for a few Caterhams locally.  Calling @yellowss7 Tom - who did the cages for Jeff and you?   

 

One thing to note is that I am always uneasy when I see full cage sevens driven on the street as you should really wear a helmet in case you whack your head against a cage bar in an incident.  Something to consider.  

 

@yellowss7 Tom is also your resident K series expert as he has a genuine Rover K series Superlight.  So he can tell you how he goes about sourcing parts - mostly direct from the UK like many of us.  

 

There are 3 Caterham owners resident at NJMP - myself, Tom and Simon.  A new buddy to play track tag with is always welcome!  You also have a few owners up in CT area for Thompson @11Budlite  @wemtd  @Black Hole   So a number of folk who would be more than happy to share their local track persepctives.  

 

Cheers

mike

 

[slowdude]

Hey Croc,

 

Awesome and detailed list. I'll go through that FB posting.

 

It seems like some of the driving schools I am looking at require SCCA compliance. If I can get away with the caterham cage, I'll do so (and swap for the street, absolutely).

 

Good to know there are other K series guys out here.

 

Regarding registration, I'm already looking into registering it in RI. Worst case I can do a Montana LLC. I can't stand these bright yellow plates of ours. 

 

I'm about 15 or so minutes north of Morristown, so holler when you are planning on doing another track day. If I can get the time off from work (and the track prep work sorted- I know NJ is militant about their harnesses), early 2023 isn't unreasonable for some track tag.

 

Many, many years ago, my grandfather had a brief stint running midgets at Thompson in the late 40s. The goal with the SCCA compliance is to be able to take the driving school at Thompson with my dad, so he can run the same track as his father.

 

It seems like we need to get a tri-state caterham meet up. I have some decent roads out by me that are glassy smooth motorcycle roads.

[wemtd]

I’m not familiar with “the driving school” can you elaborate?
there are several trackday options for Thompson such as SCCA Tracknight and SCDA & others (MassTuning, …)

 

[panamericano]

The easiest way to guarantee compliance would be to attend Tracknight or an SCCA Time Trial event with your car.  The regional Chief of Tech would almost certainly be there and you could pick his/her brain.  If the District Chief of Tech is there, that would be better.  Cheap exposure with a bit of instruction available.

[slowdude]

27 minutes ago, wemtd said:

I’m not familiar with “the driving school” can you elaborate?
there are several trackday options for Thompson such as SCCA Tracknight and SCDA & others (MassTuning, …)

 

All I know is what I have found here.

 

https://www-1559a.bookeo.com/bookeo/startroute_41559YHJYA41588D4784EA?ralias=true&axiomframed=false&inwidget=false&a=41559YHJYA41588D4784EA&_ga=2.203064337.1649692825.1665437258-1264964815.1665335542&nowidget=true&s=2087381811&c=02a&t=zHTwl4yrpk0iMjIF%2BOqj%2F471M8eQiABruSelbEevfSQ%3D

 

Their Miata/BYO school is pretty cheap.

[slowdude]

34 minutes ago, panamericano said:

The easiest way to guarantee compliance would be to attend Tracknight or an SCCA Time Trial event with your car.  The regional Chief of Tech would almost certainly be there and you could pick his/her brain.  If the District Chief of Tech is there, that would be better.  Cheap exposure with a bit of instruction available.

I'll need to look into these other SCCA events, it looks like I can sign up for the track time or auto x without being SCCA as its not seen as "wheel to wheel racing time"

 

Awesome leads and thank yall for your patience!

[wemtd]

Ah: “self tech”… Their tech form would be a good starting point.  I can’t seem to find it easily. 
October 28. Sounds like mighty cold pavement to me. But it may be a good opportunity to just drop by and discuss equipment with their scruitineers for spring 2023 driving.

 

[Croc]

13 hours ago, slowdude said:

I'll need to look into these other SCCA events, it looks like I can sign up for the track time or auto x without being SCCA as its not seen as "wheel to wheel racing time"

 

Awesome leads and thank yall for your patience!

 

There is a big distinction between racing events or just a regular track day.  That said, you will want to consider safety upgrades on your new Caterham once it arrives.  

 

There are a number of good track day operators in the North East to try.  Likely next season given the timing of your car arriving.  

[11Budlite]

Slowdude - I live in CT and just started doing track days last year. I've done 10 days so far, with 6 of those in the Caterham. I've been to Palmer, Canaan, Club, LRP, and just recently went to NYST. I'm hoping to be at LRP (infield course) this Saturday, and I'll be at Watkins Glen on 10/23. I was in the novice group last year and went up to intermediate starting this year. I'm 65 years old and definitely not one of the fast guys, but it's been a fun and exhilarating experience. One of my proudest moments on track is having my son in his hot rod Miata come up behind me, pointing him by, and then trying to stay with him as long as I could! I haven't been to Thompson yet but I plan to go next year since it's the closest track to me and I've heard some decent reports. I PM'd you in case you want to discuss my experience further.

 

Congrats on your Caterham. Once you get used to RHD I don't think it's going to be a problem and could be a benefit at certain tracks. The exhaust noise on the passenger side could be helpful to your hearing as well!

Edited October 11, 2022 by 11Budlite

[slowdude]

1 hour ago, 11Budlite said:

Slowdude - I live in CT and just started doing track days last year. I've done 10 days so far, with 6 of those in the Caterham. I've been to Palmer, Canaan, Club, LRP, and just recently went to NYST. I'm hoping to be at LRP (infield course) this Saturday, and I'll be at Watkins Glen on 10/23. I was in the novice group last year and went up to intermediate starting this year. I'm 65 years old and definitely not one of the fast guys, but it's been a fun and exhilarating experience. One of my proudest moments on track is having my son in his hot rod Miata come up behind me, pointing him by, and then trying to stay with him as long as I could! I haven't been to Thompson yet but I plan to go next year since it's the closest track to me and I've heard some decent reports. I PM'd you in case you want to discuss my experience further.

 

Congrats on your Caterham. Once you get used to RHD I don't think it's going to be a problem and could be a benefit at certain tracks. The exhaust noise on the passenger side could be helpful to your hearing as well!

This is exactly what I am looking for, thank you so much!

 

I'm going to be sending you a barrage of messages from now on.

 

I can compare your notes with crocs above to setup a sorted, "track OK" caterham.

[dallasdude]

SCCA/Tirerack Tracknight in America series is a completely different thing from SCCA road racing and the General Competition Rules.  Tracknight was set up to be very inclusive.  I doubt you would find an SCCA chief of Tech there.  It has been a very popular program in most parts of the country and is a good value for tack time.

[slowdude]

21 hours ago, dallasdude said:

SCCA/Tirerack Tracknight in America series is a completely different thing from SCCA road racing and the General Competition Rules.  Tracknight was set up to be very inclusive.  I doubt you would find an SCCA chief of Tech there.  It has been a very popular program in most parts of the country and is a good value for tack time.

This has been my concern. There seems to be track-lite time and then any HPDE/ more "serious" track days have very different requirements.

 

I'd expect to be requiring arm restraints on a Caterham in case there is a rollover etc.

[dallasdude]

Arm restraints are required in SCCA racing (or a window net) but I don't see it in the requirements tor track night.  Probably not a bad idea to use them and they are cheap.  They do mention some tracks have more stringent requirements however.

 

https://www.tracknightinamerica.com/pages/rules-and-regulations

[CBuff]

@slowdude You can check out a few organizations that run HPDE type events. They have detailed requirements outlined in each site. I have just started doing these events (not in a 7) in the interest of spec-ing out my 420 which is still on order. And yes some tracks require different safety items (NJMP requiring arm restraints, and dated harness) comes to mind. 

 

https://drivenasa.com/hpde/

https://www.motorsportreg.com/orgs/masstuning

https://www.hookedondriving.com

 

https://www.motorsportreg.com

They register multiple different groups.

 

I have only done a Masstuning and a NASA event so far (NYST and NJMP respectively). Each group has slightly different policies and culture to them. Although your car set up should suffice across all of them.  Try them and find out which ones you like.  These are Driver education events and sometime have no passing or point by only passing. They usually have run groups (HPDE 1,2,3,4 or Mass Tuning Novice, Intermediate, Advance) that you can progress up through. Usually with less restrictions as you move up. 

 

Usual track safety gear - Helmut, long pants, long shirt (sometimes waved in summer). Roll bar that passes broomstick test. Some tracks (NJMP) requires arm restraints, and FIA dated 4 or 6pt harness. I defer to the usual track 7 folks as far as which tracks require what. But if your planning on trying all the tracks out you might as well get the harness and not worry about it. My two cents

[slowdude]

20 minutes ago, CBuff said:

@slowdude You can check out a few organizations that run HPDE type events. They have detailed requirements outlined in each site. I have just started doing these events (not in a 7) in the interest of spec-ing out my 420 which is still on order. And yes some tracks require different safety items (NJMP requiring arm restraints, and dated harness) comes to mind. 

 

https://drivenasa.com/hpde/

https://www.motorsportreg.com/orgs/masstuning

https://www.hookedondriving.com

 

https://www.motorsportreg.com

They register multiple different groups.

 

I have only done a Masstuning and a NASA event so far (NYST and NJMP respectively). Each group has slightly different policies and culture to them. Although your car set up should suffice across all of them.  Try them and find out which ones you like.  These are Driver education events and sometime have no passing or point by only passing. They usually have run groups (HPDE 1,2,3,4 or Mass Tuning Novice, Intermediate, Advance) that you can progress up through. Usually with less restrictions as you move up. 

 

Usual track safety gear - Helmut, long pants, long shirt (sometimes waved in summer). Roll bar that passes broomstick test. Some tracks (NJMP) requires arm restraints, and FIA dated 4 or 6pt harness. I defer to the usual track 7 folks as far as which tracks require what. But if your planning on trying all the tracks out you might as well get the harness and not worry about it. My two cents

Ahh, completely forgot about Nasa.

 

I'm too close to the NYC Metro area so I am getting a lot of "track adjacent" clubs coming up (read 911s who do the bear mountain cruise for IG shots and then some NJMP stuff), but I'm really looking for a more chill vibe, to your point. I hadn't really thought about that, but I'd definitely be interested in doing multiple events across the various clubs If there are other Cat 7's in attendance. Looks like there's maybe 8 or 9 of us in the Greater NYC Metro Area.

 

It's good to see that people have been able to get on track for fairly minor modifications, and frankly, the harness updates are a must. Helmet date + Hans date. Arm restraints etc, it's really not too unreasonable If the factory rollbar is sufficient for most of these trackday groups..

[CBuff]

The group is usually pretty vocal about putting it out there if they are attending an event on a certain day. I have been stalking them here to intercept them at the tracks to talk about the cars - again to finalize my build. I then usually run in the beginners group to get a sense of the tracks while I am there.

 

I think there were about 14 sevens that showed up for the yearly meet up in NJMP in September. They had there own run group of just sevens (and a formula car at times). 

[fastg]

I like https://hpdejunkie.com/ as a search site. appears to have a lot more tracks and organization than https://www.motorsportreg.com

 

Graham 

[slowdude]

Thanks all, will be doing some more club oriented track days at ya'lls reccomendations.

 

Took the car home today. Mechanical grip is incredible. I have rain tires on it. I can't imagine the grip on these cars with good tires.

 

Car tracks straight and true, switches all function etc. Have some valve tappet noise a prior owner warned about, so that will be the winter project along with checking suspension, some light corrosion on the upper wishbone near where the anti roll bar bolts in.

 

I'm smitten.

[Croc]

 

Great news!  Photo share time.