SCCA homologation of new Caterham Spec

[James A]

Very nice!

I don't know what the "sage" was talking about 7s are terrific in the rain, the very direct connection to the road gives us a feel for what the stores are doing.

The photo is terrific.

[Kitcat]

What rain tires do you guys run?

[CarMan]

Hoosier Aquas. They are very good rain tires for a driving rainstorm. But, don't let them stay on when the rain stops. They are so soft that they easily chunk up and are useless.

As for the rain driving, Lime Rock is a Verry "slipperey when wet" track. So I spent the entire race searching for grip. Found some, and didn't find some. But I had a BLAST in the downpour. My only thought is that the Cat is soo light that it doesn't put down enough weight on the tires to squish them into the pavement. I also had the tire pressures at 22lbs and maybe I should have lowered them down to 19lbs or so. We only run so many rain races that I cannot get enough practice in to find the sweet spot.

[BruceBe]

Looking through the spec, in addition to being hamstrung on power, the lack of a vented front rotor is a killer. Given the fact that EP is a slick tire class, this needs to be fixed.

 

I find the comment about disallowing any Duratec-powered Caterham hypocritical, given that the Mazda MZR engine (aka Duratec), is specifically allowed for the MX5.

 

-Bruce

[Kitcat]

Not surprising given the "cozy" relationship between the SCCA and Mazda. This month's Sportscar Magazine shows how the SCCA works in partnership with Mazda to promote Mazda products, and visa versa. Specifically, there is an extensive article describing how the new MX5 Miata ND was allowed by the SCCA to run in a special category at the auto-x national solo championship this year. I didn't see that courtesy extended to any other mfgs.

Edited November 11, 2015 by Kitcat