Sonic shot down for STF so far

[JohnT]

I wrote a letter to include the Sonic in STF class, this was the response in the latest Fastrack:

#10637 Sonic Classing Proposal
Per the STAC, the Chevrolet Sonic is significantly narrower than the currently classed STF cars, and the committee
does not support placing it in STF.

This is nonsensical as the Sonic is the same width or wider than almost all of the cars in STF...I have no idea where they got the idea that it is narrower...

Sonic track width 59.4"

Versus
Honda Fit track width 58.1"
Mini Cooper 57.4"/57.8"
Mazda2 track width 58.1"

I wrote another letter in response...but I don't really care to fight it much as I don't plan to run the car in STF myself.

 

[theenico]

Nonsensical is a good word for their rationale at times. It took me over a year and many letters to get the HS classing through.

 

[$ub$onic]

Sorry for my Ignorance but why are you pushing it for the stf class? ( and are we talking about a stock or moded sonic?)

 

[theenico]

You can resolve your ignorance by clicking the following link: http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/assets/2013 Solo Rules Book updated 5-1.pdf

Start at page 81. That is where the ST (Street Touring) rules begin.

 

[$ub$onic]

It started at 85 on my phone.

Time to do some reading

 

[theenico]

Sure, but what do the book's page numbers that are part of the .pdf say?

Either way, the rule book is fairly convoluted, so take your time. If you run across a rule about struts that mentions keeping the mounting ears similar to stock, that one was written because of me (it may be in Street Modified).

Otherwise, if you have some questions about various rules, feel free to ask.

Maybe someone should start a sticky thread for competition rules interpretation (SCCA, NASA, etc.)

 

[$ub$onic]

I guess the reason I am confused is because the last time I ran I was in the stf class. But I have the mods the go with that class.

So I guess my question is what is the push?

 

[theenico]

I see what you are asking now. At the regional/local level it is up to the discretion of the folks running the event to determine which class you fit in to. As an example, I ran in HS long before the Sonic was officially classed. Most regions do this to encourage the new people to come back. It would really suck if an enthusiast showed up for their first time and was turned away because they had a couple of mods that didn't fit the "status quo."

When you start talking about being nationally competitive and going to divisionals with the intention of going to nationals, it is a totally different animal. In that case, it is imperative that your car fits a specific class and is set up to the limit of those rules.

Ideally, you would spend a year or more (everyone's different) working on the driver mod i.e. seat time and maybe an EVO school. Once you begin to dominate the local events, you are ready for the show.

 

[$ub$onic]

Got it!
Thank you!

 

[JohnT]

I don't have the car anymore, but I thought ya'll would like to know the classification has come out for street touring:

#11968 Sonic Classing Comments
Effective immediately upon publication, add the following new listings:
STF Chevrolet Sonic n/a (2012-2013)
STC Chevrolet Sonic turbo (2012-2013)

It doesn't look good. I think the turbo could have possibly competed in STF, but still probably too heavy, STC is basically tucking it away.

 

[$ub$onic]

I'm happy with my stf

Just ran today on your rs struts, totally new car.

There was one other in my class, a Honda civic.

I was first in class.

 

[AxelRipper]

Actually I think a 1.4t with a tune, suspension, and good tires would seem to be competitive in STC. Then again I haven't done a competitive autocross yet with it. In car club stock I seemed to be competitive with those cars anyways.

 

[JohnT]

Given the Pax difference, the Sonic turbo would have to be over 2 seconds faster than the 1.8 Sonic to win in STC vs STF. Honestly the 1.8 is in a much better position in STF than the turbo in STC, but the SCCA is always wary of turbo cars and so I'm not surprised by the decision.

I think the turbo could have had a shot in STF, but I don't think it would have been an overdog by any means.

 

[AustinK]

I did fairly well in my 1.8 in STF stock suspension, tires etc... I feel with better tires alone the increase in handling would be huge.

 

[firstorbit84]

Is a tune allowed in STF?

I think scca is scared of letting the sonic really compete because it will cause so many upsets

 

[$ub$onic]

Is a tune allowed in STF?

I think scca is scared of letting the sonic really compete because it will cause so many upsets

I'm tuned and running stf.

 

[AxelRipper]

Appears tune also allowed in STC. Basically what I plan to do to my car (Tune, intake, exhaust, coil overs, tires, rear bar/brace) will put it into this classing based on my quick browse of what these classes are.

But ya, seems like SCCA doesn't want turbo cars in STF at all.

 

[JohnT]

The tune is allowed in STF/C, so for 1.8 you are good.

However the turbo car cannot up the boost at all. So the standard trifecta tune would be not allowed for a 1.4, the boost map must remain untouched from the factory. A custom tune would need to be requested/made.

There really isn't a big difference in power between the 1.8 and 1.4 without upping the boost. I don't know about the powerband of the 1.8 but on faster flowing coursed it may have an advantage as the 1.4 really runs out of breath. The 1.8 should be a good car for STF.

They may keep the "H" stock/street category for next year so the turbo could still at least have a shot there.

 

[AxelRipper]

Just raced today. 6 seconds up on the Kia Rio and 10+ on the 05 Civic in H stock.

Now I see that it is a 10 second gap to the Civics in STC. Can we figure 3 seconds in non-all season tires, 2 seconds with a tune, and 5 seconds in coil overs and rear brace? Also of note, the Mazdaspeed 3 that won STF just got victory classed to STC from what they were saying today.

 

[$ub$onic]

Speed 3 in stf? Wow.


4 sec up on a sonic rs today