From 04/04 Fastrack

The SEB discussed and approved the addition of two supplemental classes to National Tour events; STS2 and STU. These classes reflect what the SEB envisions to be the continued growth of the Street Touring category, and are being evaluated in con-junction with evaluation of the feasibility of combining several less-subscribed classes and of restructuring some less-subscribed preparation categories. Reflecting the success of the ST concept both nationally and regionally, the two sup-plemental classes were developed as the next logical steps in the progression of this category. Variants of one or both of these class-es are already being offered in several regions across the country. STS2 will follow the STS rule set, but the eligible cars will be restricted to two-seaters with engine displacements of 1.8 liters or less. This class will provide a home for a number of popular vehicles, including the Honda CRX and del Sol, Mazda Rx-7 (non-turbo, '79-'92) and Miata ('90-'97), Toyota MR2 ('85-'89), as well as other similar vehi-cles. STS category rules 14.1 to 14.10 apply. Further, as in STS, only original equipment viscous limited slip differentials are legal in STS2. Excluded vehicles include Lotus (all), Mazda Miata (99+), and Toyota MR2 ('91-'95 and '00+). STU will follow the STX rule set, but will raise the displacement limit for otherwise STX-legal vehicles to 3.1 liters for forced induction and to unlimited displacement for natural aspiration. To accommodate the greater power of these vehicles, restrictions on wheel width are lifted and the maximum tire width will be increased to 275 for front or rear wheel drive vehicles (but will remain at 245 for AWD vehicles). Other than these limited exceptions, the STX rule set as described in 14.11 applies. This class extends the Street Touring concept to cars including the Audi S4, BMW M3 (E36), Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Neon SRT-4, Ford Mustang, Mazda RX-8, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8, Pontiac Firebird, Pontiac GTO, Subaru WRX STi, Volvo S60 R, and Toyota Supra. Excluded vehicles include the E46 M3 and the E39 M5. In conjunction with the planned evolution of this category and of the sport as a whole, these two supplemental classes will not be considered for full national status until 2007. One or both classes could then poten-tially be recommended for full national sta-tus provided that rules stability is attained, member participation is strong, and the classes continue to reflect the needs of the current enthusiast market. - The STAC chair for 2004, as approved by the SEB, is Phil Osborne.


Now From the 07/04 Fastrack

ITEM 8) Effective 1/1/2005, move all AWD vehicles to STX.
The following items from the STX allowances are proposed to be applied to the entire ST category, into the sections shown, effective 1/1/2005:


Also: 7) Street Touring: The "Works" Mini
Cooper S is added to the STU inclusion list.


Does this mean the Evo8 and STI will no longer be in STU as of the start of next year? Isn't the regular WRX in STX? How will it compare to the STI?

 

Now From the 07/04 Fastrack

ITEM 8) Effective 1/1/2005, move all AWD vehicles to STX.
The following items from the STX allowances are proposed to be applied to the entire ST category, into the sections shown, effective 1/1/2005:

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Holy crap, that's a good eye!

We've been assuming that it's all AWD cars out of STS....

--kC

 

Right now, it's just a proposal. Interesting idea.

 

That's what it is from what I just heard from someone on the SEB. I imagine there will be an errors & omissions statement in August's issue.

 

I forsee a seperate AWD class within the next 2 years.