I have three not-so related questions, two of which I realized are
about mid-engined cars.
1) I saw a listing for a Fiat X1/9 for sale, and having heard how they
are dreaded in DSP (at least by the Integra Type R drivers), I went
and checked out the technical specs. Very light, mid-engined, but
not much power. 0-60 times greater than 10 seconds. Now I realize
that handling is more critical than power in an autocross, but what
is done to these cars to make them fast? Are they street-drivable
afterwards?
2) Like many others on the list, I am in awe of the Lotus Elise and
dream of having one of my own. I saw a yellow one at an AAS event,
but I'm guessing that it was an Elise 190, not street registered.
Does anyone have one that is licensed for driving on the street, or
know anyone who does? How did you/they do it?
3) The "new" 2001 Miata suspension package and the LS model come
with 16" wheels and 205/45-16 tires. A quick check reveals that
the only race rubber that comes in even close to the right rolling
diameter is a Hoosier road race tire. All the others are
significantly taller. Since it's not strictly legal for them to
downgrade to 15" wheels in order to put on race tires (and the 15"
wheels may not fit due to the rumored larger brake rotors) what
would a would-be B Stock competitor with such a car do? Running in
Street Tire would be one option. Could they get special
dispensation in SFR to run 15" wheels until the national club
decides what to do? What do you think that the SCCA will decide to
do, if anything?
I suppose that requiring them to go ahead and run too-tall tires
might counteract the acceleration advantage of the extra horsepower
and keep the earlier Miatas more competetive.
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