In message <39EE1CDE.E85C8CF2@earthlink.net>, Derek Butts writes:
> I have driven this van before. We used to have one as a parts van. If
> autocrossed it will end up like an upside down turtle....
>
> -Derek
There we go. Now I'm in the "Don't autox a Previa" camp.
Keith Hearn
'99 Miata 10AE "Sexy Sadie" the Sapphire Shark
B-Stock
Milpitas, CA
> Keith Hearn wrote:
>
> > Frankly, I don't have any experience with a Previa, so I have no clue as
> > to whether or not it's safe to autox. Does anyone out there who is
> > saying it's unsafe have an actual experience with it, or or we just
> > seeing knee-jerk reactions because it's a mini-van?
> >
> > Kevin's numbers at least make me think it *might* be safe. How many of
> > those saying it's not safe realised that it's got a wider track
> > than a Camaro? If it's got a track that's wider than a Camaro, it
> > hardly falls into the "narrow track" category. I have no idea if it
> > falls into the "high center of gravity" category, but at this point
> > I'm not going to assume anything.
> >
> > How about if someone with some experience takes the vehicle in
> > question out for a test drive and see how it feels? Who knows,
> > maybe it's safer than those Rabbits that regularly get several
> > inches of air under their rear wheels and have a history of
> > rolling in autocrosses, yet are still allowed to run.
> >
> > Keith Hearn
> > '99 Miata 10AE "Sexy Sadie" the Sapphire Shark
> > B-Stock
> > Milpitas, CA
> >
> > In message <4.3.2.7.0.20001018130914.02b50a20@derf.madams.com>, "Darren P.
> Mada
> > ms" writes:
> > > Ok, I'll bite... damnit... :)
> > >
> > > Isn't there a better way to predict rollover stability? Didn't this come
> > > up when that idiot at the insurance department or something used a formul
> a
> > > similar to Kevin's numbers comparison (sorry Kevin, not a jab at you) and
> > > came to the conclusion that any SUV has a 95% chance of rolling over?
> > >
> > > It was disputed that even the height of the CofG does not have a
> > > substantial effect on rollover probability. I think it was also discusse
> d
> > > on the national list that rear suspension and shock function at full (and
> > > over) compression and full extension contribute to a large portion of
> > > rollovers. I would think it would have to do more with roll centers and
> > > polar movement and inertia than just track/height.
> > >
> > > Now, whether you want to make that a requirement for vehicle eligibility
> is
> > > up for debate... and what other cars might be excluded (Larry's Focus? B
> MW
> > > 318ti's?) too...
> > >
> > > --D
> > >
> > > p.s. I wouldn't allow the Previa to run just on the "why push our luck"
> > > common sense rule, but you're right in that there's no specific rule. I
> > > don't have my rulebook handy but I'm sure there's an out for the Safety
> > > Steward or Solo Chief to override anything in the name of safety. Of
> > > course, then the action is protestable, but a PC will most likely agree
> > > with the chiefs.
> > >
> > > At 12:31 PM 10/18/00, Kevin Stevens wrote:
> > > > >A Previa is not an acceptable vehicle for Solo II.
> > > > >
> > > > >--John Kelly
> > > >
> > > >(paraphrased: "Ditto." -- Charlie Davis)
> > > >
> > > >I'm wondering about the grounds for these opinions? I don't particularl
> y
> > > >care about the Previa, but let's look at it.
> > > >
> > > >What the (1999) rulebook says:
> > > >
> > > >=========================
> > > >3.1 ELIGIBLE VEHICLES
> > > >A Solo II Event is open to any vehicle that can pass safety inspection..
> .
> > > >except that vehicles with wheelbases exceeding 116 inches may be exclude
> d...
> > > >
> > > >Unstable vehicles with a high center of gravity and a narrow track must
> be
> > > >excluded (e.g. Suzuki Samurai, Jeep CJ series, and GEO Sidekick).
> > > >==========================
> > > >
> > > >Vehicle Track Height
> > > >Samurai 51.4 65.6
> > > >Wrangler 58.0 70.6
> > > >Sidekick 55.x 64.3
> > > >Previa 61.4 68.7
> > > >Camaro 60.6 51.8
> > > >
> > > >Clearly the Previa doesn't have a narrow track compared to anything. Hi
> gh
> > > >CG would have to be measured; however of note is that each of the exampl
> ed
> > > >vehicles are taller than they are wide. The Previa is two inches wider
> than
> > > >tall. It also carries its engine and drivetrain significantly lower tha
> n
> > > >most vehicles. Its wheelbase is 112.8 inches, the 4x4s range from 80-93
> .4.
> > > >
> > > >If we intend to exclude all minivans and SUVs, we better say so - the
> > > >rulebook quite carefully does not. If there's some more subjective crit
> eria
> > > >y'all are using, what is it? I don't have enough experience with non-co
> upe
> > > >cars in autocross to have a valid opinion - I never see them run.
> > > >
> > > >KeS
> > >
>
>
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