ALL MOPAR AUTOCROSS SERIES? RULES? CLASSES? IDEAS?

[Mopar Mitch]

At the Monster Mopar Weekend INDY wknd, Sept 21-23, 2012, there was some beginning talk about having future classes, etc, for actual "competition" amongst those of us desiring it.  While continuos "fun runs" were held over the three days on the banked oval track, with autocross cones to control the speeds, some drivers have that burning desire to actually "compete".  So, here amongst the Cudas-Challengers, your thoughts?  This could become an actual "series" of points accumulations down the road, maybe in a few years ahead from now, but we could establish some basic and simple classes and/or rules.  Stock, modified, race?  Run what 'ya brung? Awards? Prizes/sponsorships from manufacturers, magazines, etc??? Ideas? Ideas?  KISS?    The Monster Mopar Wknd Autocross wants to grow for next year and become the biggest All-Mopar Autocross in the country!... possible other locations, not just at INDY.

[brads70]

Tires are always a cost issue? Maybe DOT street tires? Spec tires?  Stock style suspensions and a modified class. Somehow I would think you would want to seperate full out race cars from the street crowd?
As with any racing it's always an ongoing battle trying to seperate money and skill?
Just my  ?

[cudazappa]

Hey Mitch,

KISS I agree.

My proposal for breakdowns for a beginning series of this type:
A/E/pre-75 B Stock Style (t-bars/leaf springs) 200 Treadwear Rollbar permitted, no Rollcage
ProTouring (anything goes in the suspension) No treadwear on the tires, Rollcage allowed
All 75+B/FJM/R 200 treadwear
All FWD 200 treadwear
All 2wd Truck 200 treadwear
All LX 200 treadwear
All Viper No Treadwear
Unlimited Class - Everything else No Treadwear

I think between those 8 Classes you should (hopefully) get 3 cars per class.  If the classes get large enough, and a certain group starts separating itself in the class (ie. people get all those A-bods dialed in to form an A-body only class)

Oh 9th class: Novice or Just for Fun class.

Treadwear ratings chosen on the "fun" factor.  Also on entry level.  I figure if those guys with the coil overs want to show off, they can run hoosier A6s if they want.  And the Viper Guys, well, hell, give them some great tires!

Personally I don't see to go that more detailed than that.

As always, tech/safety inspection of the cars beforehand and I would also mandate helmets, or make sure loaners are available.

Give it a test year to run, see where the attendance dictates, see how it goes.  Hopefully this will kick into more classics at local and SCCA events.  That's the one thing I'm not super happy about the GoodGuys events.  The cars come out to play to those, but I don't see them at the local level.  Imagine E/SP, S/M, and C/P ranks growing!

[Mopar Mitch]

Just so everyone else also is aware, this same topic is posted on MOPARTS.com (corners are best-handling section), and MOPAX chat line, as well as possibly some others. My companion from organizing the recent MMW-autocross (Dave Dusterberg) has likley posted similar on some other e-sites.  We've gotten some good feedback -- some similarities with ideas.  We'll keep it going to see IF and WHEN this can become a reality... individual events... maybe regional and national in the future?

As most of you can imagine, other long-time organized groups, such as the SCCA "Solo" sector, for example, have very complex rules and categories/classes.... KISS is important in the beginning.

[Mopar Mitch]

I'd sure like to see All-Mopar Autocoss "COMPETITION" classes and events become a reality some day...

The car shows for us would be the best gathering places, but various sports car clubs can be our riding supporter until then.

I crave and dream of All-Mopar autocrossing/road course events to happen around the country on a frequency every year.  I know the California Spring Fling is succesful every year, and last year's Sept 201 Monster Mopar Weekend at INDY was a huge success.  Mopars at the Strip is also successful out in 'Vegas.  Carlisle 2012 had a good one also, but it was ONLY for the Hotchkis cars sponsored by their company (multiple "fun runs" taking passengers for great rides).

Your thoughts and ideas are always welcome.

[HP2]

While handling events are increasing in popularity across the country and with all makes, we are still a percentage of a percentage of a percentage of enthusiasts. I think a stand along event will be a very difficult thinig to pull off for the foreseable future.

However, it might work if you had some diligent, active people who could help coordinate and organize the handlng aspects of a more traditional show and drag meet. I good transistion into this could be to attach yourself to the Mega Mopar Action series. Nine events held across the country that a mopar specific. They have even said that autocross is a maybe at select venues. That soudns to me like all they need is some ones(s) to step up and lead the charge.

http://www.megamoparaction.com/

[Mopar Mitch]

HP2 -- I'm going to contact the MegaMopar event... StLouis/Gateway is possible for me (I've family in that area... good reason to go see them!... could easily drive there from Chgo ~5-6 hours).   I heard the StLouis event had been chjanged to an all-car/make open event, but I want to find out myself.  For me, its "Mopar or no-car" shows that interest me the most.  Also, MMW at INDY (June 28-30) is scheduled to include an autocross, but there are some scheduling problems that have come up which may void or limit the autocross to Sunday only (June 30)... and that's too bad if it remains... to be determined very soon...as you know, I originally volunteered to organize the MMW at INDY last Sept 2012.. got the SCCA Indy Solo group invloved .. and it was a huge success!