Any SCCA racers here? Question about classes
12-10-2020, 05:35 PM
#1
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Any SCCA racers here? Question about classes
I have a 1.6L Spec Miata and I've been working towards getting my competition license. For a variety of reasons I've decided that the SCCA license is the best one for me to have, so I've gotten my novice permit and plan to attend their race school in February. One of the requirements for the SCCA full competition license is to run at least three SCCA races. My immediate goal is actually to vintage race in SVRA/VDCA, but I have to get through the SCCA stuff for the license. Compared to really competitive SM's, both my car and my driving skills are a work in progress. I'm guessing my fastest laps would be 5-6 seconds off the leaders pace in SM.
So my question is: are there any other classes in SCCA that I could consider as an alternative to SM? For instance I know that a Spec Miata is also a reasonably competitive car in NASA ST-6. I've heard rumors that we have an SM-SE class in the Southeast SCCA region that's limited to 1.6L cars, but I'm having a hard time finding information about it. I feel comfortable enough with my driving skills and comfort level in traffic to not pose a safety risk to other racers regardless of class. I just don't have the competitive drive to play crash-up derby and mow the lawn like I see in a lot of actual SM racing. It would be nice to not be DFL and get lapped by half the field. Maybe that's just part of being a new racer.
So my question is: are there any other classes in SCCA that I could consider as an alternative to SM? For instance I know that a Spec Miata is also a reasonably competitive car in NASA ST-6. I've heard rumors that we have an SM-SE class in the Southeast SCCA region that's limited to 1.6L cars, but I'm having a hard time finding information about it. I feel comfortable enough with my driving skills and comfort level in traffic to not pose a safety risk to other racers regardless of class. I just don't have the competitive drive to play crash-up derby and mow the lawn like I see in a lot of actual SM racing. It would be nice to not be DFL and get lapped by half the field. Maybe that's just part of being a new racer.
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12-11-2020, 01:27 AM
#2
The SCCA classing system is insane. I tried to look through it once and didn't find a single class my car would be legal for when it was a TTE car which was only a little outside the realm of SM. I don't think an SM would fit into any other class without a ton of money being thrown at it.
Also I don't know how many SCCA club racers you'll find online, they seem to be few and far between. Probably because most of them are in the age group that don't want and/or don't know how to use the internet.
Also I don't know how many SCCA club racers you'll find online, they seem to be few and far between. Probably because most of them are in the age group that don't want and/or don't know how to use the internet.
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12-11-2020, 07:25 AM
#3
damn arca, that was harsh.... I am not certain you will find a lot of us SM racers on a turbo forum though.....
I raced a 1.6 in SMSE for the last 3 yrs. I recently built a 99, and my wife is racing the 1.6.
SMSE is a regional class, other regions call it SM2. Most 1.6 cars are not that competitive, hence their own class. I am in Florida and we get about 10 SMSE cars at any given event.
Other classes off the top of my head you could run in are FP and STL. There is also vintage class as well. What I find when running those classes, is that you are running with a lot of other classes, and it feels like running a 20 or 30 min sprint enduro with all types of cars. At least in SM, you are usually with similar cars and you are running with other drivers at your skill level.
FWIW, my 1.6 car has been on the podium in SM with the right driver. I am usually 6 seconds off the leaders, and I am a solid mid pack driver. At our last race we had 67 cars and I qual'd 27th. then the motor blew up, so there is that......
enjoy the journey!
-jason
I raced a 1.6 in SMSE for the last 3 yrs. I recently built a 99, and my wife is racing the 1.6.
SMSE is a regional class, other regions call it SM2. Most 1.6 cars are not that competitive, hence their own class. I am in Florida and we get about 10 SMSE cars at any given event.
Other classes off the top of my head you could run in are FP and STL. There is also vintage class as well. What I find when running those classes, is that you are running with a lot of other classes, and it feels like running a 20 or 30 min sprint enduro with all types of cars. At least in SM, you are usually with similar cars and you are running with other drivers at your skill level.
FWIW, my 1.6 car has been on the podium in SM with the right driver. I am usually 6 seconds off the leaders, and I am a solid mid pack driver. At our last race we had 67 cars and I qual'd 27th. then the motor blew up, so there is that......
enjoy the journey!
-jason
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12-11-2020, 08:52 AM
#4
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Thanks for responses. Arca, I hear what you're saying about SCCA. I've been to three NASA events and I wasn't super impressed to be honest. I actually liked NASA Midsouth better than NASA SE, but Barber is the only track in that region that's remotely close to where I live.
Jaysz28, I figured that there wouldn't be many SCCA racers here but this it the forum I go to when I want real, no-BS advice about things. There is a big thread about SMSE on MazdaRacers, but it's mostly just people arguing about participation trophies and other such nonsense. Apparently if you don't have $50,000 and 100 days a year to throw at a Miata then it is written in blood that you must feel shame for your actions. Thanks for the lowdown, SMSE sounds like exactly where I need to be. Maybe I'll see you or your wife out there this spring.
Jaysz28, I figured that there wouldn't be many SCCA racers here but this it the forum I go to when I want real, no-BS advice about things. There is a big thread about SMSE on MazdaRacers, but it's mostly just people arguing about participation trophies and other such nonsense. Apparently if you don't have $50,000 and 100 days a year to throw at a Miata then it is written in blood that you must feel shame for your actions. Thanks for the lowdown, SMSE sounds like exactly where I need to be. Maybe I'll see you or your wife out there this spring.
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12-11-2020, 09:27 AM
#5
I’ve raced with both SCCA and NASA...and this is my go to forum as well.
I’m not a fan of SCCA rules or structures in general, but I wouldn’t say they are insane just because my car built to NASA or GLTC rules doesn’t fit their rules the way I want them to.
The SCCA does have “catch-all” classes that just about any car will fit into, even a Honda powered Miata with custom subframes, etc. ITE (IT-“Everything”) or SPO come to mind.
For the OP’s question...check out sedivracing.com/road-racing/ and then click on “2020 SARRC Rules”...that will take you to a Google Drive where you can find “2020 Regional Class Rules” where there’s more info on SMSE. The SMSE section is pretty short...it basically says you car must comply with the current SCCA GCE and category specification for all 1.6 cars listed for SM. Basically, as long as your car is a legal 1.6 SM, you can run in SMSE.
Other SCCA classes the 1.6 Miata can run in are ITA, FP and STL, but all of those classes “should” be quite a bit faster than SM as they allow significantly more modification/hp.
I think your best bet is to just register for SM or SMSE and not worry about being competitive...focus on completing your school without drama and learning as much as you can. When you go to your school or first SCCA event, talk to the people racing in SM or SMSE at those events and you should be able to find out loads more information. Things like where to find online resources, who to talk to within the region or division, etc. etc. I’m sure you’ll learn way more at an event then you will online.
I’m not a fan of SCCA rules or structures in general, but I wouldn’t say they are insane just because my car built to NASA or GLTC rules doesn’t fit their rules the way I want them to.
The SCCA does have “catch-all” classes that just about any car will fit into, even a Honda powered Miata with custom subframes, etc. ITE (IT-“Everything”) or SPO come to mind.
For the OP’s question...check out sedivracing.com/road-racing/ and then click on “2020 SARRC Rules”...that will take you to a Google Drive where you can find “2020 Regional Class Rules” where there’s more info on SMSE. The SMSE section is pretty short...it basically says you car must comply with the current SCCA GCE and category specification for all 1.6 cars listed for SM. Basically, as long as your car is a legal 1.6 SM, you can run in SMSE.
Other SCCA classes the 1.6 Miata can run in are ITA, FP and STL, but all of those classes “should” be quite a bit faster than SM as they allow significantly more modification/hp.
I think your best bet is to just register for SM or SMSE and not worry about being competitive...focus on completing your school without drama and learning as much as you can. When you go to your school or first SCCA event, talk to the people racing in SM or SMSE at those events and you should be able to find out loads more information. Things like where to find online resources, who to talk to within the region or division, etc. etc. I’m sure you’ll learn way more at an event then you will online.
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12-11-2020, 10:13 AM
#6
Also...Arca’s comments about finding SCCA racers online is pretty stupid, likely bred out of ignorance.
There are plenty of Facebook groups and pages dedicated to SCCA classes, groups and regions. I’m not sure if you use FB Schroedinger, but if you do, search for Spec Miata groups as well as search for “Atlanta Region SCCA”. There’s a page you can follow to get updates from your region, as well as a Atlanta Region group with ~1000 members. I wasn’t able to find a SMSE specific page or group on FB, but truthfully I only searched for about 30 seconds.
Schro - One of your better resources is going to be your local SCCA Region...the Atlanta region. Their website is atlantascca.org. From there you can find contact info for local directors who should be able to provide you with more info. The comp license chairman for your region is Toni Creighton...I would reach out to her directly if you’re planning on doing your comp school with the SCCA. She’s always been very responsive and helpful when I’ve emailed her. Also the SARRC (South Atlantic Road Racing Championship) Rep for your region is Tom Lyttle, I’d also reach out to him to find out more about racing SMSE in the area.
PM me if you want Toni’s contact info, otherwise you can get it through AtlantaSCCA.org
Cheers
There are plenty of Facebook groups and pages dedicated to SCCA classes, groups and regions. I’m not sure if you use FB Schroedinger, but if you do, search for Spec Miata groups as well as search for “Atlanta Region SCCA”. There’s a page you can follow to get updates from your region, as well as a Atlanta Region group with ~1000 members. I wasn’t able to find a SMSE specific page or group on FB, but truthfully I only searched for about 30 seconds.
Schro - One of your better resources is going to be your local SCCA Region...the Atlanta region. Their website is atlantascca.org. From there you can find contact info for local directors who should be able to provide you with more info. The comp license chairman for your region is Toni Creighton...I would reach out to her directly if you’re planning on doing your comp school with the SCCA. She’s always been very responsive and helpful when I’ve emailed her. Also the SARRC (South Atlantic Road Racing Championship) Rep for your region is Tom Lyttle, I’d also reach out to him to find out more about racing SMSE in the area.
PM me if you want Toni’s contact info, otherwise you can get it through AtlantaSCCA.org
Cheers
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12-11-2020, 11:13 AM
#7
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Very helpful Efini, thank you. I actually e-mailed with Toni to get my Novice permit and I agree she was great, super-responsive. I'll check in on some of those FB groups as well.
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12-11-2020, 06:22 PM
#8
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Hopefully this helps a bit... you can run a SM prepped car in the Improved Touring SCCA class, either ITA (NA) or ITS (NB). There are some racers that do this to get extra seat time or while working on a license.
Additionally reach out to your local SCCA chapter and meet people. They'll be more than happy to help get you into the sport. Finally there are a few SM shops in the area. Talk with people at OPM Autosports (Atlanta) https://www.opmautosports.com/ or Panic Motorsports (Columbia, SC) Panic Motorsports, LLC Spec Miata Service in West Columbia, SC.
Additionally reach out to your local SCCA chapter and meet people. They'll be more than happy to help get you into the sport. Finally there are a few SM shops in the area. Talk with people at OPM Autosports (Atlanta) https://www.opmautosports.com/ or Panic Motorsports (Columbia, SC) Panic Motorsports, LLC Spec Miata Service in West Columbia, SC.
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