12 replies to this topic

[Keith Andrews]

I'm planning to run in the STL class for some additional track time. I've read the rules and it makes the following statement:

• Spec Miata cars completely conforming to Spec Miata class specifications are eligible for STL. Spec Tire not required in STL.

​So my question is how much do I need to weigh? Spec Miata weight for a 1999.

Do I need to run the restrictor plate to be in "complete Spec Miata specification"?


I'm just looking for track time, not the track record.

[chris haldeman]

That rule makes me scratch my head. Sm cars are 60hp down on a competitive stl car. By that rule you would need to run your car just like you would in sm. plate,weight ect....

[Michael Novak]

SM-to STL is with plate.... 2400 lbs
ITS to STL with no plate... 2375 lbs BUT you need a real manual rack or full power steering--- and all the other parts of the rules for ITS..


I run my car as a ITS car according to ITS rules in STL.

[NPiekarski]

I maybe missing something....correct me if I am wrong. The new updated (nov) issue of the GCR is reading 2430# plus 3.5% for RWD. Not sure if im reading all correct.

[Keith Andrews]

I maybe missing something....correct me if I am wrong. The new updated (nov) issue of the GCR is reading 2430# plus 3.5% for RWD. Not sure if im reading all correct.

I read that as well and that was my interpretation.

What doesn't make sense is you can run a car with up to a 2.0 liter engine unrestricted but we need to restrict our cars to stay in SM trim.

[Johnny D]

I always thought the spirit was ITA/ITS STL was for all the SM guys/gals to run equal in SM trim in another race but with the open tire rule.
J~

[mdavis]

The most recent Fastrack has a bunch of protests about this exact same issue.

[Keith Andrews]

I think if I enter as a Miata intead of a Spec Miata, I can run without the restrictor plate at 2430lbs. It looks like all the modifications done to meet SM rules are allowed/required to be an STL car. ??

[Rob Burgoon]

I think if I enter as a Miata intead of a Spec Miata, I can run without the restrictor plate at 2430lbs. It looks like all the modifications done to meet SM rules are allowed/required to be an STL car. ??

You need driveshaft hoops I think.

[Keith Andrews]

You need driveshaft hoops I think.

Thanks, I see what you are saying. So If I go as a Spec Miata I don't need the hoops, but if I go as a Miata I do.

I'm fairly sure the hoops would be illegal in SM. So I guess the best option is to just run as an SM at 2400lbs. with the restrictor plate.

Like I said, I'm just looking more for track time.

[CruzanTom]

I ran quite a few National and Regional races in STL in the SE Div this past year. With a Miata in STL, you have 3 choices:

Run SM trim at 2400 with plate, open tire
Run ITS trim at 2375 without plate, open tire and must conform to all other ITS rules
Run a Miata in STL under STL rules, without plate, 2430 and all other STL rules (wing, more compression, etc.).

You are supposed to declare your rule package at registration. IMHO, running SM trim is fine for getting more track time and practicing for SM races but you will not be competitive if a good driver shows up in a STL or ITS trim. Jim Drago had a well-sorted out Miata running STL that made considerably more HP than a SM could. I believe he was running ITS rules.

In many of the STL races, there were only a couple of STL entries. Also, check scheduling. Some regions put STL and SM back-to-back so you need to tell the stewards so you don't get hung up in impound and miss the start of the next race. I had to start last in Charlotte because of the back-to-back scheduling.

[Keith Andrews]

I ran quite a few National and Regional races in STL in the SE Div this past year. With a Miata in STL, you have 3 choices:

Run SM trim at 2400 with plate, open tire
Run ITS trim at 2375 without plate, open tire and must conform to all other ITS rules
Run a Miata in STL under STL rules, without plate, 2430 and all other STL rules (wing, more compression, etc.).

You are supposed to declare your rule package at registration. IMHO, running SM trim is fine for getting more track time and practicing for SM races but you will not be competitive if a good driver shows up in a STL or ITS trim. Jim Drago had a well-sorted out Miata running STL that made considerably more HP than a SM could. I believe he was running ITS rules.

In many of the STL races, there were only a couple of STL entries. Also, check scheduling. Some regions put STL and SM back-to-back so you need to tell the stewards so you don't get hung up in impound and miss the start of the next race. I had to start last in Charlotte because of the back-to-back scheduling.

Thanks Tom, that is what I was looking for. I haven't looked at what ITS requires, I picked STL because the schedule complimented the SM schedule. I think I'll keep it simple and just run SM trim.

[Glenn]

I ran quite a few National and Regional races in STL in the SE Div this past year. With a Miata in STL, you have 3 choices:

Run SM trim at 2400 with plate, open tire
Run ITS trim at 2375 without plate, open tire and must conform to all other ITS rules
Run a Miata in STL under STL rules, without plate, 2430 and all other STL rules (wing, more compression, etc.).

You are supposed to declare your rule package at registration. IMHO, running SM trim is fine for getting more track time and practicing for SM races but you will not be competitive if a good driver shows up in a STL or ITS trim. Jim Drago had a well-sorted out Miata running STL that made considerably more HP than a SM could. I believe he was running ITS rules.

In many of the STL races, there were only a couple of STL entries. Also, check scheduling. Some regions put STL and SM back-to-back so you need to tell the stewards so you don't get hung up in impound and miss the start of the next race. I had to start last in Charlotte because of the back-to-back scheduling.

Remember too, if you are running FP regulator to get the correct A/F, when you pull the plate you will be LEAN without compensating.......