This is going to ramble, just bear with me.
Back in the old days, I was on the SMAC. We had problems with people squishing fuel regulators and playing with ECU's to get more performance. The SMAC decided to allow the slotted timing wheels. We wanted to create an adjustable fuel pressure regulator. The NA's where easy, but the NB's had to be figured out due to their tank mounted regulator. I volunteered to see what could be made. I bought several regulators, fitting, hoses and spent a bunch of time trying to come up with a system. I did, then I tested it to make sure it worked in real life. Then we passed a rule. Then CRB passed it and out comes a fast track saying we could run a fuel pressure regulator. I already had one, so I put it up for sale. SCCA got mad at me, said I used my position on the SMAC for personal gain.
Last year Mazda came out with a new front wheel bearing. Their testing was limited and the end product has shown to be not well liked.
If Hoosier comes up with a new tire, or a new shock, who should test it? My opinion is any big change needs to be tested in the real world. Not for a weekend, but for a season. Fast guys, slow guys, mid pack guys, new drivers, big budget and small budget needs to test. For example, a new tire may look great. No significant drop off over 8 cycles over one weekend. But what happens when it gets 2 heat cycles and sits for 3 months on an open trailer in the sun? What happens when they get cold, April in Wisconsin or October at Thunderhill? Will that October tire be any good the following April? All these variations will take a lot of time. Who is going to do that? I would do it. But would I get critcized by the SCCA or by other competitors for having an unfair advantage?
Shocks add even more variables. A shock that works at Blackhawk or NOLA, may not work at COTA or RA (either RA). The shock that Drago likes, may not work for the average mid packer. Steyn may not like the shock Drago likes. How will the weight differences between a 1.6 and a VVT car effect the shock? Will the new shock like the new tire? Will a better shock also require different springs?
Not a knock on their program, just an observation. The Global car was developed with 2 test drivers, both pro drivers who are very smooth and easy on equipment. Guess what, the car had teething issues when it went into production and a bunch of goofy amateurs got behind the wheel.
Look what happened when we had poor planning on the offset front bushings. There where none available, what good is a rule if it is impossible to follow it.
If we are going into a significant change, let's make sure we do it properly and for the right reasons. Those who do the testing will have an advantage, but they will also be doing a big service to the community. Hopefully there will be no secrets and we all can benefit.
Another can of gass on the fire
Dave
Dave Wheeler
Advanced Autosports, the nations most complete Spec Miata shop
Author, Spec Miata Constructors Guide, version 1 and 2.0
Building Championship winning cars since 1995
4 time Central Division Spec Miata Champion car builder 2012-2013-2014-2017
Back to Back June Sprints Spec Miata 1-2 finishes 2016 and 2017
5 time June Sprints winner in Mazda's
6 Time Northern Conference Champion Car Builder
2014 SCCA Majors National point Champion car builder
2014 SCCA Runoffs winner, T4 (Bender)
2014 Central Division Champion, ITS (Wheeler)
2013 Thunderhill 25 hour winning crew chief
2007 June Sprints winner, (GT1, Mohrhauser)
Over 200 race wins and counting.
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dave@advanced-autosports.com
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