2017 / 2018 Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational
Dec 29, 2015 | 03:43 PM
#46
I hope your goal is to have fun, if it's to be competitive it won't happen, not with an Evo anymore. Bolt-on cars just hurt too many feels so they had to do something... Next season's points scaling and scoring is over-the-top stacked against cars like ours.
Also I'm noting that your car isn't an RS... Make sure for GTL that it weighs a minimum of 95% of its original curb weight (with proof of said original curb weight) or you'll get bumped to exhibition. Because that totally matters.
Good luck, man.
Also I'm noting that your car isn't an RS... Make sure for GTL that it weighs a minimum of 95% of its original curb weight (with proof of said original curb weight) or you'll get bumped to exhibition. Because that totally matters.
Good luck, man.
Last edited by cmspaz; Dec 31, 2015 at 08:20 AM.
Dec 29, 2015 | 06:55 PM
#47
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 127
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
It is definitely not a goal to be competitive in the overall.
I was confused as hell by the weight thing.
I signed up for GTS. But I'm confused by the language.
So as long as the factory weight is 3200lbs+, does that mean GTS?
Or if an Evo weighs less than 3200 lbs as configured, it's GTL?
Unless it's too light for GTL and then it's exhibition?
As some guys asked on facebook - where exactly are *official* curb weights published for a car that's been out of production for ten years?
Just saw this in the "road rally" bit
Crap 
I was confused as hell by the weight thing.
Classes - The USCA will recognize four classes of vehicles within USCA sanctioned
events and reserves the right to weigh any vehicle at any time during the event or event
activities. Weights are as presented in tech without a driver.
a. GT – 1990 and newer 3200 pound minimum weight 2WD sedans, 4 seater
coupes and late model trucks (example – 5th Gen Camaro, BMW M3/M5, late
model Mustang)
b. GTS (Sports car) – 1990 and newer 3200 pound minimum weight factory
production two-seater autos and any all wheel drive vehicles (example –
C5/C6/C7 Corvette, Mitsubishi Evo, Nissan GTR)
c. GTV (Vintage) – 1989 and older 3200 pound minimum weight rear wheel drive
(example – 1967 Mustang, 1987 Monte Carlo, 1974 Pontiac Firebird)
d. GTL (Lights) – ALL VEHICLES UNDER 3200 POUNDS – all vehicles
participating in the GTL class must weigh, at a minimum, 95% of the factory
published curb weight. Drivers are responsible for providing
documentation. Example, if your car weighed 3000 pounds from the factory, it
must weigh at least 2850 pounds to compete legally. Vehicles in the GTL class
that are not at least 95% of factory published curb weight will be moved to the
exhibition class and will not receive championship points for the event.
events and reserves the right to weigh any vehicle at any time during the event or event
activities. Weights are as presented in tech without a driver.
a. GT – 1990 and newer 3200 pound minimum weight 2WD sedans, 4 seater
coupes and late model trucks (example – 5th Gen Camaro, BMW M3/M5, late
model Mustang)
b. GTS (Sports car) – 1990 and newer 3200 pound minimum weight factory
production two-seater autos and any all wheel drive vehicles (example –
C5/C6/C7 Corvette, Mitsubishi Evo, Nissan GTR)
c. GTV (Vintage) – 1989 and older 3200 pound minimum weight rear wheel drive
(example – 1967 Mustang, 1987 Monte Carlo, 1974 Pontiac Firebird)
d. GTL (Lights) – ALL VEHICLES UNDER 3200 POUNDS – all vehicles
participating in the GTL class must weigh, at a minimum, 95% of the factory
published curb weight. Drivers are responsible for providing
documentation. Example, if your car weighed 3000 pounds from the factory, it
must weigh at least 2850 pounds to compete legally. Vehicles in the GTL class
that are not at least 95% of factory published curb weight will be moved to the
exhibition class and will not receive championship points for the event.
3200 pound minimum weight factory production two-seater autos and any all wheel drive vehicles
Or if an Evo weighs less than 3200 lbs as configured, it's GTL?
Unless it's too light for GTL and then it's exhibition?
As some guys asked on facebook - where exactly are *official* curb weights published for a car that's been out of production for ten years?
Just saw this in the "road rally" bit
Failure to negotiate a U-turn in a designated space
Dec 29, 2015 | 08:47 PM
#48
I am confused as well... Reading it as keep the tech weight >3200. Without driver, that is pretty heavy for an Evo
Just load the fuel tank up? The weight is in the right spot.
Just load the fuel tank up? The weight is in the right spot.
Dec 30, 2015 | 10:32 AM
#50
What are the big changes that put the Evo at a disadvantage now? And which cars do you think are favored now?
Dec 30, 2015 | 04:19 PM
#51
Considering the big **** rules and no aftermarket hoods, fenders, etc. the only cars that are allowed to compete are "bolt-ons vehicles" so I can't imagine anyone is butt hurt over that.
This series will end up getting stale with the same ol' basic cars doing the same ol' hussle while the organizers try to shuffle the rules around to get more exposure to the cars their audience likes watching. Maybe someone will show up in a TA 2.0 viper and that will be neat.
Also, it helps participation numbers if there is overlap with other existing organization's rules. As in, "undercar aero is open y'all!" but there are no other classes that allow unlimited under-car aero until the unlimited classes. A lot of basic classes also allow aftermarket hoods, fenders and large wings.
This series will end up getting stale with the same ol' basic cars doing the same ol' hussle while the organizers try to shuffle the rules around to get more exposure to the cars their audience likes watching. Maybe someone will show up in a TA 2.0 viper and that will be neat.
Also, it helps participation numbers if there is overlap with other existing organization's rules. As in, "undercar aero is open y'all!" but there are no other classes that allow unlimited under-car aero until the unlimited classes. A lot of basic classes also allow aftermarket hoods, fenders and large wings.
Dec 31, 2015 | 08:00 AM
#52
The big change for 2016 is how they award points for each segment, specifically the D&E.
To do well with USCA in 2016, you need to score high in D&E. If you were to win first place in every other segment, you will need to place 8th or higher in D&E to still come out with the overall win.
its not impossible to win with an evo, its just a difficult thing to do with an import and you have to bring a show quality evo to the event. also if they keep their same D&E outline from 2015 (They don't publish that anywhere), you will need to have some custom paint job and lots of shiny parts.
USCA is less about "driver" and more about the car. That's fine if you accept that. The series started with SEMA only cars. I think they are trying to get back that.
Many of us grassroot motorsport guys want it to be more about the driver. and if that's the case, you may want to look elsewhere (SCCA, NASA, GTA, ChumpCar, WRL, GridLife, or any of the other 100's of series out there).
To do well with USCA in 2016, you need to score high in D&E. If you were to win first place in every other segment, you will need to place 8th or higher in D&E to still come out with the overall win.
its not impossible to win with an evo, its just a difficult thing to do with an import and you have to bring a show quality evo to the event. also if they keep their same D&E outline from 2015 (They don't publish that anywhere), you will need to have some custom paint job and lots of shiny parts.
USCA is less about "driver" and more about the car. That's fine if you accept that. The series started with SEMA only cars. I think they are trying to get back that.
Many of us grassroot motorsport guys want it to be more about the driver. and if that's the case, you may want to look elsewhere (SCCA, NASA, GTA, ChumpCar, WRL, GridLife, or any of the other 100's of series out there).
Last edited by EVOizmm; Dec 31, 2015 at 08:19 AM.
Jan 4, 2016 | 07:53 PM
#53
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 127
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
When do they weigh you? At the beginning or end?
I think I can get to 3200 with a full tank of gas, the heavier wheels (i.e. not the SSRs) and maybe the spare. Or maybe one of my 17x9s with a full tire as my spare..
I think I can get to 3200 with a full tank of gas, the heavier wheels (i.e. not the SSRs) and maybe the spare. Or maybe one of my 17x9s with a full tire as my spare..
Jan 5, 2016 | 11:13 AM
#54
I don't even think I've seen a set of scales at an event. but that could always change.
Dec 29, 2016 | 02:07 PM
#56
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 127
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
https://www.optimabatteries.com/en-u...llenge-results
Anyone know about Ken Thwaits's car? Nice to see an Evo on top...
Anyone know about Ken Thwaits's car? Nice to see an Evo on top...
Dec 29, 2016 | 02:27 PM
#57
Kens car took first in the Engineering Challenge but was 2nd overall to the Corvette of DP
http://www.superchevy.com/events/161...rom-las-vegas/
Theres a YT vid on Kens car & all the trouble he went through. He should have won it but blew a head gasket
Edit: Heres the vid that explains it all. Great vid (you'll see Ronnie from RS Motors help out)
http://www.superchevy.com/events/161...rom-las-vegas/
Theres a YT vid on Kens car & all the trouble he went through. He should have won it but blew a head gasket
Edit: Heres the vid that explains it all. Great vid (you'll see Ronnie from RS Motors help out)
Last edited by MinusPrevious; Dec 29, 2016 at 06:13 PM.
Dec 30, 2016 | 05:09 AM
#58
last 3 years there has been an evo or two on the podium.
Ken's evo is a 2.3 with an EFR turbo making a little over 500hp and 500TQ. Lots of money stuck into that car, esp in the D&E department.
Ken's evo is a 2.3 with an EFR turbo making a little over 500hp and 500TQ. Lots of money stuck into that car, esp in the D&E department.
Dec 30, 2016 | 07:49 AM
#59
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 127
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
I know about y'all and am always rooting for you - mostly I was surprised because I assumed there would be a natural D&E bias against the AWD cars, i.e. "oh, you're just using a good platform so it's harder to get a high score".
Dec 30, 2016 | 08:09 AM
#60
the D&E stuff is a joke. its all over the map. really wish they would get rid of it.
Ken really put in some nice details inot that Evo. titanium I/C piping, full custom interior, trick audio stuff, fully repainted the car, and a bunch more car show type stuff. its pretty cool to see up close, but its a lot of $$$. very hard to compete in D&E with that kind of benchmark.
Ken really put in some nice details inot that Evo. titanium I/C piping, full custom interior, trick audio stuff, fully repainted the car, and a bunch more car show type stuff. its pretty cool to see up close, but its a lot of $$$. very hard to compete in D&E with that kind of benchmark.