The IT2 Initiative

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The IT2 Initiative

• Greg Amy
• grega_at_pobox.com
• 203.874.1403

2
Introduction

• Newer vehicles, such as those built within the
  last 10 years and typically associated with the
  import car scene, have become eligible for
  Improved Touring

• Faced with a recent influx of these performance
  pocket rockets, the SCCAs Competition Board
  has struggled to find a suitable classification

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The Issue

• There is a significant performance gap between
  the ITA-dominating small-bore hatchbacks (e.g.,
  Honda CRX Si, Nissan 240SX) and the
  ITS-dominating GT sports cars and sedans (e.g.,
  BMW 325, Datsun 240Z, Mazda RX-7, Porsche 944)
• Since the performance of our newer cars outstrips
  the existing ITA front-runners, theyve been
  classified into Improved Touring S

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The Problem

• Performance of these newer small cars is
  dramatically below that of a typical ITS
  front-runner
• The vehicles are uncompetitive in ITS and members
  are not interested in preparing them
• 2002 ARRC Runoffs only three 4-cylinder ITS
  cars, two Porsche 944s and a Mercedes 190E,
  entered

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The End Result

• These cars are a huge proportion of the vehicles
  sold since 1990, and form the basis of a growing
  performance enthusiast market
• Without a solution, the motorsports potential for
  these vehicles will otherwise go unrealized in
  SCCA Club Racing

• A likely result will be the continued
  proliferation of single-marque spec classes,
  such as Spec RX-7, Spec Neon, Spec Miata, Honda
  Challenge, and SE-R Cup, all in response to their
  being uncompetitive in ITS

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The Solution Improved Touring 2

• IT2 a new classification, between ITS and ITA
• Focuses on post-1990, four-cylinder, compact cars
• Typically equipped with 120-150hp, weigh
  2200-2800 pounds, have 5-speed transaxles, front
  wheel drive, front disc brakes, and electronic
  fuel injection.
• Examples
• Acura Integra
• Dodge Neon
• Honda Prelude Si
• Nissan Sentra SE-R and NX2000
• VW GTi and Jetta 2.0 16V

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The Solution Improved Touring 2

• All vehicles would continue to be built to the
  existing Improved Touring preparation rules
• All cars would continue to meet existing
  published specifications and would be
  scrutineered the same
• The ease of implementation makes it immediately
  adoptable while not upsetting the ITA or ITS
  apple carts.

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The IT2 Initiative - Results

• Addresses membership concerns in regards to
  classification of these cars
• Very easy to implement
• No additional workload on volunteers
• Will result in dramatic increase in interest and
  participation in IT, especially with newer cars
• Should stop the proliferation of spec classes

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The IT2 Initiative Now In Process

• Interested parties are currently petitioning the
  National Competition Board to consider adopting
  the IT2 classification for the 2004 season
• Offered as a reasonable alternative to
  competition adjustments currently under
  consideration for IT
• IT2 program administrators are reviewing the
  current ITS and ITA classifications to determine
  which vehicles would be eligible for 2003
• Article on the IT2 Initiative to appear in next
  issue of Grassroots Motorsports

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The IT2 Initiative 2003 Goals

• Goal for 2003 is to increase awareness of IT2
• Interested competitors can sign up for the
  program and run IT2 decals
• IT2 administrators will keep track of 2003 points
  and crown a 2003 champion
• Given sufficient interest, will request inclusion
  as a separate class at the 2003 ARRC Runoffs

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The IT2 Initiative 2004 Goals

• Regions should adopt IT2 as a recognized class
• Regions can choose to classify additional
  eligible cars not currently in IT (with IT2 admin
  recommendations)
• Competitors may voluntarily choose to run IT2 or
  their existing class
• SCCA should adopt IT2 as a nationally-recognized
  class

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The IT2 Initiative The Future

• The ultimate goal of IT2 would be to offer
  competition adjustments based on physical
  characteristics of the vehicle (e.g., hp, weight,
  number of valves and camshafts, VTEC)
• Would allow a larger range of newer eligible
  vehicles without tipping the performance cart
• Example formulas available onweb site

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The IT2 Initiative Drivers

• Interested drivers should visit the IT2 web site
  for details on how to sign up for the program
  (nominal donation to cover decal costs)
• http//www.it2.evaluand.com/

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The IT2 Initiative Drivers

• NE Region drivers are already signing up and have
  committed to running IT2 in the 2003 season
• Thomas Hovind (Dodge Neon)
• Jeffrey Poor (VW GTi 2.0)
• Thor Schroeder (VW GTi 2.0)
• Greg Amy (Nissan NX2000)
• More are expected!

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The IT2 Initiative SCCA Admins

• Please take time to visit the web site
• Interested IT2 personnel will be petitioning you
  for formal regional acceptance in 2004
• Please contact me with your regions newsletter
  info Id like to submit an article on IT2
• Spread the word to other regions and to National,
  and contact us if you have any questions or
  comments!

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The IT2 Initiative

• QA
• http//www.it2.evaluand.com/
• Greg Amy
• grega_at_pobox.com
• 203.874.1403