A different type of Spec series

We've talked about Spec Rio in the past. What about a different approach to a Spec series? Instead of rules designed to make all the cars the same, why not a set of rules so that everyone starts from the same point but is then allowed to go crazy?

For example, Spec Super Rio. You have to start with a Kia Rio. And you have to retain the stock unibody and doors between the firewall and the rear bulkhead. Tires have to be covered by bodywork. Set some safety requirements...and then stop writing rules.

Rios with AWD turbocharged drivetrains. Rios with LS9s. Mid-engined Rios. (Rios with AWD turbocharged mid-mounted LS9s!)Twin-engined Rios. Big wide fender flares stretched over wide tracks. Rios with active aero.

Imagine the beasts that would occur.

that would be EPIC!!!!

The amount of money you could spend in a race series like that would single handedly turn around the US market. I like it.

I think i would have to do a mid engine, AWD turbo'ed EVO powered Rio, with massive flares..

Rios powered by TWO DSM TURBO ENGINES!!!!

ATOMIC RIOS!!!!!

I can't imagine anyone putting that much into a rio though. I could be wrong, look how poplular the Lemons and chump car races are, hell look at the 200X Challange, way more than $2000 go into those.

OK I have talked myself into it, this just might work.

$450,000 budget cap.

ill just buy a used time-attack car and swap everything into my Rio...

From CARS

If you're concerned about the spending, then give it a $20,000 claim rule. Or $40,000. I'm betting the fact that you're racing Rios for particleboard trophies will help keep the megabuck factor down somewhat, but it might really encourage those who feel restricted by the price limitations and car crushing of the Le Mons guys.

Mutant Rio Racing.

Body regulations? Any year Rio? $10,000 cap.

I say any year Rio, Cinco included, $20,000 cap on mods...

Keith wrote: I'm betting the fact that you're racing Rios for particleboard trophies will help keep the megabuck factor down somewhat.

I wouldn't count on that. Look at the money some people have put into dedicated autox cars - full tube-frame Camaros, hand built & wind-tunnel tested A-mod cars, high-end Porsches. There's plenty of $100k+ ones out there, and plenty more that have probably had as much put into their testing & development.

Although I really like your idea for a series. It would be cool to start with the same platform & see the different approach each team takes.

Or I guess you could do something crazy like offer each team the same 3-vehicles to start with, and they're only allowed to use parts/metal/fasteners off each of them to make one car out of....maybe a Kia, a Jeep and a Bread Van? lol

We ought get a group of people together 2+ teams for next years challenge and do something inspired by spec rio. Allow people to purchase any condition of Geo Metro (or Hyundai Accent, or other cheap POS FWD car) for "$250" and then let the balance of the $1760 work it's magic. A SPEC Challenge class. Start off with POS XXXX at $250 and see what madness multiple teams will come up with. Some will concentrate on Drags, some Autox, some Beautification. Allow No recoup on the car, specify a minimum components that are included with the car (for a metro say the $250 car is in need of paint, has 4 OEM sized STEEL wheels, A running G10, and NON performance shocks/springs)

Just a Thought

Mutant Atomic Rio body regulations: the unibody between the firewall and the rear bulkhead must remain. This means floorpan, roof and pillars. Windshield and rear window must remain and must be in their original locations (who else is thinking Porsche 935?). Anything forward of the firewall is free. Anything aft of the rear window is free. Doors must open and close.

But I'm not sure what that does for the wagons. We need to allow for massive fender flares there as well of course.

I don't want a spending cap. Then you get into having to police it. I'd rather limit spending with a claim rule, or just not bother. After all, there's no spending limit in autox as Pete pointed out. And that seems to work for people.

Anyone got another source for unobtainium? My local vendor only has enough to fill half of my order.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cte3atq-1vU

watch.

Rusty_Rabbit84 said: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cte3atq-1vU watch.

WOWZERS! Do Want!

That's exactly what I'm talking about

You gentlemen forgot about Mr. Fusion and a Flux Capacitor...

I've always envisioned a Can-Am comeback like that. My idea was to say you can only use 4 tires (with the specific size/brand) and one engine (something that uses a fuel). Must hold 1 driver, meet safety specs, can't hold more than x-gallons of fuel, and has to be open topped.

That leaves the door wide open for all sorts of crazy engineering like 4 electric motors (because they're not engines), any gas/diesel engine combo located anywhere on the car, super low weights, and all sorts of technology. You can make it "green" by specifying long races (4+ hours) and a small tank.

P71 wrote: I've always envisioned a Can-Am comeback like that. My idea was to say you can only use 4 tires (with the specific size/brand) and one engine (something that uses a fuel). Must hold 1 driver, meet safety specs, can't hold more than x-gallons of fuel, and has to be open topped.

They call that Spec Miata ;)

How about this one...

Open ruleset OTHER THAN A VERY VERY SPECIFIC TIRE:

General Altimax RT in 185/65R15

(and of course, only 4 wheels/tires per vehicle)... :)

I'd say limit tire width to 225 and the rules keith wrote out and anything else goes. That'll keep them fairly cheap.