Auto X question

Are there any comps for running trucks and suvs in an autox setting?

I doubt it as their center of gravity is probably to high.

Most SUVs won't be allowed to run an autox, especially SCCA, as they are a rollover risk. Now there have quite a few pickups run in autox, usually S10s, Rangers, Dakotas and some imports along with the Chevy, Dodge & Ford 1/2 ton pickups. I have run a 67 El Camino and 2000 Dakota R/T, both were quite fun.

I'm fairly certain there are quite a few two wheel drive trucks allowed in various classes. Most 4x4s are too tall and a risk. What truck are you thinking of?

Depends on the vehicle. We will generally let a lowered SUV or truck compete. Several years ago I was at an event where a stock height Ram "Viper Truck" ran - he beat me.

I was just at an autocross where an SRT8 Grand Cherokee ran. It was on the lower end of the time sheet, but it sounded mean doing it. I've also been at an Evo school where a Cayenne GTS ran. That thing cornered flat.

I'd say that most SUV's are out of the question in terms of being allowed to run. The ones that could are probably the big dollar performance versions that have meaty tires and big sway bars so they don't roll as much. That, or the small and low pickups could also run.

From this page, you can download the 2014 SCCA Solo Rules. Solo is the official SCCA name for Autocross.
http://www.scca.com/solo/content.cfm?cid=44517

On page 165 of the rules, in the car classification section for Street Class, the following:

Excluded for reasons of stability

Dodge Caliber (non-SRT)
Fiat 500 (non-Abarth)
GEO Tracker & Suzuki Sidekick
Jeep CJ series
MINI Countryman
Nissan Juke
Suzuki Samurai
Scion xB (2004-06)
Scion iQ

In section 3.1 there is a roll-over formula for other vehicles.

I saw an iQ run before but it was very new at the time, I bet the rule wasn't in place at that time.

Some of their exclusions are laughable.

I've seen an F150 Lightning autocross. Although it didn't really have a stock suspension.

Although a car may be excluded in Street (formerly Stock), it may be allowed in a higher prep class. A lot of our trucks/SUVs run in Street Prepared (mostly due to the aforementioned lowering).

I thought unclassed vehicles not specifically blacklisted were left to the discretion of the solo safety steward at the event?

I was under the impression that the exclusion list was for R-comp classes, I autocrossed the xb a few times

Wild thought crossed my mind of lowering the outlook xr and trying it

SWMBO would probably put the brakes on it before I even got started bit like I said a wild thought appeared

Spoolpigeon wrote: I thought unclassed vehicles not specifically blacklisted were left to the discretion of the solo safety steward at the event?

IIRC it's always up to the SS … last yr. a SS here, refused entry to a Fiat Abarth, even though it's explicitly listed as "ok" … the ruling stood …. was not allowed to run (car owner is still not happy)

MINIzguy wrote: I was just at an autocross where an SRT8 Grand Cherokee ran. It was on the lower end of the time sheet, but it sounded mean doing it.

One of those showed up at our club's autocross, on a very small lot. You could actually watch the traction control shuttling the power from wheel to wheel. It was pretty cool.

yeah, had a friend of mine bring a stock fiat 500, she ran on all seasons and they let her putter around. Another guy runs a forester that he's done some work too at our local level. I wouldn't run anything that you wouldn't wanna flip though.

wlkelley3 wrote: I've seen an F150 Lightning autocross. Although it didn't really have a stock suspension.

I have autocrossed an F150 Lightning. A friend and I towed my Miata down behind his Lightning and then both ran both cars. :) It was a lot of fun, but not particularly fast.

codrus wrote:

wlkelley3 wrote: I've seen an F150 Lightning autocross. Although it didn't really have a stock suspension.

I have autocrossed an F150 Lightning. A friend and I towed my Miata down behind his Lightning and then both ran both cars. :) It was a lot of fun, but not particularly fast.

It would be a better story if you towed the Miata down, disconnected, left the Miata on the trailer, and both ran the lightning

There was a Chevy Colorado at Atlanta Region #3. He must've run time only though, cause he doesn't show in the results.

It's really going to depend on your local people and their tolerance for risk. Take a photo of the SUV in question, then send it attached to an email to the guy that runs your local autocross. Include any details re: modifications you've made and the exact size, make, and model of the tires you will run. Be courteous and express your sincere interest to get involved.