definition of a locost

this may have been answered somewhere before, but what exactly makes a project car (like a 2011 challenge car) into a locost?

a "locost" is a lotus 7 clone that is homebuilt. More specifically it is based on the "book" frame and built in that style, but I tend to feel that it's any homebuilt lotus 7 clone. Everything else is just a homebuilt.

I'm Pretty sure your real question is what would be allowed to run in the "locost" class at the challenge. I personally would like to see them change that to just be a "tube framed", homebuilt, or "other" vehicle class (cars with modified floor plans, clean sheet designs), or a class for vehicles like the Isetta that ran this year, or my MG I'm building as an example. I think that is the intention of the locost class, so they should just make it official. If that's not the "party line" and they really mean only Lotus 7 clones then that's fine too, I'll just run Exhibition only as the car I'm planning to try to bring did not come with a floor pan so it will not be legal unless it's a "locost".

They sort of have...the $2010 challenge had a "specials" class, not a "locost" class. When he brought the rally saab to one of our autocrosses, I talked to Per about my datsun replica. He said that if I can get it built under budget (....that's looking less and less likely ) that it would go in the "specials" class.

the rules said: All Locosts, race cars, kit cars, Zambonis and the like are allowed only in the Special class (See Rule #27). [....] 27a. A Special class for Locosts/Race Cars/Kit Cars/Specials will be run for exhibition only. It will be scored independently from the rest of the competitors. The Special class competitors will only be eligible for the Special class trophies, unless one of them explodes spectacularly. Then we might reconsider. 27b. Special class cars must also meet the classification requirements for a recognized autocross class (for example: SCCA’s A Modified). These cars must meet all Challenge budget rules and safety regulations with the following exceptions: a) The cars do not have to be roadworthy. headlights, windshields and horns are not required b) non-DOT approved racing slicks are allowed

Thanks! that is very helpful.

and yes, that is actually the root of the question as the car we have been working on (endlessly....) has had so many floor pan issues that i am thinking of tubing the frame rather than endlessly patching the unibody. i think i can also correct some suspension geometry issues with tube framing as well (who would have figured a double wishbone suspension adding positive camber at load! darn italians!). i didnt seem to get any challenges to it being considered a "car" when i indicated that the floor was altered as part of the drivetrain swap/ rust repair. so it seemed like maybe the tube frame would be the turning point in it being a locost. i actually DONT want to be a locost at the challenge. you guys were too freaking fast!

Ahh cool on the "specials" class I guess I didn't notice that. I approve!