The IT2 Initiative

1. The IT2 Initiative Greg Amy grega@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 SCCA’s Competition Board has struggled to find a suitable classification http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

3. 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, they’ve been classified into Improved Touring S http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

4. 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 http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

5. 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 http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

6. 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 http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

7. 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. http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

8. 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 http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

9. 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 http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

10. 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 http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

11. 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 http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

12. 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 http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

13. 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/ http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

14. 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! http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

15. 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 region’s newsletter info; I’d 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! http://www.it2.evaluand.com/

16. The IT2 Initiative Q&A http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ Greg Amy grega@pobox.com 203.874.1403