The 10% Club

[a427sc]

Since Cranky has started the "10% Club" of people who have done open track time, we need to set up some parameters for various divisions within this group.

As a starting place, how about some of these delineations?

1%: Full all out hard core track only, NEVER runs on street, unregistered (never was), race only max motor, open headers (except for track rule required systems), slicks only,Carbon/kevlar body, Lexan windscreen, nothing on car that doesnt make it faster(cut out inner panels, doors screwed shut, single race seat with 6 point harness etc). Has major chassis/suspension mods/upgrades including race only brakes, Penske type fully adj shocks, modified suspension mounting points to get better geometries,roll cage integrated for chassis stiffness as well as safety. Has crashed multiple times, has paint to match racer tape color and several bodyparts held together by same. Usually seriously ratty, but fast. Has won FTD's, Class championships, is THE car to beat at any event.

3%: Similiar to above except: Former street car still registered by law but would never come close to passing an inspection today, taken out rarely (less than 75 miles a year) on street for "testing" and give the kids a ride. open headers/mufflers per track rules, can have DOT race tires (DOT radials/Hoosier TD) for class rules ok. Still has some inner panels, door latches, some trim, windshield (usually lexan replaced glass) or windscreen, 2 seats (drivers race, pass. original but stripped out) 5 point belts. some carpeting to meet rules (or not). Some chassis mods as above but can have single hoop integrated to lower cage for appearance,endurance level race only motor. Probably has crashed several times (at least one body bender and several cosmetic scuffles minimum) some tape/rivits holding stuff together. Has won FTD's, class championships, is one of 5 cars to beat.

5%: As above except: Legal for street (mayby noisy)Used on weekends (limited to shorter cruises and ocasional cruise nites but would not win anything, not even close). Has race DOT tires on seperate rims for track time but runs street tires on "good" wheels normally. Has full interior (poss interchangeable race seat) 4 point belts, carpet, trim, glass windshield etc. Minor chassis mods limited to upgraded springs/limited adjustable shocks, brake upgrades, factory swaybars. Has hotter street motor (will idle 1000 or less but lumpy) can run in traffic without puking. Has had off track excursions, minor cosmetic scuffles (were mostly rubbed out), paint is chipped and owner doesn't care. A dual purpose car, runs mid pack at events, could win a third place.


7%: 2-5 year old street car with the blush worn off. Full street gear, street tires, maybe brake pad upgrades for the track. No chassis mods, safety gear limited to 4 point belts and poss fire system. Has spun out once, but never hit anything but a cone. Will run 1 or 2 events a year for fun, no chance of winning anything but has a great time hanging out and running as hard as he can, safely.

10% Street car with show pretensions. Runs only at SAAC conventions, nothing competitive (except popular vote car shows) A beautiful, clean car with an owner who would get very upset with running over a cone, but is still out there, running at 60% in turns, floors it on the straights (up to 120+/-). Gets a kick from the speed. Will degenerate in 2-4 years to the next level as the paint gets scratched and he/she gets tired of the car show bull. At least is willing to try it.

90% everybody else who would never want to go on track, but would brag about an exit ramp or a hole shot or a quick blast to 100+ on the highway. Some are WAXERS who live for shows and ego boosts, others drivers who just are happy to be in the car, on the street as much as they can. Nothing wrong with either.



So?

Don (a 3%er)