TOPEKA, Kan. (Oct. 23, 2008) SCCA Pro Racing has released changes to its 2009 rules package for the SCCA SPEED Touring Car Championship, designed to reduce both engineering development and cost to race teams.When I first took on this job less than a year ago, one of the main things that was evident was the need to scale back the investment necessary to run at the front of Touring Car, SCCA Technical and Competition Director Ken Tripkos said. The racing at the front of the series is outstanding and we have dedicated teams doing an excellent job. However, both real and perceived costs have diminished the size of the overall field and that needs to be addressed.The new rules package reduces both permitted suspension modifications and overall power output of the engines.New cars for 2009 will retain stock suspension pickup points and the overall ride height will be raised from 3.0 inches to 3.5 inches.Much of the developmental cost and engineering in a Touring Car is in the chassis and suspension, Tripkos said. With the previous ability to relocate suspension pickup points within a certain radius, teams were completely re-engineering good factory setups to try to get down to the permitted ride height.Engine power outputs will be developmentally limited to approximately 260hp (a five percent reduction from 2008). The acceleration performance rate will be based closely on that of a stock BMW 330i. Stock transmissions will be utilized unless a necessity is proven for a stronger component. Additionally, full diameter clutch discs are required with stock diameter, ferrous flywheels.The power needed to be competitive has put both real and perceived strains on other components within the engine and drivetrain, Tripkos added. While there will need to be some alternate components and development for the smaller motors, most of the powerplants will remain largely unmodified in both the rotating assembly and the cylinder heads.Less power and stress at the clutch will promote longer gearbox life and allow some cars to retain their stock and stock-type components, reducing costs.Weve received a lot of input and support from manufacturers, current teams and potential teams, and we have made some positive changes to the Touring Car Championship rules to reduce the cost of entry and maintenance costs throughout the season, SCCA Pro Racing President & CEO Robert Wildberger said. Weve done this while recognizing that the SPEED Touring Car Championship had some of the most competitive racing between brands in any North American series in 2008 and many of our teams have considerable investments. The goal is to promote growth without diminishing the current product. We believe that the new rules will accomplish this.Current cars will continue to be eligible for competition, with adjustments to balance with cars built to 2009 specifications.2009 SCCA SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Rules Change SummaryPickup Points 2008 Pickup points may be moved 2009 Original pickup points must be retainedRide Height 2008 3 ride height minimum 2009 3.5 ride height minimumWheelbase and track 2008 Unspecified 2009 Specifications established for each modelSpindle modifications to correct bump steer 2008 Permitted 2009 Not permitted. May be corrected through offset bushings and/or tie rodsFlywheel 2008 Ferrous or Aluminum 2009 Ferrous onlyClutch 2008 Unrestricted clutch and pressure plate design 2009 Stock diameter clutch requiredGearboxes 2008 Standard or alternate sequential gearboxes permitted 2009 If approved based on need, sequential gearboxes will carry an up-front penalty to balance performance potentialGears 2008 Cars permitted one set of gear ratios and two final drive ratios 2009 Cars permitted one set of gear ratios and one final drive ratioDry Sump Oiling System 2008 Permitted with 10lb penalty 2009 Considered for approval on case-by-case basisWater Pumps 2008 Mechanical or electric water pumps permitted 2009 OE-type water pumps requiredThe complete 2009 SCCA Pro Racing Rules will be released in November. Additional information about the 2009 Touring Car rules package changes can be found in participant bulletin 20 by clicking here.-30-
