ev racing - spec cars

[Dave Erb <dave_erb@MINDSPRING.COM>]

Rick Nelson wrote:

> One possible solution that I have not seen is to improve the Lightning
> class vehicles, then use that improved vehicle to introduce a NEW
> class of spec racing.

Other people wrote other things.  As I view both sides of this fence,
spec (or conversion) cars save some work (you don't have to design every
detail) and cost some work (to live within the limitations of  your base
platform).  I have no fundamental philosophical objection to a spec
class as the basis for the universities' race series.  However, ...

I'd personally like to see several well-located SCCA regions adopt a
common set of rules which incorporate the Lightnings and their intent
(close, cost-effective competition) with minimal modification, but allow
some design flexibility and open the events to all comers, i.e. neither
a spec class, nor a series (university or otherwise).  If universities,
EVTC, or others wanted to run a series within that framework, they would
be welcome to do so.

The critical change required would be a retreat from the battery
exchanges, since you can't expect SCCA to make radical changes to its
very successful club racing format to incorporate a few EVs.  See my
recent (very long) post on that issue.

Things I would incorporate into the class rules:

steel spaceframes (no monocoques, structural composites, or costly
alloys)
max weight limit at the same level as an existing Lightning
battery R&R within a 10 minute time window (for schedule flexibility)
improved battery restraint compared to present Lightnings (bolts, not
latches)
min weight limit (sans removable battery packs) at a safe level
safety-related dimensional limitations (footbox size, roll bar height,
etc.)
wheel / tire size restrictions (to maintain the option of spec tires)
minimal deviation from the existing GCR

And yes, I'm volunteering to help with this effort.  Anyone else
interested?

Dave Erb

--
David A. Erb
Erb Professional Services
2914 Halstead Road
Upper Arlington, OH  43221-2918
voice:     (614) 488-4254
email:     dave_erb@mindspring.com

ev racing - spec cars