Sports Car Club of
America (SCCA) has been one of the
most successful sanctioning bodies in the United States for many years.
It used to be that anyone interested in road racing would have to get
started in SCCA. A few years ago, the National Auto Sport Association (NASA)
got started and made a commitment to the racer. This was to make it
easy, exciting and accessible almost to anyone who wanted to get
involved in racing. Something that some may argue SCCA has
forgotten.
| American
Iron cars can use large wings, fiberglass hoods along
with highly modified suspension components. Car #17
driven by Ryan Flahery race organizer. |
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A fair and competitive playing ground is what racers look for when
choosing a class to compete in. Its my belief that NASA has made a
difference in creating just that. Although NASA does not have an event
in the amateur level such as the Valvoline
Runoffs, the Super Bowl of amateur racing, it probably won't be very
long before they have an east coast vs. west coast match that will
probably surpass that event.
The American Iron series which is on its 2nd year running, has been
the most talked about class in the muscle car racing scene. Comparatively,
the American Sedan class in SCCA, has been the original grassroots of
what Trans Am used to be in the early '70's.
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Amercan
Sedan cars are only allowed to race with O.E body parts
and only minor suspension modifications are allowed such
as the use of the stock K members. |
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This class, (SCCA's A/S) although very exciting limits cars to many
modifications which many could argue will make the car less competitive
and reliable. Why less reliable? Well, in an effort by the organizers to
make the series affordable, the type of parts alowed in most cases are
less then race worthy. Therefore, the entry level prospect will end up
spending more money learning what works for their cars than those who
build with top notch aftermarket parts to begin with.
In conclusion, where should you race your muscle car?
SCCA
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American Sedan offers great opportunities right now for those
who may want to run in the SCCA Runoffs and could get good national
exposure, (but only if you win). If you intend to run only regionally
you may consider ITE, which allows for almost any modifications
as long as you run a D.O.T tire. You will also get a chance to run
against other make and model cars, somewhat of a world challenge class.
NASA
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American Iron
offers the best door to door competition for the Ford vs. Chevy
enthusiast. As long as your car has a 9.5:1 power to weight ratio, you
run their spec tire and your car is competition worthy (safety wise)
your in! The AIX (Extreme class) allows for the "run what
you brung" kind of racer. If you can build it, race it, as long
as its an American muscle car.
So there you have it, both sanctioning bodies cater to the entry
level and high end racer. The choice is yours!
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