Author Topic: Spec Class  (Read 6719 times)

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Offline LC

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Spec Class
« on: March 17, 2014, 11:21:51 pm »
Are spec classes the future? What are your thoughts? The question has been asked of me several times recently and I don't have the answers, just wondering what everyone thinks. BE NICE, just some food for thought.
L Curt Hodges
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Offline Eatondirt

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #1 on: March 18, 2014, 12:42:43 am »
I really hope that this sport never goes there.  Its the being able to think out side the box and try different things that makes this fun.  Who wants to race exactly what everyone else is running. Not me
Casey Eaton
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Offline TomL

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #2 on: March 18, 2014, 01:54:41 pm »
ModXR is kind of a spec class with the restrictions. Certainly lower cost to build and run.
In PA we have MiniPro, not spec but the rules are designed to keep it even.
Both of these are racer classes, not checkbook classes.
And they attract the most entries.
I'm not against the tech but as the costs go up the entries go down. Happens in all racing not just mowers.

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Offline cycloneracer

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #3 on: March 18, 2014, 05:12:35 pm »
I'm afraid we have gone to far and can't go back.   The engine rules were put in place to keep tech easy.

I think a spec class would fail.   Heck we have guys complaining now that they have to run a $350 flywheel to run an ungoverned class.   What is a NEW SPEC engine going to cost? 

 That is what would have to be run to make it easy.   Remember the old AP rules?   You had to have the super rare big Tecumseh to run up front.  It would have to be a engine you could go to the store and buy a new one.

I agree the GP class has been a hit and has good participation while the faster more expensive classes have fewer mowers.   But the fast mowers are what bring the fans to the stands.   Always has been that way and always will be.   That is every motorsport.

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Offline rook

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2014, 06:59:49 pm »
We run a GP-twin class at our track this is very affordable and the speeds are close to the BP
you get the pull off the corners better than a single sound is better also.
Robbie Stone #4
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Offline BIG AL 202

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #5 on: March 18, 2014, 07:56:21 pm »
I agree with you Paul! That would be backing up. We all get "how fast does it go" for a first question out of every spectators mouth! The I-Mow is kinda of the spec class.
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Offline cycloneracer

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #6 on: March 18, 2014, 08:00:12 pm »
We run a GP-twin class at our track this is very affordable and the speeds are close to the BP
you get the pull off the corners better than a single sound is better also.

What kind of twins?   

Flatheads or V-twins?   

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Offline Jeff Digou (Pitguy)

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #7 on: March 18, 2014, 08:13:16 pm »
V-twins    fun class to watch  in Potterville


 
Soltra has some flathead twins in there Modified class.  They run with the v-twins

Windsor Ontario Canada<br /
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Offline rook

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #8 on: March 18, 2014, 11:14:06 pm »
We run v-twins up to 44 cu. in. 3650 max rpm as delivered from factory.
exhaust is open.
Robbie Stone #4
Eaton Rapids MI.
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Offline SEAN

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #9 on: March 19, 2014, 08:20:55 am »
  We also run a twin class at 3650 And the class is growing. We also run the Mod-XR's (GP) and they the 2 biggest classes we have. The Super Stock class has shrunk since the Mod-XR class cam on are third biggest class is Mod-X. With that being said the Mod-XR (GP) class might be considered a start to a spec class but there are some real fast ones for those who think it out. I personally would not like the sport to go to Spec classes What we have seams to be working. It will be interesting to see how for we go with the twin at 3650 for those of us who are running them. Be easy just my opinion.

Offline redline

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #10 on: March 19, 2014, 01:41:45 pm »
My specs are that my stuff should be like nobody else's. I Have no desire whatsoever to be forced to run the same goverened rpm, engine displacement or gear ratio as everyone else.

Can a goverened/restriced mower be fast? Sure, relatively speaking. But, hit the throttle on that and whoo-hoo, it's like Ethel taking the old Buick off to church on sunday. Now, hit the button on an unrestriced well put together twin, and I dont care who you are, you will not need viagra.

Luckily, our biggest class is the V-twins. We are fortunate in that aspect. And they are good machines as well.

If the rules were to change where I had to start doing the same stuff as everyone else, I think I would take up competative hedge trimming.

And, don't try to tell me that a bone stock goverened twin will give that same hit as a well put together modified one, because thats simply foolish. You may as well try to convince me that your 1980 Toyota Celica with 400,000 miles comes out of the hole better than John Force.
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Offline LC

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #11 on: March 19, 2014, 02:30:48 pm »
I think the guys asking me were more thinking about the people who don’t have the ability, time or desire to build a mower from scratch but really like what they see. More like most other motor sports where everything is basically bolt on, very little fabrication compared to what we do in the majority of our classes.  Not so much for cost but maybe more convenience.  If a guy shows up at a mini sprint race and gets excited about getting involved he can without owning a shop full of fabrication tools. No one was suggesting we do away with our heritage and current classes just something a little different for someone who has the desire to drive but not necessarily building something from the ground up.
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Offline more4les

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #12 on: March 19, 2014, 03:47:08 pm »
For me the fact that each build is personal is what brought me to this sport. At the same time I know that is what is keeping many away who are interested in it. I love having the freedom of building what I think is the best mower. Others don't have either the ability or access to what is needed to fabricate a race mower. I don't see anyone ready to take on the risk of developing a spec mower to sell and with good reason. Maybe someone will. It would be interesting to see. You would almost need a (mower) factory backed operation in order to keep each machine identical spec wise.

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Offline berthyd

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #13 on: March 19, 2014, 07:38:12 pm »
Spec class? Cheat class. I have a certain set of skills, that when needed, allow me to wreak devastation upon the innocent and unsuspecting. And I would run that spec class. Tear me down? Hah, tear  everyone down. That'll be real popular when it's beer time.

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Offline George Herrin

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Re: Spec Class
« Reply #14 on: March 19, 2014, 08:48:25 pm »
Number one rule in lawnmower racing: There is no one enforcing the rules.

Bert

Amen and well said!!!
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