However, what I did get was a good glimpse of what this thing REALLY means to people and the frustration associated with it. I also got to witness other ITS guys coming over to lend a hand and help for the spirit of competition. They "missed" the guy they were racing with. They reaction by them was the same....this stinks. Certainly not the groundswell of you got yours. take that.
If we get to witness this first hand (for a hobby mind you) we may feel differently. If the SIR was put to "police" southern e36's that were suspected of being illegal then this is not proper. The way to police ilegality is with paper not aluminum.
R [/b]
The CRB did not spec the SIR because of any thoughts on cheaters. The decision boils down to a few key items:
A full IT-spec E36 325 WILL make in excess of 200whp.
If the spec weight of 2850 was to be kept, the HP had to be limited to around 185whp (while retaining 170+ ftlbs at the wheels).
The CRB's testing showed that 18whp came off every example they strapped to the rollers (in 29mm form). That nails their goal. Weights are set at top prep - so this is no different - it's just reverse engineered.
I am not a fan of the SIR because of this exact situation. There are no nicer people than the Maynards. It's a family team who busts their collective behinds to race a ton and have fun. Yes, they have an underprepped car (engine) and a excellent young driver - and they are top 3-5 material in 15-20 car ITS fields...BUT when this throws them to the back, the fun goes away. Bad thing IMHO.
Some will tell you that a 3150-3200 spec weight would have done the same, but I don't think so.
Did everyone feel bad for them? You bet. But when push comes to shove, and everyone around you has to have pro engines to compete for a podium, you should too. Is that in the original spirit of IT - nope - but it is a reality.
If the ITR concept goes through, it will provide a place for the E36's - WITHIN the process - at 2750ish...unrestricted. Write your letters.
AB