NASA's Performance Touring

The 2010 NASA Performance Touring Rules (v5.1) have been approved and were released and posted online yesterday. NASA has attempted to make improvements to the series as we continue with our goal of providing as much “rules stability” as possible. This series continues to be one of the fastest growing competition series within NASA, and the changes and upgrades to the rules should help to foster continued growth. We are seeing some great racing (competition) both regionally and at our National Championships, and we look forward to many years in the future.

Here is a highlight summary of some of the improvements made for 2010 that were not already listed as Technical Bulletins during the 2009 season. Please read the 2010 Rules for the exact wording and for minor changes not listed here:

1) In regard to the calculation of “Adjusted” Weight/Power Ratio, there has been no change to the weight tables used to determine the Modification Factor for competition weight. However, there has been a change in the Super Touring Rules. So, drivers are cautioned to make sure they are using the correct table for their class.

2) There is a clarification that when measuring a post-race “Adjusted” Weight/Power ratio for a vehicle to ensure that it is legal for its class, the actual weight after the race is used in the calculation, not the minimum weight listed on the Car Classification Form.

3) AWD Dyno tests using a Mustang dynamometer will have 10% added to the result.

4) All vehicles with more than one fuel/timing program or “map” in the computer/ECU/PCM must have the estimated horsepower levels for each of those maps, as well as the method of switching between maps, listed on the Car Classification Form.

5) GPS monitoring research will continue in the first half of 2010. It is expected that GPS on-track monitoring will be used as an alternate method of compliance testing at the 2010 NASA Championships (i.e. possible penalties without Dyno testing).

6) There is a new +13 point classification for some DOT-approved R-compound tires. Currently, the Hoosier A6, and Hankook Z214 with C90 & C91 compounds are included.

7) There is no longer a +5 point classification for DOT-approved R-compound tires. The Toyo RA-1 is now a +7 point tire.

8) Removal of a non-electrical engine fan will be assessed +1 point under the “Replacement pulley” rule.

9) Intercooler sprayers are not permitted unless they came on the OEM base trim model of the vehicle.

11) The +1 point assessment for exhaust mufflers and cat-back exhausts has been removed. Now, any change to the exhaust, including mufflers or cat-back systems will be a +2 point modification.

12) The +7 point (and +3 point) classification for Non-OEM shocks/struts/dampers has been changed. There is no longer a dollar limit on either. Piggy back reservoir shocks are still +7 points. Also, any shock/strut/damper with a shaft diameter of 40mm or greater is a +7 point shock.

13) RWD/AWD rear trailing arms now are listed with the assessment for control arms +4 points.

14) The allowance for increased track width without a points assessment has been increased to four (4) inches.

15) Rear wing end plates are limited to 12” in height before requiring a +2 assessment for “vertical panels”.

16) Axle modification/replacement, brake proportioning valves, mirror removal, various emission control devices are all listed in the No-Points Modification section.

17) Vehicles re-classified based on Dyno testing that have more than one fuel/timing map must have a Dyno report for each of those maps included with the Car Classification Form, regardless of which map will be used in competition.

18) When GPS and Dyno testing is not available at the track, Officials have the option of using the Dyno results submitted with the Car Classification Form (for vehicles re-classed by Dyno) to determine if the car is compliant with the limit on “Adjusted” Wt/Hp ratio.

19) Dyno results are only shown to the competitor getting Dyno tested and Officials.

20) Any competitor filing a protest that will require Dyno testing of a vehicle must submit a cash deposit for the cost of the Dyno testing. The deposit will be returned if the vehicle is found to be non-compliant, and the non-compliant competitor will be required to pay for the Dyno test (as well as get penalized accordingly).

21) Allison Legacy racecars will move down to PTD, and have new maximum Dyno and minimum weight limits.

Ok guys and gals, I thank you for your patience as this has been a long process, with input from a lot of people. We have made multiple improvements to the PT and TT Rules for 2009. I will list the major changes below. The actual TT Rules will not be posted for at least a few more days, but the PT and ST Rules should be posted sometime today, and all of the classing rules will continue to be identical between TT and PT. Updated Car Classification Forms will also be at least a few more days. We hope that you will agree that we have moved in a positive direction with these rules. As you will see, we have seriously taken into account your input over the years. Thanks, and have a great season in 2009!

2009 PT/TT Rule Change Highlights

Both “strike-through” and “clean” versions of the rules are posted so participants can see the wording from ’08 that was deleted more clearly. See the rules for the exact wording and details of each of the following (these are just notes):

1) All ported rotary engine cars will be re-classed based on Dyno testing
2) All cars will be subject to a limitation of their “Adjusted” wt/power ratio using the ST/TT formula. Dyno testing is not required for all cars prior to competition, though.
3) Individual cars may be re-classified by the National PT Director based on Dyno testing.
4) A few cars have been bumped up in points by one asterisk (about 10)
5) All forced induction cars that are not re-classified based on Dyno testing will add five (5) points to the total number of modification points.
6) All weight reduction points will be determined by the actual minimum competition weight of the vehicle versus its listed base weight.
7) ECU reprogramming and chips are now a No-Points modification. The OEM ECU/PCM box/housing/hardware must be used, though.
8) Similarly, SAFC’s and VAFC’s, and altered sensor inputs are No-Points mods.
9) Independent throttle bodies are a +4 modification.
10) Deletion of the intake manifold is assessed points.
11) Modification/upgrade from a fixed to a floating rear axle is +3 points.
12) Front and rear strut tower bars with two attachment points are No-Points mods. This includes bars built into a cage.
13) Adding a lower stress bar is a +1 point modification.
14) Non-OEM driver adjustable sway bar or suspension settings are a +4 point modification.
15) Lexan front window replacement is a No-points modification
16) Lexan rear window replacement, or window removal is a No-points modification.
17) Any front fascia or air dam modification is +3 points.
18) Any front splitter is +3 points.
19) Any added, replaced, or modified rear wing or spoiler is +4 points (and no wing or spoiler can be higher than 8 inches above the roofline, or wider than the body of the vehicle).
20) Any rear bumper cover or rear “fascia” modification is +1 point.
21) Removal of the front windshield/windshield frame is +7 points (namely for convertibles).
22) Front side window air dams or diverters are +2 points.
23) Lexan front side windows are prohibited unless they are installed by the factory during the original manufacturing of the vehicle.
24) Hub modification/replacements are No-Points mods.
25) E-85 is a legal fuel to use if obtained from a retail site.
26) No-Points ballast limitation has been raised to 250 lbs.
27) Steering rack ratio changes (without steering geometry changes) are a No-Points modification.
28) Non-OEM valve springs and retainers were retained from the Provisional rule in ’08 as a No-Points modification.
29) Ignition timing is specifically listed as No-Points (has been free already)
30) Dyno reports that are submitted by competitors may be valid for up to three years. However, the Regional PT/TT Director may request updated Dyno sheets (testing at the owners expense) that are less than one year old.
31) Drivers may be required to have their class letters on the inside of their front window (PT only), so that other drivers can determine the car class in their rearview mirror.
32) The formula for calculating “Adjusted” wt/power ratio has been changed to allow up to 9.6” non-DOT tires in the +0.8 modification factor listing.
33) Two “pre-approved” motor swaps have been deleted. These cars will need to be classed based on Dyno testing (both were JDM motors).
34) Provisional technical bulletins on the RX-7 were made official.

Hankook Tire America Corp. and Hankook Motorsports have provided a lucrative 2007 contingency award program that NASA Performance Touring, Super Touring, and Super Unlimited racers are eligible to partake in at both regional events and at the NASA Championships. Awards for regional events are in the form of Hankook Dollar certificates, which are redeemable towards the purchase of Hankook Ventus race tires from any official Hankook Motorsports dealer. Awards for the NASA Championships are cash prizes. Payouts are as follows:

Regional Races and Qualifying Races at the NASA Championships

4 starters
1^st$H 150
2^nd$H 100
3^rd$H 85

5 or more starters
1^st$H 200
2^nd $H 150
3^rd $H 100

Drivers may claim an award in one class per race day.

NASA Championships Final Races 8 or more starters
1^st$ 1000
2^nd $ 750
3^rd $ 500
Drivers may claim an award in one class per race day.
The total potential value of this program to NASA Performance Touring and ST/SU drivers, if all potential maximum payouts occurred, would be over $450,000 in Hankook Dollar Certificates and $20,000 in cash prizes. A driver may use any Hankook Ventus tire to qualify. So, under the Performance Touring Rules, the following tires would be eligible: Ventus RSS Z211 (DOT treaded-type), Ventus Z214 (DOT “slick”-type), Ventus F200 (non-DOT slick), the Ventus Z206 and Z207 wet race tires, as well as any Ventus DOT performance/street tire. You can find more information on the available tire sizes and specifications here:
http://www.hankooktireusa.com/product/tire_main.asp

Contingency forms and program rules can be downloaded here:
http://www.hankooktireusa.com/pdf/contingency/2007%20Contingency%20NASA%20Nationals.pdf
http://www.hankooktireusa.com/pdf/contingency/2007%20Contingency%20NASA.pdf
Other information can be obtained through Hankook at 973-633-9000 or e-mail jakoehler@hankooktireusa.com

The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) is pleased to announce the expansion of Toyo Tires support for non specified tire racing classes and Time Trials at the Championship event. Toyo Tires will offer contingency programs in the form of “Toyo Dollars” to eligible racers who compete on the Toyo RA-1 or R888 competition tire.

The 2007 NASA Endurance Racing Regulations have been revised to include PT (Performance Touring) and ST (Super Touring) class mapping. The revised rules can be downloaded here http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/enduro.pdf

This is a summary of the new classing:

ST1.....ES
ST2.....ES
PTA.....ES
PTB.....E0
PTC.....E1
PTD.....E1
PTE.....E2
PTF.....E2

In addition there has been a revision to the WC Touring car classing which has been changed to ES.

While this is the official classing for the 2007 season, this mapping is "Subject to adjustment" as written in the rules. The classing is purposefully conservative, as there is an expectation that there could be significant development in the PT cars as more cars are built specifically for the PT rules.

PT cars that are also legal to run in another class listed in the Section 4.2 Class Mapping table may still run in the enduro class mapped to their "other" class, even if it is a lower enduro class than the one mapped to the PT class. For example, even though PTA cars are mapped to ES, if a PTA car is legal under the USTCC rules, it may still run in E0.

If there are any questions about the mapping of PT cars, feel free to e-mail the National PT Director at greg@nasa-tt.com

We have posted the revised PT rules, version 1.6, on the NASA website (with links on the PT website and here).
http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/Performance-Touring-rules.pdf
We also have new PT Car Classification Forms posted here. http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/Performance-Touring-classification-form.pdf

We took all of the rules revisions, provisional car classifications, and approved engine swaps that are "scattered" on the forums and on the PT website, and we have incorporated them into this single set of rules, with a Car Classification Form that corresponds exactly to the rules, and a PT Classer calculator on the website that has been updated to match as well. So, please use these new forms for future events and the Championships.

All of the changes/additions that have been made from the original PT Rules are shown in red type to aide in easy recognition. We've have also added the new NASA logo. There are a few minor changes as well. But, they are simple, and are really to help prevent problems, especially at the Championships--and shouldn't cause any. They are in-line with the TT Rules revisions made in April to continue to pollinate crossover from TT to racing. I'll list them here to make things easy.