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.

Rules: http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/performance_touring_rules.pdf

Car Classification Form: http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/performance_touring_classification.pdf

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.

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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.

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

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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. 

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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).

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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.

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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.

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

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

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10) Alcohol-water mixtures are no longer permitted for “water” injection.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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).

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

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Greg Greenbaum
National & SoCal TT, PT, & ST Director
greg@nasa-tt.com