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.