SCCA adds TC2 entry-level class
TOPEKA, Kan.—The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car series is adding a Touring Car 2 (TC2) class as a more cost-effective point of entry into the series.
TC2 vehicles will have fewer modifications than the existing Touring Cars, including tight limitations on engine and drivetrain modifications and the prohibition of non-factory aerodynamic devices such as wings and splitters, according to the SCCA and WC Vision, the series' co-promoters.
“We recognize that not everyone is in the position to develop a car to the same level as our front-running World Challenge Touring Car teams,” SCCA Pro Racing President and CEO Bob Wildberger said.
The TC2 class will retain the same basic premise of Touring Car—a class designed for four-seat automobiles. The overall power-to-weight ratio of the class will be lower than the current Touring Car class, but the cars will be allowed to fit racing shocks, sway bars and springs for handling.
Eligible cars include the Acura RSX, BMW 328 and 330 (E36, 46), Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Dodge SRT-4, Honda Civic Si, Lexus IS, Mazda RX-8, MINI Cooper S, Saturn Ion, Scion tC, Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen GTI and Jetta, the organizers said.
Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., a SPEED series' sponsor and sole tire supplier, will supply Toyo Proxes R888 tires to the TC2 class as well.
Bridgestone exits motocross series
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) has ended its supply of Bridgestone tires to the AMA Supercross and Motocross.
BATO said its decision to end the 18-season supply arrangement was a direct result of the current economic crisis. Its exit from the series was effective with the series' Sept. 5 finale at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pa.
Since 1991, riders on Bridgestone-brand tires have won 10 Supercross and 20 Supercross Lites championships, as well as 11 Motocross and 10 Motocross Lites championships.
“Even though we are ceasing our involvement for the time being, the Bridgestone brand has left an indelible mark in the world of off-road motorcycle racing,” said Bob Graham, BATO's senior manager of motorcycle products. “All the hard work put into the development and servicing of our tires has left a lasting legacy upon which we can look back with pride.”
NASA extends Toyo race tire deal
CYPRESS, Calif.—The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) has extended its tire contract and sponsorship deal with Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. for three more years, through year-end 2012.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Toyo has been NASA's designated tire supplier for the group's spec tire classes for the past 14 years.
As a part of this extension, all NASA spec tire classes will use the Toyo Proxes RA1 as the required tire.