Hi all. The new autocross season is nearly here and I'm looking through the new SCCA rules. Last year I ran in SMF and it looks like nothing major has changed between last and this years rules as it relates to SM. Some things have changed on my Mini and I'm 100% sure they still fall in the rules. One thing that isn't totally clear is the removal of the headlight and assembly. There is a section in the rules about changing out pop up headlights for fixed lights but nothing in SM(F) about being allowed or NOT allowed to remove them all together. In the Prepared rules they spell out in clear language whether you can remove headlights or not. It's not so clear for SM. Can anyone here clear that up for me? I'm suspecting that if it doesn't say you CAN do it, then you can't.
How I remember the SCCA rulebook is that if it does not say that you can, you can't. Sounds like removing the headlights would push you up to Prepared.
As I recall from my Secret Car Club of America days if it doesn't specifically say you can then you can't. Many people push the rules & stretch them as needed. This can work, but there is usually someone there to protest you. Then again at times there is an accepted illegality that everyone does. Then one day a guy shows up & protests the entire field to grab a win they never would have any other way.
Thanks guys. I kind of remember that too about "if it doesn't say you can...." I was hoping to save the 25 lbs that the light assembly weighs. Yes, that heavy. So I'll have to find weight savings else where. Hood is done. Now working on my rear hatch! Combined weight savings should be ~70 lbs.