(Skip to the last paragraph if you have a short attention span...) So somehow I missed that this class was in the works, but since it was pointed out to me last night I've spent some time thinking about it. Naturally there are going to be some very light and very powerful hondas running in this class probably well under 2000 lbs and upwards of 200-250whp, potentially. The trophy winners for this years nationals were '94 and '89 civics, for example, and I would expect that to be repeated next year. The MINI, however, doesn't seem too far off from those numbers. While unfortunately expensive, there is the potential to lighten the car quite a bit between seats, the battery, exhaust, potential body panel replacement, deleting the sunroof if applicable, etc. Probably not a chance of getting in to the honda numbers, weight-wise, however. As far as power, on the other hand, there are plenty of MINIs getting in to that power range with considerable potential to get above it with things like rotrex superchargers, turbo kits (though probably not the ideal power curve for autocross), BVHs, and more options that seem to be surfacing lately for the bottom end. In other words, it seems the MINI could put out similar power to weight ratio numbers. This seems to leave a lot to the suspension, wheels, and tires. Wheels and tires are probably very similar (both can run small, lightweight, but wide set ups). Suspension, however, may give certain hondas the upper hand. Basically, I don't know much about it and I'm thinking out loud.. and wondering if anyone else will be running this class next year? Locally, for me, it's a no brainer, with a softer pax than regular SM.. but I couldn't help but wonder if anyone has thought that there may be any national-level potential for the MINI? ut:
This could be a good regional class. On a divisional level, the big hot shoes will always come in with faster, better stuff. And at a national level even more so. They always look for the soft classes to trophy in. Makes sense really. But I do agree. On a regional level, it looks like a ton of fun.