All AI drivers in here...2008 Rules are out.

[AI#97]

Ok gang, we need everyone to go to the national board and voice their strong objections to the new rules allowing 18" wheels and 14" brakes in AI. I already sort of showed my ass on a couple posts about it trying to draw out more folks to actually post objections. It seems that there is a group of 8 to 10 folks that normally post over there and are just perfectly happy to go spend another few thousand dollars to keep up the pace in AI. I know this isn't the case with 90% of the racers in AI and JWL needs to hear it.

What I am more concerned about is the possibility Toyo isn't going to make an R888 in a 275/40/17... Think about that considering the 18" version is $100 more per tire. Looks like 17" cobra R's are about to become REALLY cheap. Also, 18" rims are pretty well limited to CCW's, 2000R's and other high line wheels where the entry price is about a grand per set at a minimum.

Stand up for your wallets!

[cobra132]

What about the width. What are they going to allow. If the limit is a 275 then its less of a factor. If they allow wider, larger tires then everyone is screwed. FMR

[donovan]

I posted just after JWL posted... he suggested a weight minumum for the combo... I tossed out 3500#

if you look at the Nationals spreadsheet, none off the AI cars there were over 3500#, the list below is from fastest to slowest cars.

3080
3272
3423
3228 David D.
3357
3356
3459
3148
3121
3130
3369
3243
3285
3130
3294
3292
3166
3279
3256
3292
2928

[AI#97]

David, excellent data points. However, the "heavy pig" scenario was tossed out that 3200lbs should be the cutoff earlier in another thread. I say 3400# would be fine but what it sounds like is that the guys bringing S197's and CTSV's to the track are just being lazy about removing weight from the cars because the motors put out too much power. So instead of removing weight and detuning the motor, they want bigger brakes...fine, just don't let a 2700 lb AI car run them. I think the higher min weight to run 18" and 14" brakes is an acceptable solution as a start that might need further modification once it is implemented and tested for a few races. Keep in mind though that Dave Capps' 05 with a 351 in it only weighed like 3200 lbs at the last event he ran! Irwin's car was much heavier because he was making nearly 400 ft/lbs of torque!

Also, as stated on the national forum, there is a 14" brake package that will work in a 17" wheel...just not an off the shelf package for the newer cars.

I am glad to see the responses over there and JWL to recognize it's not what the series wants.

[oz98cobra]

I think 3500 is too high - for me, 3300 would be the sweet spot for now - that will give the "heavy pigs" what they are asking for with a big enough buffer that the lightweights are not at a disadvantage.

Anyone with an SN95 or Fox whose car weighs 32??, and thinks 3300 is not enough of a buffer can easily drop some weight (and HP if necessary?) to get closer to the acknowledged 3000lb "sweet spot" for our class. They would gain a lot more than just better brake performance!

[cjlmlml]

I sent him an email objecting to 18's

[AI#97]

Looks like JWL has acknowledged the flubb and is taking the weight point into consideration. Also, keep in mind the 14" brakes are already legal with 17" rims...just not practical at this point as the rims are $300+ each.

Thankfully, the wheels (nice pun) are turning in the right direction...but it would have been better to discuss this prior to the rules release to save some grief...

[GlennCMC70]

Matt, take an extra pill today. you earned it. :wink:

[AI#97]

Matt, take an extrat pill today. you earned it. :wink:

Thanks Glenn but I wasn't the only one that got a little heated today. Overall, I think we are going to get what we were looking for....

[marshall_mosty]

...just don't let a 2700 lb AI car run them. I

Hey... I resemble that remark.

I can hardly fit my 13" under my 17" wheels, much less the 14's.