Rule Change Requests for 2024 season

[RichardP]

"6.33.6 Any non-remote reservoir shock absorbers, of any origin, that are readily available to the public from a retail source for less than $1,000 a pair may be used provided they attach to the OEM stock unmodified mounting points and do not alter the stock geometry, with the exceptions outlined in section6.33.10 below."


Ast's are not readily available to the public from a retail source. Period. They haven't been for a long time. It's great for the people that have them but if you wanted them, you are out of luck.


Richard P.

[Gerno]

Thanks for the context. I’m not trying to outlaw the older shocks, just trying to get an idea on the background. As of now the Koni DA option has increased and I know others are using the QA1s that are also outside budgets now too even though they are a pretty basic shock. I’ll put a rule change request in later this week. My goal is only to align to market inflation.

[michaelmosty]

I guess the term "readily available" is not the best choice of words and I will submit a RCR to see what the other directors feel about updating this wording. If anyone feels the AST's are not legal per the intent of CMC then that can be discussed as well.

Thank you for bringing the topic up Steve. These are the exact things we need to look to update as inflation has been crazy lately and impacts some parts more than others.

[Sook]

For what it's worth, here are my $0.02. I've been wanting a set of ASTs since I joined to sport back in 2018 and haven't been able to get a set in all these years. It's a strange situation with them going out of production, and some competitors being able to purchase them when they were legal by the rules. By the current reading of the rules, they do not appear legal to me. A bit of a complicated situation, I don't necessarily want the rules to change causing a bunch of folks to have to swap dampers but I do think the ASTs are an advantage.

For a Mustang, there aren't many damper options for factory geometry at all even if the cost cap was increased.

Josh

[BryanL]

Is there anything in the rules about parts that were "Readily Available" but stopped? AST's aren't the first part people have used which the manufacturer quit making and there are tons of items which aren't readily available anymore. My understanding is from campfire talk that parts which were once available will always be legal. Doubt that is in the rules though. I do know the rules say something like if there is a grey area then the racer needs to have documentation of approval. Personally I think that is BS. If there is something that requires specific documentation and approval by a director then all of those items should be listed in the rulebook for everyone to see.

Shocks-As Richard posted the ruled don't say you are allowed to do anything to the shock. Which is interesting since people have them modified with different inserts like a JRI which could be better than an AST. People have also changed the valving/shim stacks or whatever. "If not specifically allowed, any modifications are prohibited." Seems to me like you aren't allowed to modify the shock at all so maybe there needs to be some language as to what is legal and what isn't? Remember Spec Iron and the shock dyno.

How about finding a readily available shock for both platforms like a Bilstein HD. It would decrease series cost, promote growth with a cheaper alternative than trying to find an obsolete part or modifying an available part and eliminate testing of different valve settings, which should improve competition making everyone on a more level playing field.

[BryanL]

Check the Brake Caliper price limit as well as those appear to be way over the current limit.

As for parts that aren't readily available that can get way down a rabbit hole quick. Spoilers come to mind as I'm not aware that there is a single available spoiler anyone is running that's "Readily Available from a retail source for less than $700. Wheels.

Then where do you stop for things not readily available?

[RichardP]

Shocks, calipers, and rear wings/spoilers are covered by the "readily available" tag in the rules. Of those three, I only see shocks being an actual competitive advantage. Others might disagree.

Thought experiment: What is the actual current value of a set of AST shocks? You can't buy them new but you could buy a set used from someone who has them. Do we think there is anyone who would sell their used stuff for the value currently listed in the CMC rules??? Without asking him, I am certain Josh would pay more than the value in the rules for a set. How much more is the question? Twice the price? $5k? $10K??? Where is that number for either the buyer or the seller?

Would it be fair if Josh paid Michael $5k for his set of shocks with the intent of gaining a competitive advantage?

Richard P.

[Alien]

I've always viewed Readily Available as At the Time from a retailer, not as Always and Forever available. Otherwise, as with ASTs, when the company stops making that model, then that makes all previous ones sold illegal. Same if a company goes out of business, or is sold and changes the name. If Bilstein changes from a double nut to a nylock and thus change the part number, the old part number is now obsolete, all previous shocks are illegal? I don't think that's the intent.