SOS - Save Our Strutbraces!!

[JamesK]

For those who compete in Road Modified Cars (classes 1A/1B/1C)...

The North/Midland Speed regs have been published for 2012 with the following amendment...

2011 - Non-adjustable Strut Braces across the top of the front suspension turrets are allowed but these must be removable and not welded in place.

2012 - Strut Braces, of any design, are prohibited unless fitted as original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer.

I asked Ron Hunt (who is the Chester/Liverpool MC championship co-ordinator and currently accountable for the North/Midland Speed regs) about this and he has advised me that this clarification has been brought in to "bring back a real distinction between Road modified and modified, making for better competition within the class and remove any grey areas plus stop a lot of the moans etc I have received".


I have written to Ron and said to him that i trhink that this makes no sense and that the existing strut brace rule is a paragon of clarity. Yes, there are selfish reasons for me wanting to retain my strutbrace (percieved additional regidity, cable managenment etc) but more importantly i feel that when we are constantly trying to make the sport more accessible we run the risk of immediately ailienating a newcomer by telling them that one of the most common modifications makes their road car ineligible.

If like me this impacts you and you feel that the current position is fine then please write to Ron Hunt lmc-membership@liverpoolmotorclub.com and let him know, so far he tells me that he has not had any push back on this - probably due to most other championship co-ordinators not running road cars or not picking up on this change.

Cheers
James Kerr

[The Pugilist]

J - done.

To me there is no logical reason for this. Most people looking under the bonnet of one of the 1b cars would expect to see a strut brace.

Seems odd that you are allowed to spend £5000 on some Ohlins dampers but you can't fit a £100 item that is accessible to everyone.

[Ian Johnson]

Totally agree and have put this exact point to the MSA..............no reply as usual though.

[Avanzato]

Totally agree.

I can't compete in road going now because of the changes to strut braces, top mounts and spherical bearings.

I'd like a class to compete in, but it sure isn't mod-prod.

I have upper and lower strut braces with adjustable top mounts and a couple of spherical bearings. The difference it makes the handling is amazing, more precise, secure and predictable. In fact much much safer to drive.

[carmad]

PANIC OVER
Sorry for all the confusion over strut braces which has come about because no one commented about the revision although the suggested changes were pointed out in the email that was sent with them and also highlighted in draft version sent to all those involved.

This the reason I put them on the website a little earlier than normal because I knew you would not let me down.

The Strut brace saga is now sorted and has reverted to the 2011 version, website will reflect this change shortly.

"Non-adjustable Strut Braces across the top of the front suspension turrets are allowed but these must be removable and not welded in place"

Another point that has been clarified by the MSA is that if the replacement up-rated suspension unit is manufactured with a spherical joint as an integral of part the unit then it will be allowed.

This sorts the problem with most manufacturers supplying them with spherical joints.

A note to this fact will hopefully go out to all scutineers in the next Scrutineers publication

[JamesK]

Carmad (is that you Ron?),

Many thanks for your swift action on this issue and taking a direct stance to clarify the position in this public forum.

I am happy with this clarification and will await amendments and communications from those clubs involved.

To avoid any additional debate (there are enough Rules/regs topics being kicked around on here at the moment) can I ask that one of the Uphill Racers mods please lock/close this thread.

Regards
JK

[Goosey]

but before it is could we clarify that this will apply to all clubs?

i really do want to see something set in stone as i'm skint and worried i'd have to entertain myself in mod prod for the sake of it

[AllanMcD]

If theres an isue with a strut brace surely you can just remove it
Allan

[dennis.doyle]

Originally Posted by AllanMcD

If theres an isue with a strut brace surely you can just remove it
Allan

& possibly go faster due to the saving in weight above the CoG?

[Avanzato]

Thats some good news for a change.

What about adjustable (for castor and camber) are they still outlawed in road-going?

Mine came as part of the updrated coil over strut unit.