Dents in body production class

[curtklze]

When running in production classes how strict are they with dents in body panels? Do they allow any or does the body have to in perfect condition?

[jacksoni]

Rule 2.K says the car must present a neat appearance. Nothing about dents. If someone thought your dents might present an aero advantage and protested you, might be an issue. I wouldn't worry about it if small, big ones might be a problem. If they really are going to complain, I am SOL though.......

[Stainless1]

Golf ball finish... might raise an eyebrow... whether or not it could help... but this is not "trading paint" kind of racing... so how dented is it... and why not fix it since you are already spending quite a bit of money just to get it to pass safety inspection.

[curtklze]

I have a quarter sized dent on a quarter panel and a bit larger dent on the hood.
 It's a race car not a show car. Any money spent on body work is money I can't spend on safety equipment.
I have a limited budget as money is tight these days. I'm going to be running stock wheels and street tires ( with the proper speed rating)  for 2021, as front runners are not in the budget. It's all about passing tech at this point.
  Thanks for the info.

[Dynoroom]

That will pass tech,

[jimmy six]

I hope the speed rated tires you are wanting to use are for what the record is in the class and not the speed you feel your going to attain. If the record in the class you have chosen is 230 you must meet the safety for that speed even if you only go 175.
 Many of us use stock wheels that have upgraded to what the SCTA spells out and also the proper lugs and studs as many earlier cars had 7/16 and not 1/2.

[Stainless1]

I agree your dents should pass tech no problem....
What class are you building for?
Your stock wheels should be good for records under 200....  When in doubt... ask the tech chair listed in the rule book.
Start a build diary, we always like to watch and kibitz   

[trimmers]

That will pass tech,

I think you'll discover that the inspectors in Tech won't care about some minor dents.  They're supposed to be concerned only with verifying that your vehicle and driver equipment meet the general safety requirements and any additional ones for the class in which you're entered.   If you qualify for and set a record speed, it's the impound guys who will determine if the car meets class requirements in order to certify the record. 

Jeff in Boise

[wobblywalrus]

The SCTA records for the classes my bike is in are well over 200 mph.  Those speeds require race tires.  My bike will go maybe 160 on a good day if it is chased by a pack of Rottweilers.  The tires on it are new and speed rated for over 186 mph.  Can I get certified for 175 mph and run for time only on the street tires?  There is no way I could exceed 175.

[floydjer]

The way I read JD's  reply...I will go with no.

[Stainless1]

Bo, I'll go with maybe... They will need to meet the age limit no matter the speed... be aware some new motorcycle tires are 5 years old when you get them...     Look at dates when you shop and buy....
You should contact the motorcycle chair in the rule book and ask the question.  They have made exceptions for tires in the past.... with the understanding that if you exceed the set speed you are done.

[curtklze]

I'm all good for the tires. They are rated for faster than the current record and faster than my car can go.

[jimmy six]

Motorcycle and 4 wheeled vehicles in the SCTA rule book concerning tires are like comparing apples and oranges. Cars can run on 70 year old Indy tires. If cars had the same rules as motorcycles on tires I would been gone a long time ago. Same with other safety paraphernalia. 
I feel the SCTA chief inspectors do a very good job with exceptions by using specific restrictions as to speeds.