1. Greg Amy grega@pobox.com 203.874.1403
The IT2 Initiative
Greg Amy

2. Introduction
Newer vehicles, such as those built within the last 10 years and typically associated with the ‘import car scene’, have become eligible for Improved Touring
Faced with a recent influx of these performance ‘pocket rockets’, the SCCA’s Competition Board has struggled to find a suitable classification
11 January 2003

3. The Issue
There is a significant performance gap between the ITA-dominating small-bore hatchbacks (e.g., Honda CRX Si, Nissan 240SX) and the ITS-dominating GT sports cars and sedans (e.g., BMW 325, Datsun 240Z, Mazda RX-7, Porsche 944)
Since the performance of our newer cars outstrips the existing ITA front-runners, they’ve been classified into Improved Touring S
11 January 2003

4. The Problem
Performance of these newer small cars is dramatically below that of a typical ITS front-runner
The vehicles are uncompetitive in ITS and members are not interested in preparing them
2002 ARRC Runoffs – only three 4-cylinder ITS cars, two Porsche 944s and a Mercedes 190E, entered
11 January 2003

5. The End Result
These cars are a huge proportion of the vehicles sold since 1990, and form the basis of a growing performance enthusiast market
Without a solution, the motorsports potential for these vehicles will otherwise go unrealized in SCCA Club Racing
A likely result will be the continued proliferation of single-marque ‘spec’ classes, such as Spec RX-7, Spec Neon, Spec Miata, Honda Challenge, and SE-R Cup, all in response to their being uncompetitive in ITS
11 January 2003

6. The Solution – Improved Touring 2
IT2 = a new classification, between ITS and ITA
Focuses on post-1990, four-cylinder, compact cars
Typically equipped with hp, weigh pounds, have 5-speed transaxles, front wheel drive, front disc brakes, and electronic fuel injection.
Examples:
Acura Integra
Dodge Neon
Honda Prelude Si
Nissan Sentra SE-R and NX2000
VW GTi and Jetta V
11 January 2003

7. The Solution – Improved Touring 2
All vehicles would continue to be built to the existing Improved Touring preparation rules
All cars would continue to meet existing published specifications and would be scrutineered the same
The ease of implementation makes it immediately adoptable while not upsetting the ITA or ITS apple carts.
11 January 2003

8. The IT2 Initiative - Results
Addresses membership concerns in regards to classification of these cars
Very easy to implement
No additional workload on volunteers
Will result in dramatic increase in interest and participation in IT, especially with newer cars
Should stop the proliferation of spec classes
11 January 2003

9. The IT2 Initiative – Now In Process
Interested parties are currently petitioning the National Competition Board to consider adopting the IT2 classification for the 2004 season
Offered as a reasonable alternative to competition adjustments currently under consideration for IT
IT2 program administrators are reviewing the current ITS and ITA classifications to determine which vehicles would be eligible for 2003
Article on the IT2 Initiative to appear in next issue of Grassroots Motorsports
11 January 2003

10. The IT2 Initiative – 2003 Goals
Goal for 2003 is to increase awareness of IT2
Interested competitors can sign up for the program and run IT2 decals
IT2 administrators will keep track of 2003 points and ‘crown’ a 2003 champion
Given sufficient interest, will request inclusion as a separate class at the 2003 ARRC Runoffs
11 January 2003

11. The IT2 Initiative – 2004 Goals
Regions should adopt IT2 as a recognized class
Regions can choose to classify additional eligible cars not currently in IT (with IT2 admin recommendations)
Competitors may voluntarily choose to run IT2 or their existing class
SCCA should adopt IT2 as a nationally-recognized class
11 January 2003

12. The IT2 Initiative – The Future
The ultimate goal of IT2 would be to offer competition adjustments based on physical characteristics of the vehicle (e.g., hp, weight, number of valves and camshafts, VTEC)
Would allow a larger range of newer eligible vehicles without “tipping the performance cart”
Example formulas available on web site
11 January 2003

13. The IT2 Initiative – Drivers
Interested drivers should visit the IT2 web site for details on how to sign up for the program (nominal donation to cover decal costs):
11 January 2003

14. The IT2 Initiative – Drivers
NE Region drivers are already signing up and have committed to running IT2 in the 2003 season
Thomas Hovind (Dodge Neon)
Jeffrey Poor (VW GTi 2.0)
Thor Schroeder (VW GTi 2.0)
Greg Amy (Nissan NX2000)
More are expected!
11 January 2003

15. The IT2 Initiative – SCCA Admins
Please take time to visit the web site
Interested IT2 personnel will be petitioning you for formal regional acceptance in 2004
Please contact me with your region’s newsletter info; I’d like to submit an article on IT2
Spread the word to other regions and to National, and contact us if you have any questions or comments!
11 January 2003

16. Q&A The IT2 Initiative http://www.it2.evaluand.com/ Greg Amy