Word is spreading around the internets about the possibility of the SCCA adding a specific class that would serve as a catch all for classic American pro touring style cars in autocross competiton. As of the current time, there are a myriad of classes that make up the SCCA Solo (autocross) program but there’s not any one class really set aside for classic American cars that have been heavily modified to handle that they’d be competitive in. With lots of the modifications that guys make with regard to stuff like bushings, they get kicked into places where some truly high performance competition resides and those cars are not the big beasts that pro touring guys favor. Hot rodded Miatas in the right hands will walk modified A-Bodies or even many classic pony cars in short order. Hate it if you want but the statement stands as truth.

Anyway, the good news is that an effort originating from the Indianapolis SCCA region has gained a lot of traction and seems to be headed for approval from the SCCA Board of Directors according to Dave Dusterberg who is the executive for the Indy region. We think that this is a cool deal because it is a move to include pro touring cars and ultimately should get more people involved in racing their stuff which is what the whole movement is about. Building a car that is greatly improved in the handling department and can both cruise the highways and mix it up in competition when necessary.

Like all racing class rules, we think that there’s some stuff that could be tweaked, debated, and adjusted when looking at the proposed foundation of this new class which will be called, “Classic American Muscle”. or CAM. If anything, this is a good jumping off point for pro touring guys to get busy and have fun at SCCA sanctioned autocrosses. There are lots of options out there when it comes to autocross across the country but for many guys, we’re guessing that SCCA events are the most prevalent.

These rules were posted over on MoParts and are being debated in this thread over there.

We want you to read the rules below and tell us what you’d change, tweak, or throw out in the comment section. We know you have opinions…share ’em!

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Pending BoD approval (which is almost certain) the new class called CAM (Classic American Muscle) will be a Regional only class meaning the class won’t be included in National Tour events, Solo Match Tour events, and the Solo Nationals. At least initially. There are already things I can’t talk about that may happen that could expand class recognition. The class will be in Appendix B of the 2014 SCCA Solo Rule Book.

CAM – Appendix BAPPENDIX B – CLASSIC AMERICAN MUSCLE (CAM)

Rationale: The purpose of CAM is to attract automobile enthusiasts to SCCA who are currently interested in and/or participating in the Goodguys® Autocross events or other similar events for “classic” vehicles (e.g., Street Machine, Muscle Car, Hot Rod, Truck, Street Car, Late Model, etc.) built in North America by manufacturers based in the US (e.g., “The Big Three” – GM, Ford, and Chrysler). These avid enthusiasts would largely be a new and different group of folks to join with us as SCCA® members and participants.

However, many of these types of cars may not have a favorable classification at their local SCCA® Solo® events. By having a simple, single set of rules used across the country, these new autocross enthusiasts would be able to participate in multiple Regional Solo® events with a more consistent experience. Additionally, this gives SCCA and the Solo® Events Board an opportunity to see the viability of this type of participation at all levels of Solo® events. Therefore, Regions are encouraged to offer this program and to encourage Classic American Muscle car enthusiasts to join the fun at your SCCA Solo events!

Eligible Vehicles

1.Vehicle must be considered a “street legal” (lights, wipers, etc.), US-domestic automobile of front-engine/RWD configuration or a “pick-up” truck. Must be licensed and insured.

Vehicle must pass the mandatory safety inspection (tech) and be in compliance with Section 3, Vehicles, of the 2014 SCCA® National Solo® Rules.

Vehicles must weigh 3000 pounds or more.

Body

1.All body panels must be present in the original standard locations and may be modified or replaced. Exc

1.exception: High-Boys (1954 and earlier), Roadsters (1954 and earlier), and Trucks (1940 and earlier) are not required to have fenders or hood sides.

All glass must be present. Side glass components may be replaced by Lexan®.Interior must be finished and have minimum seating for two adults.The fuel tank/cell must be separated from the driver/passenger compartment by a metal panel/bulkhead. The fuel tank/cell shall not vent into the driver/passenger compartment.

Wheels and Tires

1.Any metallic wheels are allowed. Non-metallic wheels must be certified from an appropriate, recognized standards organization (e.g., FIA, SFI, SAE, TUV, etc.).

Only DOT-approved tires with a UTQG Treadwear Grade of 200 or more are permitted.

Draft A

Appendix B – CAM2013 SCCA® National Solo® Rules— 281

Body Electrical System

1.Electrical components and wiring are unrestricted.

Brake System

1.Brake system and components are unrestricted.

Suspension and Steering

1.Suspension and steering components are unrestricted. Method of attachment is unrestricted.

Engine and Drive Train

1.Engine, drive train, and associated components (internal and external) are unrestricted.

Classing Options, based on local demand:

1.A single CAM class for vehicles meeting the above requirements.

Two classes (CAM-A and CAM-B) split on a model year (e.g., pre-1973 and 1973-on or pre-1983 and 1983-on).

Two classes based on body style; muscle car and/or hot rod (alternate minimum weights may be considered).

Other methods of subdividing based on local CAM enthusiast requests.