Here's some info I got from Alister(sp?)/crack monkey about spec7
"Field sizes took a hit when Spec Miata came around. This year will probably show if SRX-7 has staying power or not - I think most of the SRX-7 drivers who are leaving for SM have done so. As far as I know, they are still slated for their own run group this year (which would mean 30+ car fields).
It's still the cheapest game in town, so will always draw some new drivers and even some old ones looking for something different (Richard Spicer, multi-time RunOff winner, races DC SRX-7 in addition to his National schedule).
You can buy a top-10 quality car for less than $5000 - not many other classes that can say that (maybe ITC). Or, find a mid-pack car that is still streetable (has a muffler and cat) for under $2500.
As for the motor - it is very reliable. Three seasons or more is the norm (whereas piston motors need at minimum a valve job every 1.5 seasons). And they are cheap - $500 from a junkyard or $2000 for a rebuild. The reason people in general are scared of the rotary is the emmissions system - lots of vacuum lines. But, it's cheap to have Bret and RP Performance look at it - I just had my street project at his shop - he had to tear down my carb, rebuild it using a fresh carb housing, and a bunch of other little things (tranny and diff fluid, replace distributor, replace shutter valve, replace clutch MC and Slave) for $300.
The cars make just over 100rwhp in Spec RX-7 trim. Not blazng fast, but still fun. The cars handle well - easy to drive at 90%, but takes lots of practice to get that extra 10%. Because of the spec rules, there are some flaws in the suspension (not enough travel when lowered, too soft, etc), but everybody has the same issues - some people just can't stand to drive it that way (and would rather go to ITA where they can set it up as they please).
Anyways, the cars are dirt cheap to buy, dirt cheap to fix and maintain, and fun to drive. There is a lot of speed in such a simple car with so few tweaks."
Sounds hard to beat...
I guess SM would be basically the same thing, just faster and more $$.
"Not sure of your backgorund, I know you've done a lot of autocross weekends and track days, but have you attended a W2W race?"
I read and talk a lot more than I drive
I've watched a few w2w races in person. Stayed with Al (above spec7 racer) for a couple days in a hotel at a track weekend and talked to a few others at much less length.
"I know of a very nice S14 ITS car with a trailer, lots of spares, tires and wheels that is ready to go racing"
Hehe, would be a fun package to rent
you have PM
Heh, IT is beginning to scare me a bit with all the money involved. Though it seems the only difference between all the different classes I'm looking at is the startup cost. Per even cost shouldn't be more than $100 or so different between classes right?
Hrm...to be continued for sure
