Many TSM drivers participated in a drivers meeting at the Bristol BOP event where we discussed proposed rule changes for TSM in2003. Please note that the following are listed as proposals ONLY and are now up for discussion in consideration of the rules for the 2003 Turbo Street Modified Points Series. In addition to each proposal I've tried to give a PRO and a CON to changing the rule at issue. In my opinion, we should try to not materially change the rules so as to keep the playing field fair for those whose cars were built to the 2002 rules.
To coordinate the rules-making-timeframe with that of the classes for the GSCA Nationals, the deadline for rule changes will be December 1, 2002. Nothing is final until agreed to by the Points Series Directors and MAY NOT be in concurrence with the GSCA rules for TSM. As such, if any rule is changed for the points series, you may be illegal for running TSM at Bowling Green.
The following are the _proposed_ alterations to the rules for the TSM points series in 2003.
1. Allow racers to keep the "Show up" and the "Qualifying" points for _all_ TSM races attended during the season. This is to award those that attend more races (i.e. try their best) to show their support for the class and their desire to be "in the money" with the points series. This could eliminate the upset we had in 2002 and/or favor those who have the time and money to go to all the events running TSM.
2. Eliminate the Qualifying ET. Qualifying points will be awarded to registered racers who "make the show", which will be defined at each event (i.e. whereas the GSCA Nationals may run ALL cars that want to run TSM, another event may be limited to an 8 or 16-car field). This item was proposed by several people at Bristol in order to increase car count, but could let in much slower cars that will get paired up against the fastest cars (Pro-Ladder system).
3. Increase the minimum weight for aluminum heads to 3,550 (this is another 50 pounds over the 2002 weight break. Easily the most hotly debated change discussed at Bristol. Many people are concerned that the AL headed motors have a larger advantage over the iron headed cars than is indicative of the 100 pound present differential. This increase may make the class appear more fair to the iron headed cars, but could cause resistance from the AL contingent. Note, in previous GS Nationals Turbo Heads-Up races, the weight differential for aluminum heads was 150 pounds (See: GS X-tra Sept./Oct. 1997 page 11, Sept/Oct. 1998 page 9, Sept/Oct. 1999 page 15, it was inadvertently overlooked in 2000; and after that, the rules were posted annually on the GSCA website.)
4. Reduce the fuel injector to rule to "Any fuel injectors allowed." This will allow cars with any number of extra fuel injectors, yet lessens the clean look under the hood (however, note that 7th injectors are presently allowed).
Continued in Part Two...