My softtop was cut and left it in only for the fact of classing in autox(I only do local stuff so far) I didnt want to get put to SSM for gutting it(that is the class we get moved to for taking the top out right?????)
So taking the hardtop off for autox really seems like a pain(I have an authentic Mugen but use the permanent brackets on the front) I feel like even if I did put the latches on it for easy on and off, it would probably get kicked or ran over or someone would just damage it somehow while it sits on the ground.
SSM it is I guess....or can the extreme heat be used as an excuse for "comfort and convenience"??????? hahahah

 

You can remove the soft top in BSP/SSM BUT the caveat is you do have to install the CR tonneau cover. That was explicitly spelled out in one of the fast tracks as part of update/backdate.

 

Even SSM needs the conversion????????
At this point I might as well just sell the mugen top. Geeeezus

 

Yep, you can't remove anything back there until you go to prepared class.

 

Are you planning on national competition? I doubt anyone would have an issue with you running a mugen hard top, on the car, but no CR Tonneau, at a normal regional autocross. It's a disadvantage unless it rains and even then it's very small. Especially if your car is not fully prepped. Then you could decide later whether you want to replace the soft top or get a CR tonneau if you want to get all SRS BZNSS.

 

You're right, nobody would probably even know its not legal, let alone complain, but I dont want to be "THAT GUY" that was "cheating" the following year. I really wanted to go after pax this year and SSM just reduces my chances on that even though the actual class is easier than BSP in my region.
That top must be an extreme advantage from them not allowing it
Any hardtop should be allowed if the softtop is still installed I feel.
How is it that the authentic Mugen top is not allowed yet if Mugen is Honda performance brand???(it was available in Japan through dealers from what I have read) To me it is no different than Cooper Works parts for MINI

 

This is one of those things where some would disagree with me but if you're racing with the top on and the soft top installed, I would be amazed if anybody protested you for the top being mugen, even at the highest levels. And as Steve said, even if it rains and everyone has tops on, people are going to understand that it doesn't actually give you an advantage, especially when you're talking about rain where it's mostly about your tires and driving anyway. Theoretically they could but if somebody did that they would be relentlessly made fun of.

With the top gutted and no tonneau that's a different story though.

 

Yea gutted is definitely not cool. I only had to put my top up for one event last year and even then it didn't matter since I was running a6es in 1/4" standing water so I wasn't even able to stay on course. Like I said, I know my Mugen top isn't 100% legal by the letter of the rule but it's only going on when it rains and at that point I think it does go under comfort and convenience. It would be the same if I raced with a tarp on to protect me from water. The rules don't explicitly allow it but hey I think my competition is somewhat reasonable. It's been hard enough to get BSP numbers up at events that this is minor. Not running with the CR tonneau at a national even though when it was explicitly clarified wouldn't be cool though since it does have a fair amount of weight.

 

It's fun being the underdog and proving people wrong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaXoensgXtc

 

One hell of a trophy. Good job!