I'm running in STR at an auto-x event this weekend (first time) and I was wondering if there was any rule saying you can't drop weight in certain ways, e.x removing passenger seat, trim, etc. I couldn't find anything on it but I would hate to show up without a passenger seat and be told I don't qualify for STR.

 

Simple. If the rule book doesnt say you can do it, its most likely illegal. For further clarification email the STAC.

 

You cant remove the passenger seat in STR and stay legal. For Street Touring in general you cannot remove bits from your car to save weight. Weight savings can be done, but through replacement of some existing parts to lighter weight ones.

If this will be your first autocross it wont matter anyway. You will be many SECONDS off the pace, never mind the half a tenth or less having the seat removed would net you. If you want to be the fastest novice and leave the site with a feeling of accomplishment, start reading up on beginners tips (tons out there).

Good luck and drive smooth!

 

Well I realize I'm gonna, in lack of a better term, suck, but that doesn't mean I don't want to try to exploit every possible method of saving time. I still want to do the best I can even if it will be my first time out there.

 

Removing seat = .05sec at best... Getting a good instructor to ride along and help you throughout the day = 5.00sec at WORST (Ive seen novices gain 10+ seconds in 1 day from instructors)

even really good drivers often pass on small weight savings measures (less than 50lbs) for anything short of national events for street driven cars, it just doesn't make that much of a difference unless you are consistently within .1 of the other top guys.

 

What these guys said. Leave the passenger seat in (you can't legally remove it in STR anyway), find an instructor if you can, and listen to everything he/she has to say. If you're new to this the car will be the last thing holding you back.

 

Yes, there are rules on what you can do to reduce weight on your car.
You can remove your passenger seat, but, you have to REPLACE it with another seat!

14. STREET TOURING CATEGORY
14.2 BODYWORK
B. The driver and front passenger seats may be replaced, with the following
restrictions: The seating surface must be fully upholstered.
The top of the seat, or an attached headrest, may not be below the
center of the driver’s head. The seat, including mounting hardware,
must weigh at least 25 pounds and must be attached using the OE
body mounting holes/studs. Additional mounting points may be added.

 

Ok thanks for the input. As for spare tire and tools? I don't have them in the car right now. Can they stay out? I'm guessing not

 

loose items may/must be removed from the trunk.

 

The rules are available online. The Street Touring section isn't too long. The key phrase that you have to keep in mind is (paraphrasing): "Cars must be run in the factory-stock configuration except for the modifications described below."