Originally Posted by Fastrack

RECOMMENDED TO THE BOD

#9305 E85 usage proposal

The following updated version of a previously-published rule change proposal is being recommended to the BOD by the SEB:

Replace the last sentence in 3.6.A with the following:

“Fuels comprised of more than 15% Ethanol may only be used when specified by the manufacturer (e.g. in the owner’s manual for Flex-Fuel vehicles).”

Comment: Per the STAC, the use of E85 is becoming more and more widespread within the Street Touring category. In some vehicles it can enable significant power increases, while in others it cannot. Cars have not been classed with this in mind. With inconsistent availability across the nation, it gives significant advantage to those willing to trailer their cars, as opposed to those who choose to daily-drive them. Unlike high octane pump fuels, E85 is relatively easy to police as its use is quite obvious due to smell. Ethanol content in a fuel sample can also be tested easily in the field.

In the Stock category, there is no option to retune a car for the use of E85 so only those designed as Flex-Fuel vehicles can use the fuel anyway. This change will have no effect there.

Originally Posted by Mitch (Post 684303)

I don't understand why they'd even let designated flexfuel vehicles run cornjuice. ST allows tuning, so you're just going to let flexfuel vehicles take advantage of the added octane but not non-FFVs. It should either be all or nothing.

Originally Posted by dwx (Post 684417)

I think the reason is there are no Flex Fuel vehicles right now which are competitive in any autox class and chances are there won't be.

Originally Posted by Sccabrz192 (Post 684564)

This, and future flex fuel vehicle s which could be competitive will be classed with e85 potential in mind.

Originally Posted by Scooby South (Post 685426)

I think I found the answer.. its posted right at the top of the Fast Track

:)

Originally Posted by 7thgear (Post 686004)

Good.

The less variables the better. Why can't people just drive? :)

Originally Posted by apexaddict (Post 685922)

"Unless noted otherwise" is the key here, it can be ruled to take effect immediately. I assume that is why it's up for vote this month, so it can possibly go into effect on the March Fastrack when it comes out next month. That will be just before the start of the season.

If it passes and doesn't go into effect until 2014, then I would *highly* recommend the STX people leave their E85 at home this year. As Simmons said above, it would suck bad to risk having the car re-classed when it won't actually be as fast.

Originally Posted by Simmons (Post 686378)

I was thinking, I can run the e85 this season then sell the car at Nationals?

:party0030:

Simmons

Originally Posted by GTB/ZR-1 (Post 686209)

Wait, isn't there a stock class for those that don't want to prep their cars? Lol

Originally Posted by dsgerbc (Post 686512)

No there isn't.

Originally Posted by GTB/ZR-1 (Post 686578)

We good now? Lol

Originally Posted by Simmons (Post 686378)

I was thinking, I can run the e85 this season then sell the car at Nationals?

:party0030:

Simmons

Originally Posted by GTB/ZR-1 (Post 686209)

Wait, isn't there a stock class for those that don't want to prep their cars? Lol

Originally Posted by dsgerbc (Post 686594)

No. Add $5-$10k shocks+rebuilds.

Originally Posted by 7thgear (Post 686815)

to be competitive in stock class you need

1. hoosiers
2. the best exhaust you can get your hands on, preferably titanium
3. the best shocks money can buy tuned to your specific car
4. swaybar

you're actually better off in a street tire class because the amount of laid back people goes up substantially