*shouldn't be an issue at a local event

Some people get uptight and butthurt about little things, and if there's any amateur level group that represents that it's SCCA.

In any case with the RC1's OP should show up self-classed in CSP and see how he feels after an event or three. I know I saw the STX competition and said "yes, I want to compete with that" but luckily hadn't spent money in the wrong direction yet.

If who ever is in charge of tech/the region/etc has an issue with a taped on duckbill spoiler on a new participants car in ST, that is pretty petty IMO. It seems the reason the "update" happened was to help keep new members engaged and coming back. Many new autocross participants leave and never come back when they show up with useless mods that bump them into classes where they have no chance at competing, then see they are way off pace.

Hell, you can win an overall pro solo championship with louvers on your car.

What louvers?

What "update" are you referring to?

I'll have to go dig around. There was something I saw this spring that was saying it was up to regions to allow non functional mods in ST on a case by case basis kind of thing. Too hard to find that stuff while I am at work. One of our other members had sent it to me.

While they go off on their infinite tangent discussion let's bring this back around. If you're new to autocross the last thing you should worry about right now is classing. Talk to your local SCCA chapter and ask them if they have a novice or intermediate class and what the rules are for those. If they don't... run STX with some 200TW tires or run CSP. Or you can run time only. Yes if you want to compete for a local class trophy you need to pick a class and be reasonably legal for it but

Give it a season or two with the car before you start to narrow down onto something. Save up money for parts but don't buy anything except tires and a few basics (sway bars, etc.) yet. Ride with as many people as you can. Drive other people's cars if they'll let you.

The competitive landscape changes so much over time that there's no benefit to building for a class when you're just starting out as your car may not be competitive in those classes by the time you have enough experience to put it to use.

@Locust most groups don't let you register without picking a class, picking the right one is as easy as starting a thread on a message board with a list of mods.

The rest of your advice is great though.

Just above 14.1 Authorized Modifications. Pretty sure this was a recent add.
"Under the provisions of Section 1.1 of these rules, SCCA® Regions are free to allow any other version of the Street Touring® concept which meets local needs. In particular, some leeway in the area of bodywork allowances (e.g., wings/spoilers beyond those allowed in Section 14.2.F) is encouraged at SCCA® Regional Solo® events."