Does anyone think like me?

Could there ever be an autocross Solo II class solely for hybrids?

Take the Toyota Prius as an example:
The Gas engine (1.5 liter 4 cylinder)-
Power output 76 hp @ 5000 rpm (57 kW @ 5000 rpm)
Torque 82 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm (111 Nm @ 4200 rpm)
The Electric motor-
Power output 67 hp @ 1200-1540 rpm (50 kW @ 1200-1540 rpm)
Torque 295 lb.-ft. @ 0-1200 rpm (400 Nm @ 0-1200 rpm) <huge torque!>
Curb weight 2890 pounds! Ugh.

Would a hybrid be competitive in H-stock?
What about a new I-stock class with a better than usual PAX handicap.

Reason why I ask is there is a growing interest in hybrid cars given the high gas prices of late. If more and more hybrids are sold and with not exactly high amounts of engine power, then would these cars be popular for driving daily and racing in autocross over the weekends?

Now if you got an electric powered car (or hydrogen powered?) with a ton of torque (and super quiet!) you might have to class that one in Super Stock.

:impatient

 

My first reaction.

Then I started to think about it and thought...

 

My buddy and I were just talking about that exact idea n the way back from thelast CenDiv event today. Problem is, hybrids are very diverse now. Lexus is coming out with a GS hybrid, and the Honda Accord has a V6 hybrid that is loads faster than the Insight.

 

No need for a special class for hybrids. You evaluate the total performance potential and class the car accordingly into the existing class structure.

 

A friend of mine owns a Honda Insight. I love the car and I've been trying to encourage him to autox it. It handles better than you would think. He races a WRX STi instead. :smile:

The only problem with racing a hybrid (well, maybe not the only problem) is the tire size. Since those cars are meant to be gas misers, the stock wheels are very narrow and will not support a wide tire. I would think that aspect alone would prevent the cars from being competitive in the existing stock classes.

 

This idea of autocross class for hybrids is thinking for the future-

With the concern for better mpg and a cleaner environment more people will be owning and operating hybrids.

Fewer cars will be of the older gas burning variety over time. Recently the gas prices have been favorable but that seems to be changing soon. Automakers are feeling the pinch as sales of low mpg units are really sagging.

Strong HP hybrids can run in the regular stock classes. But the under powered and small wheeled hybrids can have their own class. Just limit the HP with a cutoff say 85 HP or less.

Hey, does anyone know if you can autocross in a SMART car? Those have really small wheels. :impatient

 

The question isn't if you can. The question realy is what class should the SMART be in?