SteveDoten

I see T1, Scca, local AutoX events, World Challenge, GT2

Can someone break down the sanctioning bodies and classes? specifically to the C5/6 cars?

Thanks very much

Git Er Dun

NASA has a couple popular Vette classes. Basically it is this:

ST2(Super Touring): 8.7 whp per pound
ST1: 5.5 whp per pound
STU(Super Touring Unlimited): Anything goes
There's actually a lot more to it than that because those are adjusted hp to weight ratios and everything changes your number but for the basic idea about what it is. ST1 has a lot C5Z's in it.

NCCC (National Council of Corvette Clubs)
Group 1: Stock
Group 2: Some bolt-ons
Group 3: Serious stuff. You need a roll bar, harnesses, and a fire suit at the minimum

American LeMans Series (ALMS):
From fast to fastest: GT2, GT1, P2, P1...The P car's are prototype type cars that are basically like go karts mixed with formula 1 cars. The C6R's are in GT1 right now but there really is no competition for them there so I think they are going to slow the cars down to compete in GT2. I love watching ALMS when I get a chance but have only seen one race in person. I'm sure a lot more people know more about ALMS than me and also about the C6R's switch to GT2.

This is a basic overview. I'm sure many people after me will explain more to you. Hope some of this helped. -Eric

AU N EGL

Here is a quick and brief start for you

SCCA:
T1: C5s and C6s ( stock engine - but minor mods)
ST: C6Z06
SP0:
B Production: Heavily modified and older World Challenge cars IIIRC
TTC - tour Corvette Challenge variation of above

SCCA PRO:
Trans AM - tube frame heavily modified but carburetor engines -
World Challenge -Modified Stock frame, modified LS6, LS2 or stock LS3 engine

NASA:
ST2: C5s and C6s 8.7:1 power to wt ratio ( stock engine but other mods)
ST1: C5s and C6s 5.5:1 power to wt ratio ( very modified )
SU: heavily modified or tube frame as older World Challenge cars

ALMS
GT2: custom purpose built race cars with LS3 type engine

StArrow68

All the above seem to be Racing! That is way beyond HPDE, Hi Performance
Driving Events, or drive your own car on a track near you. It is mostly run by
local groups except for NASA and some groups that are trying to expand to
more parts of the US. Then there are marque clubs like the events put on by
the Corvette Museum or other marques mostly for one type of vehicle.
The goal of these groups is to learn more about driving your own car in a
performance environment and hopefully translate that into being a safer driver.
Facilities that used to be pretty vacant between weekend events a couple
decades ago are now open and operating 7 days a week, depending on location
and weather. It is an amazing thrill to get up to speed after you think you are
a 'pretty good driver' and find that there is much you need to think about to
be able to operate "At Speed". Racing Schools using your car or their cars is
another way to learn from instructors and get a good feel of what is involved.

The worst comment I ever heard after I had been doing track events for a full
year and had taken two professional driver courses, was by a guy that joined
several other Vette drivers to try out a HPDE for the first time. The others were
in the paddock early and getting ready for their first time on track, very excited.
Nameless arrived late but we had a spot expecting him, he jumps out and first
thing out of his mouth was: "You know what? They made me pay for an instructor!"
He was sure he didn't one. Needless to say, he didn't listen either and at the end
was by far the slowest of the crowd. If I remember right, he quit after 3 times.
Randy

PS, total guess but I'd guess Lime Rock might be a place to look for events.

AU N EGL

Randy nailed that one. Everyone of us has heard that comment from a newbie student.

Learn, listen, learn more, get seat time have fun.

There are several clubs in the NE.

Steve, think the best place to start is to ask yourself, "What do you want to learn and do?"

auto-x
Wheel to wheel racing
Track days / high Performance Drivers events( education)

Jason

NASA also has Time Trials for a nice step between autox ->track days ->Time Trials -> wheel2wheel.

rustyguns

TT rocks!