Seems Pretty Obvious
When I helped with registration one year at Tigers United, a lot of the registrants asked about what class their Tiger fell into. I felt bad that I could not point them to anything published that would help them. Over the years, it appears that what most people got in the way of guidance was done verbally.
I recently received an email from a friend of mine who was in the British California Tour, which attended the last Tigers United. He expressed (in a very British, non-blaming manner) his frustration with the Concours and the lack of information about preparing for it, such as pulling things out from the trunk, etc. I remember asking a person in charge of the Concours one year about putting out a list of judging criteria, and was told, more or less, that the person had no desire to do subject himself with having to justify the list.
Originally, it seems the classifications were set up for the Concours, and everything seemed fair game for the Autocross. I doubt many folks think this is right, especially for those cars that are trying to run totally stock.
For the purpose of the Autocross, cars in the Stock class should be, well, stock. Things should be as the car came from the factory, except that the LAT options (supplied via the Sunbeam marketing organization to the dealers) are allowed.
The Modified class should contain those cars which have modifications that give them a distinct advantage over a stock car. Such modifications should be spelled out, but should include such things as non-stock carb, intake, headers or exhaust system larger than stock/LAT, non-stock brakes, modifications to suspension, modifications to steering (including the so called “quick racks” as well as powered steering), super-wide wheels, track-type tires, etc. A comprehensive list of modifications that are considered a distinct advantage would need to be spelled out.
Personalized class cars should be cars that have not been modified in such a way to give them an advantage in the Autocross, but the car has been changed from stock. The most obvious change is a non-Sunbeam car color. Others would be changes to interior (including seats), instrument panel, sound system, 5 speed tranny, wheels (including perhaps larger diameter), and body modifications.
The most important thing would be to have the “official” classification system be developed openly with the input of a variety of individuals. The result needs to be published far in advance of the TU where it will be used, and that it be consistently applied and not leave it up to an individual involved with the TU to “make the call”. If something wasn’t considered and put into the written classification document, it should be reviewed by an appropriate team.
And the same should apply to the Concours judging criteria. People should not be penalized for not having a factory option, for example. The judging criteria for all three classes should be documented and shared with the participants well before the event.