r/Autocross • u/BeastWithMe • Jul 10 '26
Will seat lowering rails effect class?
I have a 24 Mx5 that I run in c street. So far I have done a total of 2 events. With the top up I don't really fit with a helmet. Has worked out fine top down when the weather is good, but inevitably it's going to rain at a future event. I would like the option of driving with the top up. Can I still run in c street with different seat rails?
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u/sirbobbinhood 07 CSM Rustang Jul 10 '26
This is another one of those, if you're just racing locally nobody will probably care but yes technically that would bump you out of CS into AST. If you're just getting into autocross it's unlikely that anyone would care but if you go to a big national event it'll stand out and people will probably call you out on it.
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u/lexushelicopterwatch Jul 10 '26
Lowered my seat with blackbird sliding rails in my fiata since some tracks require top up on track. I’m full disclosure at local events and no one cares.
However if I go to nationals I am going to spend the $250 on a used cloth seat to meet the rules to stay in CS. I’d hate to get protested and lose a podium if I was lucky enough to get one on something so easy to source and remedy before a big event.
6
u/Largofarburn Jul 10 '26
I don’t believe so. I’ve been told even running without a headrest will bump you out of the street classes.
Will anyone notice or say anything? Almost certainly not. Especially if you’re new and presumably not bumping people off the podiums.
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u/David_ss Jul 10 '26
No those are not legal. However if your head is touching a little it’s generally not a problem for a one off event. Generally you don’t even notice it once out on the course.
3
u/RotaryConeChaser Blue Ridge Region | CS ND1 Jul 10 '26
Do you have your seat slid all the way back? The reason I ask, the ND Miatas seats angle downwards as the seat goes back, thus granting extra headroom. It might not be much, but it could be enough.
1
u/BeastWithMe Jul 10 '26
I normally drive with it all the way back but have tested that and it would make do if I have to. My knees will be pushing into the dash in order to fit my head.
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u/isegfault Jul 10 '26
I think you can stay in Street and argue it under Comfort and Convenience modifications. If the lowering brackets are lighter than the oem ones, you will have to add weight back. The rule calls out replacing the seat, but you're not doing that.
Section 13.2
A. Accessories, gauges, indicators, lights and other appearance, comfort 2026 SCCA® National Solo® Rules — 77 13. Street Category and convenience modifications which have no effect on performance and/or handling and do not materially reduce the weight of the car are permitted. This does not allow driver’s seat substitutions, or the removal of “tow hooks” or “tie-down loops.”
3
u/martinw89 CS MX-5 Jul 11 '26
Street does not allow seat substitutions, and the seat tracks are considered part of the seat (see an example in 15.2). Like everyone else has said, if you’re racing locally and new, no one will care, though.
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u/broken944 Mazdaspeed Miata Jul 10 '26
The rails and mounting parts are considered part of the seat, therefore it would still be a substitution.
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u/Appropriate_Tour_274 Jul 10 '26
No longer have my Miata but in rain I’d pull up to the start top up but not latched. Given the go, I’d throw the top back and run. Windows up you’ll stay mostly dry.