NASA ST/SU provides a venue for spirited on-track competition in high-performance racecars of all makes, models and types. Several key factors are considered in classing vehicles, using an “Adjusted Weight/Power Ratio” as the ultimate equalizer between vehicles. The relatively few modification-specific rules will allow competitors to configure their cars to perform at an optimal level by using aftermarket parts, providing an opportunity for promotional exposure for the competitors’ sponsors, aftermarket tuners, parts manufacturers, and the vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, these series should provide a stage to showcase driving talent, in hopes that the most talented drivers will advance to even higher-level professional series. The format of the rules encourages direct crossover from both high-level NASA TT classes and race classes from multiple organizations.

Super Touring 1-4

• Any four-wheel, fendered/closed-wheel, internal combustion engine vehicle that passes NASA safety technical inspection can be used to compete in Super Touring provided it is in compliance with the modification limitations in Section 6 of these rules. Hybrids must be approved by the National ST Director. The Scalar Performance SCR1 electric touring car is approved for use in NASA Super Touring in 2023 (further classing information is pending).
• Sports racers, “Prototypes,” and monocoque chassis purpose-built race cars are permitted in ST1 and ST2 using the specific Modification Factor listed for these chassis in 6.5.2. They are not permitted in ST3 or ST4 unless specifically approved elsewhere in these rules, or by written approval of the National ST Director.
• Production” vehicle models are those manufactured by an automobile manufacturer (at least 500 produced per year) and approved for street use by the U.S. D.O.T., T.U.V, or Japanese government, provided it is in compliance with the modification limitations in section 6.1 and 6.2 of these rules. (Other approved vehicles are listed in 6.5.3)
• Non-Production” vehicles (ST1, ST2, and ST3 only), include all other ST series eligible vehicles including “kit” cars, purpose-built track/race cars, tube-frame and partial tube-frame conversion vehicles, and “Production” vehicles that have modifications not in compliance with section 6.2, and will be assessed the “Non-Production Vehicle” Modification Factor listed in 6.5.2 unless the vehicle model is listed in Section 6.5.3 of these rules and has been approved to compete under “Production” vehicle status. A competitor with a vehicle originally qualified as a “Production” model may use the Modification Factor assessment for “Non-Production Vehicle” to avoid all “Production vehicle only” limitations/restrictions in section 6.2.
• For ST4, all vehicles must originate as Production street vehicles unless listed otherwise in Section 6.5.3. Tube frame chassis conversions are not permitted. The Non-Production Vehicle Modification Factor may not be utilized in ST4, but additional specific Modification Factor assessments for certain approved non-production modifications are listed in 6.5.2.

Super Touring 5 and 6

• All vehicles must either be listed in section 6.3.3 or originate as four-wheel, fendered/closed-wheel, internal combustion engine*, Production street vehicles that comply with the modification limitations in section 6.1 of these rules.
• ST5 models must have 264 (two hundred sixty-four) or less factory rated engine horsepower and an engine displacement less than 5,100 mL (cc)**.
• ST6 models must have 168 (one-hundred sixty-eight) or less factory rated engine horsepower and an engine displacement less than 2,449 mL (cc)**, unless they are listed as eligible models in Appendix C. Forced induction is not permitted in ST6. 2006+ Mazda MX-5 models and are specifically not eligible for ST6.
• “Production” vehicle models are those manufactured by an automobile manufacturer (at least 500 produced per year) and approved for street use by the U.S. D.O.T. (Non USDM vehicles may be approved by the National ST Director on a case-by-case basis). Sports racers, “Prototypes”, monocoque chassis purpose-built race cars, “kit” cars, purpose-built track/race cars, tube-frame, and partial tube-frame conversion vehicles are specifically prohibited, unless listed in section 6.3.3.
• *  Hybrids must be approved by the National ST Director. EV eligibility pending.
• ** Engine displacement limits include any engine modifications post manufacturing.

Recent listings from AutoTrader.com

• C5 Corvette Z06 $10,000 – $25,000
• C6 Corvette Z06 $30,000 – $70,000
• Dodge Viper $48,000 – $148,000
• Porsche GT3 $66,500 – $200,000
• BMW E46 M3 $13,000 – $34,000
• Nissan 370Z Nismo $31,000 – $35,000
• Toyota 86/Scion FR-S $9,000 – $18,000
• NC Mazda MX-5 $5,000 – $12,000

• Super Touring 1 = Adjusted Wt/HP ratio equal to, or greater than, 6.00:1
• Super Touring 2 = Adjusted Wt/HP ratio equal to, or greater than, 8.00:1
• Super Touring 3 = Adjusted Wt/HP ratio equal to, or greater than, 10.00:1
• Super Touring 4 = Adjusted Wt/HP ratio equal to, or greater than, 12.00:1
• Super Touring 5 = Adjusted Wt/HP ratio equal to, or greater than, 14.50:1
• Super Touring 6 = Adjusted Wt/HP ratio equal to, or greater than, 19.00:1

Varies by car and horsepower. You can download the class calculator here:

https://form.jotform.com/drivenasa/st-tt-car-classification-form

Some recent listings on RacingJunk.com

• 2000 Super Truck ST1 $18,305
• 2008 BMW M3 DCT $64,000
• 2012 Chevrolet Corvette $52,000
• 2008 Lotus Exige $41,000
• 2010 Porsche GT3 Cup $115,000
• SL-C $180,000

Vehicle modifications are virtually unlimited, but certain modifications incur additional “modification factors” that affect the horsepower-to-weight ratio. No active aero devices allowed, no nitrous oxide, up to 300 pounds of ballast permitted.

Tires, brands and prices

Tire sizes vary greatly, but here’s a sampling of popular sizes and brands:

• Toyo Proxes RR P275-35-ZR18 $306
• Toyo Proxes RS1 P335-710-R18 $435
• Hoosier A7 P335-35-ZR17 $420
• Hoosier R7 P225-40-ZR17 $316

Brakes, brands and prices

• Hawk DTC 70 $300 – $350
• Hawk DTC 60 $200 – $300

Check the NASA Contingencies page for the latest programs.

Ford Performance, Nissan Motorsports, Mazda Motorsports

Benefits

Fast, fair competition with rules that allow for creativity and innovation with a variety of cars.

Challenges

The rules take some serious study. Super Touring is not a class for the budget conscious. The cars can become expensive, as can the consumables.

• Sequential, paddle shift/semi-automatic, and dog-ring/straight-cut gears (i.e. non- synchromesh) transmissions are permitted, but will be assessed via the “Adjusted Weight/Power Ratio” formula regardless of whether they are OEM or not.
• Tire and wheel size are unlimited in ST1, ST2, and ST3, but non-DOT approved tires will be assessed via the “Adjusted Weight/Power Ratio.”
• Non-DOT approved tires are not permitted in ST4.
• DOT-approved R-compound autocross tires shall be assessed via the “Adjusted Weight/Power Ratio” in ST4.
• Maximum tire size in ST4 is limited. (See ST4 specific limitations in 6.4)
• Any hardware that allows a competitor or crew member to wirelessly or directly connect to the ECU (or alter ECU maps) at any time during competition or post-competition impound is strictly prohibited, regardless of whether such hardware is external or internal to the ECU, and regardless of the direction of data flow.
• A rear wing (or rear spoiler for wagon-style bodies) may not exceed a height of eight (8) inches above the roof-line (or OEM windshield height for convertibles).
• Relocation of suspension mounting points is permitted ST1, ST2 and ST3, provided that the modifications do not violate any of the other rules above. One possible method is via the use of modified mounting point brackets attached to OEM mounting locations.
• Modification of the rocker panels for side-exit exhaust is permitted and will be assessed a Modification Factor in the “Adjusted Weight/Power Ratio.”
• Modification and/or relocation of components of the firewall with engine relocation ten (10) inches or less (ie. no mid or rear engine conversion) is permitted, but is significantly limited by the requirement to retain the unmodified transmission tunnel and floor pan.
• Non-DOT approved tires are not permitted in ST4. DOT-approved R- compound autocross tires shall be assessed via the “Adjusted Weight/Power Ratio” in ST4. Hoosier DOT Wet tires shall be assessed as autocross tires except during an officially designated “Rain Session” when they may be used without a Modification Factor assessment.