NSW Supersprint - Type 2 - can I remove the softtop ?

[whoa_dang_96]

Hiya - just bought a hardtop - planning on running the NSW supersprint remaining rounds in Type 2.

Can I remove the softop and just run with the hardtop - or do I need to run with both??

[Guran]

I'm pretty sure that you can remove the soft-top in Type 2. Best person to confirm would be Hellmun who is a front runner in Class 2B. I think he's taken out his soft-top and carpets, and runs with a CF hardtop.

[Hellmun]

I've removed my softtop but I still have all the carpet except for the parcel shelf. Anything not safety related can be removed from memory in type 2. I always meant to recarpet the parcel shelf. The glare is a PITA. Or maybe just spray it with matte black.

I'll send you the vehicle regs when I get home from work.

[whoa_dang_96]

Thanks - I have been looking at this http://supersprints.com.au/rules-and-regulations/2010%20Vehicle%20Regs.pdf under type 2...it doesnt specifically mention anything about convertible tops..

I did notice ...

1.11 Factory Extras are permitted. (hardtop permitted)

1.3 The entire vehicle must be as originally specified by the manufacturer
except for the specific freedoms allowed herein.

2.7 The addition of a sunroof does not necessarily render the vehicle ineligible.
Each case should be considered on its merits, taking the extent of structural
modification and safety into account.

Is it a question to ask CAMS about eligibility?

How many other people have removed their softop and only run hardtop?

I didnt think carbon fibre hard tops were a factory option?? - especially with a plastic rear window and not glass (isnt it a sport sedan then if changing glass for plastic?)

[Guran]

Best to ask the eligibility officer for NSW Supersprints if you want a definitive ruling. You should find contact details on the website. I asked Mike Hicks about eligibility of CF hardtops and he passed on the question to the eligibility officer - the answer came back that it was OK for all Types (including Type 1 provided the softtop is still fitted) since it's not a structural item. Personally I was surprised with that position, but gave the CF hardtop a try anyway. Didn't make any difference for me since I was carrying the softtop weight anyway. That's one of the reasons why I decided to sell my CF hardtop. I might as well just run with the softtop up. Incidentally, Tony Williams is doing very well in 2A and he usually runs with his softtop folded down! He likes the wind in the hair feeling.

[Guran]

Can't find a specific link for the eligibility officer so might be best to email the panel at panel@supersprints.com.au

[Hellmun]

The hard-top itself isn't a part of the standard package, so I don't think it has to conform to the glass being replaced with lexan rule. The rules don't explicitly state much anything about a convertible roof though looking over it.

Honestly I'd just ask Mike Hicks like Bryan suggested... he's on the CAMS board. Arguable looking at the regs again I should need my CD player, aircon and powersteering put back in. They may have been more specific with the regs this year than last regarding

1.3 The entire vehicle must be as originally specified by the manufacturer
except for the specific freedoms allowed herein.

as they don't really exclude much anything at all.