Hi Electric Racers! Big news for the EV motorsports community: the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has introduced an Electric Touring (ET) Category, specifically designed for sprint racing production-based battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This is a major step forward in integrating EVs into mainstream road racing, and it offers a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the performance, reliability, and excitement of EVs on the track.
Here are some key highlights of the ET Category:
- Two Classes: ET1 (high power-to-weight ratio) and ET2 (lower power-to-weight ratio).
- Vehicle Requirements: Cars must remain largely stock in their electric systems, with modifications allowed primarily for safety and racing compliance.
- Focus on Safety: Roll cages, fire systems, and other safety enhancements are mandatory.
- Open to All: Any production EV approved for U.S. or Canadian markets is eligible, subject to SCCA classification.
This is a chance for amateur EV racers to step into an organized racing format where the focus is on skills and strategy rather than extensive car modifications–there’s a separate class for that.
Whether you’re a seasoned SCCA participant or considering your first race, this category could be your gateway to competitive road racing in an EV.
Here’s a summary for those considering participation:
Purpose and Philosophy:
- The ET Category provides a platform for sprint racing with limited vehicle modifications.
- Modifications are restricted to those explicitly allowed in the rules, ensuring fair and safe competition.
- Participating vehicles are converted into dedicated race cars, and their eligibility can be discontinued as needed for non-performance reasons.
Compliance Requirements:
- Vehicles must meet Federal Standards applicable to their make and model as specified in the Electric Touring specification line.
- Participants must carry a service manual or an equivalent (digital or physical) and a physical copy of the vehicle’s Emergency Services Guide.
Vehicle Eligibility:
- Only cars approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) for U.S. sale (or equivalent Canadian standards) are eligible.
- Eligible cars must be publicly available and classified by the SCCA.
Classification:
- Cars are divided into two classes based on power-to-weight ratio:
- ET1: Greater than or equal to 125W/kg.
- ET2: Less than 125W/kg.
- Classifications are reviewed annually.
Safety Items:
Mandatory safety equipment includes:
- Roll cages complying with SCCA General Competition Rules (GCR).
- Installed fire systems per GCR and SCREV guidelines.
- Replacement of driver’s seat with a one-piece bucket seat.
- Safety harness systems and driver’s side window safety nets.
- Deactivation of passive restraint and airbag systems.
- Tractive System Active Lights and functional rain and brake lights.
Vehicle Preparation:
- Electrical systems and Tractive System components must remain OEM and unmodified.
- Software modifications are prohibited, except for OEM-supported adjustments.
- Vehicle interiors and non-essential components may be removed to reduce weight and accommodate safety equipment.
Other Rules:
- Modifications must adhere strictly to the category rules, ensuring no component serves a prohibited function.
- Participants must maintain neat and clean vehicle appearances and adhere to specified ride height and bodywork rules.
The full published ruleset can be found in section 9.1.9.3 of the General Competition Rules (GCR).
Let’s use this thread to discuss the ET Category, share ideas, and ask questions. Whether you’re curious about rules, prepping your EV, or just want to brainstorm strategies, this is the place for it!