Here’s my thinking, for whatever it’s worth:
I truly believe that TIRE SIZE, more than any other single thing, should be the primary consideration when deciding a given vehicle’s class – However, I am NOT saying that a vehicle’s tire size should be the ONLY determining factor.
In my case, due to the level of modifications on my rig, I’m willing to accept that my 32” tires, by themselves, should not automatically qualify me for A Class – obviously it is too ‘built’ for that. --- But by the same token, since absolutely every other thing on the entire vehicle DOES qualify it for either A or B Class, it is totally nuts to bump it up to C Class just because it has a set of aftermarket transfer case gears; particularly when the new gear ratio still isn’t as low as a bone stock Rubicon’s.
As much as possible, the vehicles need to be grouped together: Apples with Apples – Oranges with Oranges – Grapefruits with Grapefruits – Watermelons with Watermelons… otherwise there’s gonna be some mighty Sour Grapes (and/or Gripes).
Here’s another Monkey Wrench for ya:
In which Class would you place a completely stock-height IFS rig, with 33” tires, a welded rear dif, and a 3/4-elliptical rear suspension?
I ask because I know someone with just such a vehicle, and they are very interested in participating in this event – however, they would be far less inclined to do so if their ‘low rider’ is considered a C Class vehicle, based solely on that rear suspension set-up… I mean, hell; there’s only about 6 to 8 hours worth of fab-work invested in the 2 mods that prevent it from being an A Class rig.
OK, I’m gonna hop off the old soapbox now.
I look forward to hearing the results of that meeting!
Cheers!
Smiley
. The rigs in each class (especially C & D) will be set up differently, so I think the rules need to be set up to keep each class fairly even as far as CAPABILITY is concerned. Hence, the classes should be governed by more general guidelines.
