This past weekend at the JTC-NJ Jag-O-Lantern Slalom, I heard something that gave me pause. I understand that some cars are running in "stock" classes with donut wheels and low-profile tires. How can that be? A quick check of the rules makes it appear that only cars that qualify as "stock" under Concours rules can be entered as stock in slalom classes.
However, Rule 20 states: "Any car in stock class may use any road tire fitted to a stock dimension rim appropriate to the class." This rule seems to be inconsistent with what the general Concours-fitted rule would imply, and does not permit the use of non-standard wheels. It does, however, open the door for the use of low-profile or other street legal race tires.
Was the information correct? Are there cars running in stock classes with other than stock wheels and/or low profile tires? If so, they should be in modified, not stock. I also think that the Slalom Rules Committee should revisit the tire rule as well. Cars with "street-legal" low profile or race tires have a distinct advantage over cars with stock sized tires.
It seems to me the rules generally try to keep the cars on an equal footing so that driver skill, not equipment difference, is the deciding factor. I have no objection to people modifying their cars or using performance enhancing equipment, including low profile tires and racing rims. Go for it! But if they do, they are not stock and should run in a modified class. IMHO.
Steve Weinstein
JTC-NJ
'89 XJS
'72 XKE 2+2