When you come to an autocross, you’ll need to select the right class for your car. This is a general overview of autocross classes. For more complete fules, consult the official SCCA Solo rules.
Street Class
This essentially the “Stock Class”. If you’re just getting started and there are no after-market modifications to your car, you can probably run in a Street class. There are 10 different Street Classes (H-S, S being the fastest). A car’s eligibility in one of the various street classes depends on its performance envelope. This is a street-tire class (minimum 200-treadwear tires).
Street Touring
The next step up from street! Popular mods such as coilovers, intakes, et cetera are allowed here. There are 6 categories in Street Touring, each with their own set of restrictions (eligible model years, wheel widths, tunes, etc). This is a street-tire class.
Solo Spec Coupe (SSC)
A true “spec” class: spec tire, spec modifications, spec car! This class is built around the “Twins,” the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S from 2014-2016. The prep level falls in between Street and Street Touring and is intended to foster stiff competition between drivers in almost-identical, affordable cars. Full class rules can be found here.
Street Prepared
This category takes street touring to the next level. There are 7 SP classes, all of which have various allowances. Body modifications and Aero (to an extent!) are allowed within SP. This class is primarily run on Race Tires (read: Hoosier A7’s).
Street Modified
This group is split in to three different classes: Street Modified FWD, Street Modified, and Super Street Modified. Engine swaps are commonplace as well as race tires, turbos, superchargers & Big Aero. There are some specific restrictions to aero and body allowances, but the class is wide open in terms of modifications.
Prepared
A full-on “Race Car” class is the way to describe Prepared. There are 7 different prepared classes that all have their own allowances. Generally, Prepared cars have their original bodies that have been significantly modified. There are various restrictions per Prepared class, but these cars are often built to maximize class allowances and are not street-legal.
Modified
There are seven Modified classes, and all of them have absolutely insane cars. In most cases, these are full-on purpose-built race cars with custom bodies, chassis, etc. In some cases, full sections of the car’s original frame have been replaced with tube frames.
Classic American Muscle (CAM)
CAM was designed to provide a home for American muscle cars with more latitude for common performance modifications. It’s split into three groups based on model years and performance envelopes: Traditional (CAM-T), Contemporary (CAM-C) and Super (CAM-S). CAM is a street-tire class. Full rules can be found here.
Extreme Street
Extreme Street has been called “CAM for Imports.” It’s a street-tire class that allows a lot of latitude for modifications. Think of it as Street Modified, but on street tires. It’s split into two classes: XSA & XSB. Full rules can be found here.
Still not sure where your car should be classed?
Classing rules can be confusing and opaque to new drivers (and veterans, if we’re being honest). Drop us a line through our contact form or catch us on Discord so we can help place your car properly for your first event.