Guys, the rules for 2016 have been published HERE
nasa-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/document/do...c_Official_Rules.pdf
Some notable changes:
1. Short shifters, dog-boxes, and sequential shifters are now allowed!
2. Welded diffs are now mandatory
3. Hydraulic Handbrakes are MANDADTORY
4. Right hand drive conversions are also legal
5. "Zoomies" type exhaust are now the only spec-legal exhaust
6. Toyo is providing us with 20" RRs and we will have a spec-20" spinner rims.
7. Igloo has jumped on board to build us spec-specific spare-tire well beer-cooler/crash support tanks.
8. Nationals will now be a combined competition of racing results and scored drifting.
Hahaha- ok I'm just having fun (for those of you who dont have a sense of humor).
In all seriousness, despite there being very little visible changes from last year, there was LOTS of thought put into the rules this year. There were lots of debates, some constructive, some not. In the end please know that I tried to keep a very open mind and deliver a rule package that will suit the majority of our class.
The following explanations are provided not to induce more discussions or debates, but purely for you all to understand my train of thought for ruling the way I have.
1. Aftermarket rims- Although I am not opposed to aftermarket rims, there simply is not CURRENTLY a supply of rims for people to use. If I were to impose this change and allow aftermarket rims, it cannot exclude anyone. In other words, I want EVERY driver to be able to buy new wheels, not just a couple. THERE ARE THINGS IN THE WORKS HERE THAT WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER THIS YEAR.
2. Short Shifters- This was definitely the toughest. I feel like this was 2 separate issues. 1 being that people dont like the slopiness of shifters, and 2 people wanting short-shifters for performance improvement. I feel that there is ample information available showing us how to improve our original shifters, as well as quality products to replace components by Only944.com . Changing the linkage component to a short-shifter, however, IS considered a performance enhancement which doesn't fix the issues of a sloppy shifter. Although not greatly expensive, allowing this shifter would compel every racer in this class to buy one. Although it's only $90, this equates to roughly $13,500 nationally. I just dont believe this is on the "MUST HAVE" list, and would encourage everyone to rebuild their stock shifters and or try out the 2 legal Only944.com components. Additionally,
I'm proud to announce that Only944.com is now an official sponsor of the NASA 944Spec class, and will be offering a discount of 10% off everything they sell, with free shipping. Simply type in "NASA10" in the shopping cart to receive your shopping cart. Additionally, Only944.com will be supplying the 944Spec class contingency awards at both NASA Nationals in 2016!
I reworked the wording in this department to better clarify the components and really just to "clean it up".
3. Dyno. Although this can get touchy during high-stress events like Nationals, I truly believe it has been written with the best intentions and fairness in mind. Although our dyno-results at the last few Nationals have been extremely puzzling, I can only ask that you trust in me that steps will be taken to insure cars are as even as possible. This is not always an easy task, and things are much more complicated than most people realize. Let's be strong as a group on this one, and concentrate on equalizing all cars, helping our neighbors, and doing everything legal on our own cars. I HIGHLY encourage every driver to dyno tune before the season and retain your information proving your results.
If anyone would like to discuss anything else with me or ask me questions outside of this forum regarding any of my decisions, please feel free to do so @
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.
I have turned all my attentions now to working on promoting our series, as well as doing more to reward the members in this great class. I have spent countless hours sending out sponsorship proposals, and had just as many conversations with marketing directors at companies from all over the country. I will be attending PRI this weekend to continue my hunt for new sponsors, and hope to be able to make the 2016 944 Spec Season the most rewarding yet.
I highly encourage you all to post pics of your builds, cars, fun racing stories, etc on our Facebook page
www.facebook.com/groups/944Spec/.
If you ever need help locating parts, please contact me directly. Although I may not have it myself, I can certainly point you in the right direction or hook you up with someone who does.
Looking forward to racing in 2016! 
