Clarification: Bumper lights

Bildon

Bildon

New member
Correct me if I'm wrong...

The way I read the rule...cars with integral lights IN the bumpers/bumper covers (not mounted on top or hanging below) must stay intact. You can only cover them. Correct, or did I miss a fast track somewhere?

So these need to go back in...
lights.jpg
 
That's how I read it as well. However, I did replace the optional in-the-bumper foglights on my '96 GTI with the "dummy" inserts that came on non-fog versions. Not that I'm POSITIVE that any GTI's actually CAME w/o fogs...
confused.gif
...but the $80 that I got when I sold them on the 'Vortex offset the purchase of a toe gauge.
biggrin.gif


K
 
Ah, those must be the optional "black paint" (only) bumper lights
wink.gif


Oh, wait a minute. If the "lights" were optional and only reflectors were standard, is the removal of just the reflectors permitted? I would not classify reflectors as "lights", although they might be required anyway. AFAIK, some of those "reflectors" barely even reflect, but are just there to cover up the unsightly tow hooks (hmmm, safety isuue?).

[This message has been edited by Eric Parham (edited January 13, 2004).]
 
Just pulled a pic from the first race in April at NHIS - the debut of Brian's car - I must have been so mezmorized by the AWESOME paint and prep job he did, the front bumper holes got by me.

Those DEFINATELY have to be AT LEAST covered by by rule should have the fatory piece in there AND taped. If that were legal, us RX-7 guys would be getting A TON more cool air into the intake on the passenger side right behind those lenses!
600_03110096.JPG


AB

------------------
Andy Bettencourt
06 ITS RX-7
FlatOut Motorsports
New England Region #188967
www.flatout-motorsports.com
100_DSC_0014.JPG


[This message has been edited by ITSRX7 (edited January 14, 2004).]
 
I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking at (owned a 1st gen rx7 and miatas, but never a 2nd gen), but it looks to me like the "bumper" lights on that 2nd gen are simply taped over rather than removed. The lower opening seems to be an opening in the spoiler (not "bumper"), which should be okay. If we're talking about the upper slatted-look (grill?) opening, I have no idea what that's supposed to be or actually is, but it seems to be above the "bumper", FWIW.
 
Eric,

I posted the picture to illustrate the holes that 'could' be open should someone choose to ignore the rule in this thread. Both the clear lens and the directional have to be taped (the clear one has clear tape) and BOTH have to be covered per the rules as they are in the pic.

AB

------------------
Andy Bettencourt
06 ITS RX-7
FlatOut Motorsports
New England Region #188967
www.flatout-motorsports.com

[This message has been edited by ITSRX7 (edited January 15, 2004).]
 
Just for grins, does anyone actually know why Mazda put those clear lenses right in front of the retractable headlights?

There is a clue in the question.
wink.gif


------------------
Nico
KCRaceware (816) 257-7305
[email protected]
 
>> ... something about cost...

Actually the 'in bumper lights' are VERY expensive and hard to find and WILL be broken. This is another silly IT rule, IMHO.

- Bill

[This message has been edited by Bildon (edited January 20, 2004).]
 
I see no problem with broken lights in the bumper. Tape them over and they serve the same function - NO FRESH air in the engine bay.

AB

------------------
Andy Bettencourt
06 ITS RX-7
FlatOut Motorsports
New England Region #188967
www.flatout-motorsports.com
 
Check out our sponsor Force 5 Automotive he has 4 or 5 that he is parting out. www.force5auto.com (they are not listed on his website but I have seen them, they are very clean cars, just worth more in parts than in whole)

Chris Simple is the owner, he is a very reasonable guy, tell him we sent you.

Raymond Blethen
 
Andy,
If I had pop up lights I might feel the same way. However on my Golf the round Euro lights have been a constant source of pain. They are not a simple 7" US spec light and replacement isn't cheap or easy. However your point is taping them... you can tape the hell out of the lights but once they catch a rock (or an RX7
biggrin.gif
) they cave in and are ugly and it eventually becomes impossible to tape over thin air.

So while your solution seems logical..it doesn't really work.

Sure I can continue to replace the lights after every few races. I understand the IT spirit
smile.gif
And that I shall continue to do.

- Bill
 
Here is my take:

Put a blocking plate in there and tape over it. It would be a weenie protest if someone wrote papers. The point is not to drop weight and not to have extra air.

If I was in your situation, I just might do the above.

AB

------------------
Andy Bettencourt
06 ITS RX-7
FlatOut Motorsports
New England Region #188967
www.flatout-motorsports.com
 
Andy-

That might be acceptable at home (IE: around people you know) but don't plan on going to the ARRC or plan on winnng a protest. unfortunatly someone will argue that you gain a performance advantage with the lower weight of the thin cardboard (or whatever other material you use) instead of glass...

I would think you would be found guilty as the line in the rules has to be drawn.

PS: on the BMW don't play grey areas like that, I would hate to see Nick get booted for something so little
wink.gif


Raymond
 
Raymond,

Don't worry about our cars - they are LEGAL. We work day and night to keep them that way. The last thing you want to do is win and be found illegal - it takes away everything you have worked for.

We are talking in the context of weekend to weekend Regional stuff here. I have said above, I would find one pair of lights, run them broken and keep taping them. Bill has stated they are ultra expensive and hard to find. In the real-world of local IT racing, providing a solution in the SPIRIT of the rules is a temporary solution.

AB

------------------
Andy Bettencourt
06 ITS RX-7
FlatOut Motorsports
New England Region #188967
www.flatout-motorsports.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top