SCCA Time Trials

MAX CATEGORY

CLICK HERE FOR TEXT VERSION OF MAX CATEGORY RULES

CLICK HERE for the MAX CLASS CALCULATOR (Fixed 3/27/2024 - Please COPY SHEET for PERSONAL USE)

These are the vehicle classing and preparation rules for the Max Category of SCCA National Time Trials Competition. The intent of Max Category is that these vehicles are examples of "dream" street cars – built or bought.

Competitiveness is not guaranteed, as it is impossible to assure competitiveness without also restricting the imagination and desires – something not done when dreaming.

Once you find where your car may fit within the classing divisions, make sure it fits in Max Category by scrolling down to see what modifications you're allowed to do.

Max Category Classing

Max Category is divided into five classes. Each class is based on a set of allowed displacements or electric motor power along with minimum weights (measured with driver) to avoid ultra-light production cars winning each class.

The basic gist is this: There is a base unmodified naturally aspirated displacement (or kilowatt) limit for each class. If you have factory unmodified single-unit forced induction or you have modified your naturally aspirated engine – you go up one class.  If you have multi-unit forced induction or have added or modified existing forced induction, you go up two classes.

In addition, if you’re under the weight limit of the class, then you would need to go up classes until you find your spot and no car may be less than 95% of curb weight with driver or less than 1,100 lbs. – whichever is higher – and still compete in Max Category.

Max Category Authorized Modifications

These are the Authorized Modifications for Max Category vehicles (i.e., what you can do to your car and have it stay in Max Category). Max Category, like Sport and Tuner, is a restricted ruleset. If a modification is not specifically authorized in these Rules, it is not allowed. (If it doesn't say you can, you can’t.)

The first section outlines the Max Category philosophy, safety minimums, vehicle eligibility and general modification rules. Following that, the individual sections outline what you can do with each system. (e.g., body, engine, suspension, etc.)

Each set of allowances is broken down into two parts, the first of which are the "Layman's Terms." These are a basic way to describe the intent and allowance. For the rules nerds in our midst, or those who think their modification might be close to OK but not quite sure, there will be a link to the full text rules which fully explains what is allowed. There are some rules we trust don't need any more explanation (we use the word "unrestricted" a lot in this section).

In Max Category, a vehicle may have every modification allowed in Sport and Tuner Categories, plus the modifications listed here.