Laughlin: Series updates 2011 classes

January 25, 2011
Cutting-edge development
SCORE International adds four classes including three Forced-air induction classes for SCORE Desert Series

New SCORE classes: Class 2, Class 2-D, SCORE Extreme Lite, SCORE Ultra Green; SCORE modifies rules in Classes 8, 10, 7-2, 4, 22, 21, 25, 24, SPT M/C<, SPT M/C>

LOS ANGELES--Continuing itsposition as the innovator and the leader in cutting-edge development for the sport of desert racing, SCORE International CEO/President Sal Fish has announced that SCORE has added four classes and modified 10 others among its 34 Pro and six Sportsman racing classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs in the five-race SCORE Desert Series.

Celebrating its 38th year as the organizer and promoter of the World's Foremost Desert Racing Series, SCORE, based in Los Angeles, has introduced Class 2, Class 2-D, SCORE Extreme Lite and the SCORE Ultra Green and made modifications in existing the following existing classes: Class 8, Class 10, Class 7-2, Class 4, Class 22, Class 21, Class 25, Class 24, SPT M/C< and SPT M/C>.

"SCORE has proudly been the pioneer in our sport of desert racing, from introducing classes, safety guidelines and continues to be at the forefront of expanding technology and increasing innovation," commented Fish, who has led SCORE since soon after it was founded in 1973. "These new classes will allow SCORE to remain current with the demands of the racing enthusiasts as well as cultural advancements within the industry. From developing the first classes allowing turbo and super-charged engines, both regular gasoline and diesel, to introducing the first class for hybrid or electric vehicles, SCORE solidifies its position as the preeminent desert racing organization in the world.

"To assist the needs of our racers, we have also made modifications to our rules in eight classes, all designed to help the ever-changing landscape of desert racing worldwide."

Under the guidance of long-time SCORE Tech Director Bill Savage, the descriptions of SCORE's new competition classes are:

-CLASS 2 (Unlimited open-wheel, car/truck, 3.5-Liter Turbo or supercharged)

-CLASS 2-D (Unlimited open-wheel, car/truck, 3.5-Liter Diesel Turbo or supercharged)

-SCORE EXTREME LITE (Unlimited open-wheel, car/truck, 2.0-Liter, Turbo or supercharged)

-SCORE ULTRA GREEN (Unlimited open-wheel, car/truck, Hybrid or Electric)

In describing some of the reasoning behind the new classes, Savage, whose SCORE Tech facility is in Vista, Calif., commented, "SCORE wants to keep up with the trends in society which seek more gas mileage, smaller engines and maintain similar horsepower. Additionally, we think now is the time to introduce turbo and super-charged engines, both gasoline and diesel, into SCORE desert racing. We have also identified and modified some rules in four existing SCORE classes to help increase the popularity and keep the classes more affordable for the racers to compete in."

The most notable rule changes to existing classes are in Class 10, an unlimited open-wheel class with limited engines. Beginning this season SCORE is requiring that all newly-teched vehicles have stock, sealed motors from the manufacturers in an effort to help keep the popular class going and make it more affordable for those competitors who don't want to move up to the unlimited Class 1.

Under the new rules in Class 10, single-seat open-wheel vehicles with the stock, sealed factory motors can have up to 2.2 liters (2200cc) and two-seaters can have engines up to 2.5 liters (2500cc).

In the motorcycle and ATV classes with changes, the engine displacement cc requirements have been changed to 400cc or less and 401cc or more.

-source: score