While all of us here at B-Spec.org think the answer to every question about racing is B-Spec, the reality is that the SCCA has an event for almost every level of involvement and a class for almost every car. Racing a B-Spec car is all about conservation of momentum and many instructors believe that starting out in a car with limited horsepower is a great way to perfect your skills because there is no big engine to cover up your mistakes. B-Spec cars are sized according the the worldwide industry standard B-Class which is typically front wheel drive. The class covers cars like the Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Mini Cooper, Nissan Micra, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris, so depending on your loyalties, there is likely something perfect for you. One of the things we all love is that we race cars that look different, versus single-make classes where everyone has fundamentally the same equipment. Currently only hatchback models are allowed but the advisory rules committee is considering asking for sedans to be added in the near future. The cars are allowed limited suspension modifications, run a spec-sized tire and depending on the car, it may also have a restrictor to limit power or performance enhancements like a header or cold air intake to make them as close as possible. Obviously the rules also allow removal of much of the interior and mandates the installation of a roll cage and safety equipment. The objective is an inexpensive race car that is reliable and easy on equipment, while being simple to build. A build budget of less than $10,000 dollars including all the safety equipment and a per weekend cost of less than $200 for consumables like tires, brakes, oil changes and repairs make the class extremely affordable and the limited rules means your car should be competitive on a national level without much effort. Our goal with this series of articles is to demonstrate how to build a new car for that budget and sit on the pole at the SCCA Runoffs! One word of warning in advance. B-Spec is the slowest class of racing at the National level so be prepared to endure a lot of good-natured and some off-color comments about your "race car". So, if this sounds interesting to you, read Part 2 - Picking a car here https://www.b-spec.org/blog/copy-of-building-a-pole-winning-b-spec-car-part-2-selecting-a-car
