A summary of some of the important classing differences in BMW CCA Club Racing
(click on the Class category for more details)
Club Racing gives you multiple classing choices – if you have a BMW, you can race with us. Learn about all of our different options in a handy summary table with links to the rules governing each class.
| Class category | Purpose | Safety | Relative cost | Minimum weight limits? | Engine mods | Suspension and chassis | Aero mods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | The Sport classes provide an entry point that accurately reflects typical track car modifications - the focus is on safety, budget and reliability. | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements specify minimum specification and limit chassis attachment points to standardize chassis rigidity | $ | Yes | BMW only; allows for few internal modifications | Suspension can be modified to class specs; chassis changes restricted | None allowed |
| Prepared | Prepared classes allow participation with a higher level of modification than the Sport classes, but remain in keeping with the spirit of the original vehicle and are based on the stock class of the chassis and model | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements specify minimum specification and limit chassis attachment points to standardize chassis rigidity | $$ | Yes | BMW only; allows for modest internal modification | Suspension can be modified to class specs; chassis changes restricted | Some allowed |
| Modified | The Modified classes are for race cars with a still higher level of modification than the Prepared classes. Modified classes require use of a BMW engine and all Sport and Prepared class improvements are also allowed in the Modified classes | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements specify minimum specification | $$$ | No | BMW only; - many modifications allowed | Suspension can be modified to liberal class specs; tube frame not allowed except in Super Modified (SM) | Many allowed |
| Spec E30 | SpecE30 allows limited modifications and specified required components prepared to a uniform level. | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements per NASA CCR | $ | Yes | BMW only; allows for few internal | Suspension can be modified to class specs; chassis changes restricted | None allowed |
| Spec E36 | The Spec E36 class specifies a set of E36 chassis, six-cylinder race cars that are prepared to a uniform level. The modifications required or allowed are intended to produce a fun, fast race car that feels like a race car, yet remains relatively inexpensive to prepare and maintain | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements specify minimum specification and limit chassis attachment points to standardize chassis rigidity | $ | Yes | BMW only; allows for few internal | Suspension can be modified to class specs; chassis changes restricted | None allowed |
| Spec E46 | Spec E46 is a road racing class based on BMW's E46 chassis that emphasizes high performance, vehicle consistency, reasonable cost, and ease of entry in order to provide a highly competitive, driver-focused racing experience. | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules http://spece46.com/specs/rules/ Cage requirements specify minimum specification and limit chassis attachment points to standardize chassis rigidity | $$ | Yes | BMW only; allows very modest changes and rigorously specifies tune requirements | Suspension can be modified to class specs; chassis changes restricted | None allowed |
| Spec Mini | The Spec Mini class is designed to allow Mini Cooper non-S version race cars prepared to SCCA B-Spec /T4 rules to race in BMW CCA Club Racing in a point’s eligible class. | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements per SCCA GCR | $ | Yes | See SCCA GCR | See SCCA GCR | See SCCA GCR |
| M2 Spec | This class is new for '23 and as such, BMW CCA Club Racing reserves the right to enact immediate changes to correct omissions, mistakes or loopholes to support fair and competitive racing. | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements specify minimum specification | $$$ | Yes | The engine must be as delivered from the factory | Suspension can be modified to class specs; chassis changes restricted | Wide body kits and fender flares are prohibited. Warning: It is anticipated that the 2024 M3 Spec rules will require only factory delivered body panels (or BMW sourced replacements). |
| PWR | The BMW CCA Club Racing PWR (Power to Weight Ratio) class is designed to be open to many different BMW race cars with minimal restrictions and ease of complying with the class rules. Cars will be classed primarily based on Horsepower to Weight Ratio | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements specify minimum specification | Full range: $ thru $$$$ | Must meet specified power to weight | Very few restrictions; non BMW allowed | Suspension and chassis can be modified; minimum cage requirements must be met | Allowed, but affects classing calculation |
| Vintage | Club Racing is committed to mapping vintage classes to PWR to make their transition easier; however, we also have a dedicated E30 M3 class (M3T), or vintage cars can also be campaigned in the Sport, Prepared or Modified classes | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements specify minimum specification. Cage attachment point limits depend on class selection | Full range: $ thru $$$$ | Depends on where classed | Depends on where classed | Suspension can be modified; chassis changes may be restricted depending on where classed | Depends on where classed |
| BMW factory prepared cars | See PWR | Annual safety inspection required to BMW CCA CR and class specific rules - cage requirements specify minimum specification | $$$$ | Must meet specified power to weight | Must disclose engine details, few restrictions | Suspension and chassis can be modified; minimum cage requirements must be met | Allowed, but affects classing calculation |