Thread: New 1500 class rules

Also it will take a quite an effort to get the word out about a new class.

Originally Posted by Travisfab

Also it will take a quite an effort to get the word out about a new class.

Yes this is very true, also a lot of people will sit on the fence and see how the first year goes...the first year is usually slow before it will actually pick up momentum...

Originally Posted by FCORR

Yeah I agree with you, as long as you have enough entries to make a class then it will work out...the problem is dividing up existing classes and making more classes with less entries thus taking away from all the classes...hope that makes sense...

i do understand.....hense the case of helton...where would he go...he fits into both classes...and is super fast...and consistent ....so thats also something that would need to be worked on....
its a give and take..it might take a year or to...but i bet the ones that already race with leafs now would stay and some would switch over

Well where are the lines of the class drawn? Leaf sprung only? Single shock only? If the trucks are super simple I'm worried that my truck might get ruled out...we are heiming the upper arms, no performance benefit but definitely a lot stronger...

My explorer will be done in time for some good ol racing action in 09. I like the idea of a leaf spring class, no way in hell can i keep up with a linked truck. It would be fun and im sure it would draw more people who otherwise would not have raced.

I think with some carefully selected rules this class could be very popular. Anybody who has a race legal truck who is holding out for this class to pop up somewhere should probably get some racing under their belt in the '09 season, get their vehicles dialed in and maybe by 2010 this class can become a reality. Maybe it can be a trial class mixed in with 1450 at this years MDR Night Race?

Originally Posted by FCORR

Well where are the lines of the class drawn? Leaf sprung only? Single shock only? If the trucks are super simple I'm worried that my truck might get ruled out...we are heiming the upper arms, no performance benefit but definitely a lot stronger...

nah your truck is pretty much perfect imo. i would say bolt on kit up front rule is not necessary, it can be custom or center mount or w/e, just make a travel limit, say 15" and SINGLE 2.5" shock at all corners, bumps stops can be 2.0 or 2.5. Rear leaf springs limited to 16-18". max V6 with 200hp Bam. Done. The hardest part IMO would be enforcing the rules. We already got people f-ing up 1450's ONE rule.

Originally Posted by FCORR

Well where are the lines of the class drawn? Leaf sprung only? Single shock only? If the trucks are super simple I'm worried that my truck might get ruled out...we are heiming the upper arms, no performance benefit but definitely a lot stronger...

if it came down 2 it..its almost like a spec class....but then
some trucks can only pull so much out of a kit....
heltons pulled what 14? in the front..(guessing)
and 18 in the rear
yet yota's get more clean rear travel than some rangers...so its a give and take....
a single shock would be good...but then camburg's and BMS race kit is thrown out the door cuz it can rub with two shocks.....in the rear is one as its a given...i would say....
bolt on kit. heims are ok because most kits come with those, max travel of 18''? in the front single shock??? and rear, should be stock mounting in front for leafs....
because if u say stock in rear. then the flip shackle idea is out the window for rangers...
maybe, make it only a 22 gallon cell. to make pit stops more worthy, BUT what if someone else has a 32 already??
if it were motor. i would almost follow smog laws, because- a silverado can come with a V6 or V8 what if someone wanted to do a motor swap, because the V6 was salvaged and what not. so that means, a single cab silverado, pulling 18 front and rear, VS a extra cab 4 banger yota.....see where im going...its a give and take to make things fair, but where is the line....
MAYBE- a mini truck class.....helps out the smaller guys...or have a leafs only an split/ combine the two classes at the end for points. that way everyone has fun and is a winner,
its about having fun, but we all know everyone wants to place/win
ask you self this. would you still race every time if u finished dead last cuz your pocket book is to small to run with the faster guys with links. my honest answer is, no, why? why throw away money to enter to finish last?
thats my view. i will say this, i would race if there was a class for leaf spung guys that are still in highschool and can do a build on the cheap and dont need by passes and everything to go fast just to compete
(sorry for the long posts)

Originally Posted by dezbombin

. max V6 with 200hp Bam. Done. The hardest part IMO would be enforcing the rules. We already got people f-ing up 1450's ONE rule.

ok..what id the motor comes stock with more than 200hp....
so is that to the ground or to the crank.....
i would say.... max v6 OR motor that came with the truck, no V8 swap

In order to put Deavers on a yota you have to move the front spring hanger forward...just throwing that out there about the stock mounting location of leafs...

I would say make 3.0" shocks legal, but definitely single shock per wheel...

Originally Posted by FCORR

In order to put Deavers on a yota you have to move the front spring hanger forward...just throwing that out there about the stock mounting location of leafs...

I would say make 3.0" shocks legal, but definitely single shock per wheel...

3.0 shock good idea.... dont see why not at all...

and COULD you technically make the wheel base longer maybe with a slip yoke to put the leafs on...i know that sounds like a bitch,
or maybe the yota's could be ruled in as thats ok...
but not the link killer leafs since its all new brackets correct?

i think it being overthought. make travel limit numbers, not restrictions on mounting points. some trucks are gonna work better on a budget then others, and not all trucks will fit the bill. thats part of racing a class with rules.

no 3.0 shocks! BUDGET.

Originally Posted by dezbombin

i think it being overthought. make travel limit numbers, not restrictions on mounting points. some trucks are gonna work better on a budget then others, and not all trucks will fit the bill. thats part of racing a class with rules.

no 3.0 shocks! BUDGET.

true,....i agreee

ok 2.5 with giant link killers.... budget??
actually..yes..... no 3.0 just makes that kit much better......
no by pass-...budget? lol

sure you can have link killers. just put limit straps on it at 15-16". or SAVE MONEY and buy a deaver pack that pulls 15-16".

and I say no bypass. you dont need em. budget class, and teach newbs how to valve thier shocks.

simple.....single shock per, travel limits, leafs in rear....V6, maybe a V8 maybe a HP limit,, do a mini and full size class separation( kinda dumb)
sounds like a spec class class almost, but that leaves it up to driver, and how well, you know what your truck can and cant do

and yes teach people how to valve, then...the shock dudes on here might make more money because people dont know how to valve...its a win for everyone

Originally Posted by dezbombin

i think it being overthought. make travel limit numbers, not restrictions on mounting points. some trucks are gonna work better on a budget then others, and not all trucks will fit the bill. thats part of racing a class with rules.

no 3.0 shocks! BUDGET.

Yup, open leaf spring mounting, limit the travel numbers (simple as using limit straps).

No 3.0 shocks? What about the full size guys? 2.5's on a full size puts them in a major disadvantage....

ya the only thing hangin me up is the full size thing. I almost think it should be mini only but idk. is anyone actually working with promoters on this or are we just totally speculating?

I think MDR shot it down, and DRIVE said not yet...but there is power in numbers...if we can get people to commit to the class I'm sure someone will make room...

Bring on the full sizes! Especially if they only have 1 shock.

Mick, you're killing my hard-on here...I want to try and fit 3.0's on my truck damnit!!! lol

a mini class would be amazing.....yet its like a damn ivan spec class....but still fun...
fullsize.....how any full size guy are there out there like u say...numbers matter....
and keep pushing for it, might happen



see you at the meet tonight..

sorry AJ. lol.


ya idk. it needs some thought, but my thing is keep it as simple and affordable as possible.

problem with a spec class is, thats when the guys with $$$ start throwin it at the little stuff to get the upper edge. fine line, fine line.

Originally Posted by dezbombin

sorry AJ. lol.


ya idk. it needs some thought, but my thing is keep it as simple and affordable as possible.

problem with a spec class is, thats when the guys with $$$ start throwin it at the little stuff to get the upper edge. fine line, fine line.

I think there will be few guys with full sizes that are interested in this class...just a guess.

I think you try and eliminate what makes the class expensive on a case by case basis, just know that the rules will be always changing...

Rear suspension - Leafs, mounted however you like (hanger and shackle open)
Front suspension - stock derived (no equal length or center mount, no beams on a Yota)
Shocks - 1 shock per wheel
Fuel cell - open
Motor - max of 250 hp, no forced induction


Just ideas of what I think would be cool and fair regardless if its fullsize or not.

2.5" shock for minis
3.0 for full size.
one shock per wheel.

and just because the cmaburg kit and BMS kit come ready for dual shocks doesnt mean they have to use it. Im with alot of the people here in that i think my truck will probably out classed by most of the 1450 trucks.

A good idea maybe to bump the 1500 champion to 1450. especially if he is dominating consistently. And i can see the first place in this class being top 5 in 1450. Just a thought.

aj...why are you going to heim the upper arms? i know its alot stronger but have you had issues?

I'd do:
Stock mounting points up front.

Leafs out back, mounting points open on v6 or I4; stock front, and limit on rear for V8.

Track width limit, probably base it on the widest commonly used kit available. This limits travel, but leaves room for ingenuity.

v6 and I4s are open, any engine that is available stock from any manufactuer; V8 must be available for your model and must have stock aluminum or steel(any manufacturer) heads only, headwork allowed regardless; no internal mods. Hard to enforce, but easier than an hp limit.

Two 2.5 non bypass shocks per wheel, one 2.5 bypass per wheel, or one 3.0 non-bypass per wheel, front and rear do not need to match.

Frame notching and horn cutting is ok.

No forced induction. Maybe allowed for I4s only?

I think a no floaters or non OEM (meaning d44 are kosher on anything because they are made by an OEM; not sure how to word it) spindles/hubs rule would be cool.

I also think that glass bodies should be considered. Maybe make full cabs only allowed for folks that have raced the class with full metal in the past; this way trucks won't be built with full glass, but when rebuilding after a roll or accident they can go glass. I think that door skins should be allowed regardless, no hinge rules.

I think you guys are trying to re invent the wheel here.


My idea I had when trying to create a 1500 class was to give the newest of new racers a class to race in that they can be competitive. The rules would be simple, which would make it easier and more cut and dry for the racers.


front end must be on the stock mounting points. ONLY acception is a strut frame for the Toyotas and heimed radius arms for the Fords.

Rear would be an open leaf spring set up. Do what you want, as long as it has leafs with a solid mounting point on one end( no four/three links with leafs on two shackles just to say they are there as they did in the 80s).


Frame must remain stock. Only modifications would be the front few inches for increased approach angle if you felt you needed it.


Motors would be limited to 4 or 6 cyl for minis and 6 or 8 cyl for full size.


Shocks.... open. Do what you want. No coilovers in the rear. leafs must be suspension.


Cab rules are the same as 1450.


No forced induction.


Last rule...... Must be willing to BRING IT!!

also an edge uses torsion bars doesnt it..so wouldnt they follow under the rule...


so its a leaf class with anything goes pretty much...leafs in rear, stock mounting in front, anything goes...., but leafs have to support the rear end?

along with the motor/frame/ and cab rules, ya pretty much.

Originally Posted by WFODAN

along with the motor/frame/ and cab rules, ya pretty much.

it works...

now why cant it be done......
something from the inside of MDR.. or is there just not many people out there with leafs that want to race, because linking a truck is easy now with WIY kits and such like that

I think thats the best sum up of what I am thinking....Anymore rules then that and you should go think about if you really want to race or not...

Originally Posted by WFODAN

I think you guys are trying to re invent the wheel here.


My idea I had when trying to create a 1500 class was to give the newest of new racers a class to race in that they can be competitive. The rules would be simple, which would make it easier and more cut and dry for the racers.


front end must be on the stock mounting points. ONLY acception is a strut frame for the Toyotas and heimed radius arms for the Fords.

Rear would be an open leaf spring set up. Do what you want, as long as it has leafs with a solid mounting point on one end( no four/three links with leafs on two shackles just to say they are there as they did in the 80s).


Frame must remain stock. Only modifications would be the front few inches for increased approach angle if you felt you needed it.


Motors would be limited to 4 or 6 cyl for minis and 6 or 8 cyl for full size.


Shocks.... open. Do what you want. No coilovers in the rear. leafs must be suspension.


Cab rules are the same as 1450.


No forced induction.


Last rule...... Must be willing to BRING IT!!

damn, looks like a new engone cage is on the list now to get 2 shocks up front...

but IMO- i think thats a simple class simple rules, and it would be a fun, but slower class...but still fun....

Not that this class would apply to me as I have a linked fullsize V8, and not anywhere near being race ready yet, but I think this class is a great idea and would be bring alot more people out of the wood work and get them in a race.

Dan, question about the forced induction though, what about some of the older ( I want to say 86-87 range) Toyota's that came stock with a turbo? I don't think the stock turbo would give too much of an advantage over, say a V6 Tacoma or Ranger. And again, just asking

Originally Posted by 3linkedchevy

Not that this class would apply to me as I have a linked fullsize V8, and not anywhere near being race ready yet, but I think this class is a great idea and would be bring alot more people out of the wood work and get them in a race.

Dan, question about the forced induction though, what about some of the older ( I want to say 86-87 range) Toyota's that came stock with a turbo? I don't think the stock turbo would give too much of an advantage over, say a V6 Tacoma or Ranger. And again, just asking

i agree 100%
and i know what you taking about..i say a turbo diesel at RCC (forgot what kind of truck... datsun?) but since its a stock motor how would that apply into the rules?

holy shit you are way over thinking it...its a freaking datsun and I doubt that an ancient yota with a stock turbo would just shread your truck on the course. This is not a spec truck class....If you want rules that strict you should just sell your truck and go race a trophy cart.

Originally Posted by SWAYAWAY

holy shit you are way over thinking it...its a freaking datsun and I doubt that an ancient yota with a stock turbo would just shread your truck on the course. This is not a spec truck class....If you want rules that strict you should just sell your truck and go race a trophy cart.

Did you read what I wrote? This class doesn't effect me in any way, so if that truck would be allowed or not, it is no skin off my back. It was just a simple question like I stated.

No, it shouldn't be allowed, no forced induction, even if it's stock. Just pick a different truck to build.

I like Dan's rules, the simpler the better.

These responses, this isn't the first, are funny. Remind us again, why don't you want to race 1450?

Originally Posted by SWAYAWAY

This is not a spec truck class....If you want rules that strict you should just sell your truck and go race a trophy cart.

The purpose of this class is to give the leaf guys, no matter which class they race, a new place to have a huge class. Classes like 7s, 7sx, stock mini, class 3, stock full, etc... This class could easily support 50 trucks per race if done right.

Originally Posted by EseLoco

aj...why are you going to heim the upper arms? i know its alot stronger but have you had issues?

I ripped the upper arms off the frame after the Night Race....we could repair it, but would rather improve the design for strength and never have to worry about it again...

Originally Posted by WFODAN

The purpose of this class is to give the leaf guys, no matter which class they race, a new place to have a huge class. Classes like 7s, 7sx, stock mini, class 3, stock full, etc... This class could easily support 50 trucks per race if done right.

So, it sounds like this class would be the alternative to the new 1400, a way to make 1450 "Sportsman truck" again, right? Does this mean that if it happened it would be a pro class?