HIDS4LESS also offers a Stage Two system, which outputs even more light, though with a more purplish light. It's the same lighting system found on European Le Mans race cars and run at 6,000K compared to the 4,250K of Stage 1.
Each HIDS4LESS comes with a 5-year warranty that covers ballasts and bulbs, and the firm also offers systems for off-road, construction and marine applications.
Hids4less.Com * (866) 571-5538 * www.hids4less.com
Speed World ChallengeThere's an old saying that racing improves the breed, and nowhere is that more evident than in production-car-based competition. One of our favorites is America's Speed World Challenge, co-sponsored by the SpeedTV network and SCCA. The concept has been around in one form or another for more than two decades, but now it's a mature, exciting venue that means a lot to the readers of european car.
Many of the competitors are involved in aftermarket tuning, and the lessons they learn on the track are often translated into sophisticated gear for the street performance enthusiast.
Currently the series includes Grand Touring and Touring classes, based on their performance potential and market segments. Only cars built from 1996 on are accepted and vehicles must be normal production models, marketed and delivered to retail customers. However, there is provision, on a case by case basis, for acceptance of small-volume manufacturers and modification companies. Vehicle weights and tire sizes are adjusted during the season to achieve on-track equality, and each race is no longer than 50 minutes.
For Touring cars, the entrant must have a back seat in production form, can be either two- or four-wheel drive and must have a naturally aspirated engine no larger than 2.8 liters. GT cars are allowed forced induction with no displacement limit, and two-seaters are also allowed.
All World Challenge cars must have a rollcage, safety harness, fuel cell, driver's side window net, on-board Halon extinguisher and racing seat. Allowed modifications include removal of the back seat, front passenger seat and the a/c and radio. Fuel management is open, but all cars must run on the provided unleaded Elf racing fuel.
Underneath, suspension mounting points may be moved an inch, but the wheelbase and track must remain stock. The shocks can be replaced but must remain in stock location, and roll bars are allowed but must be bolted-in, not welded.
Brakes pads and shoes are open, and four-piston calipers are allowed, but GT cars are restricted to 14-in. rotors and Touring car to 12-in. rotors.
All entrants must run mufflers, and the standard wheels can be replaced with direct bolt-on aftermarket wheels. Maximum wheel diameter is 18 in. for GT and 17 in. for Touring. The Touring class allows spec rear wings and approved aftermarket body kits, but GT bodywork must be approved. The spec tires for the series is the Toyo Proxes T1-S, and they can be shaved.
Speed World Challenge * (303) 694-7223 * www.speedvisionwc.com