Results of shock surveys
#38077 from Touring Committee · Recommended to the Board · Minutes (2025-05 Fastrack)
The Touring Committee recently sent out a survey to active Touring 4 participants regarding the proposal to remove the “non-
adjustable” shock requirement in Touring 4. The survey asked one question; “Are you in favor of allowing non-remote reservoir,
adjustable shocks in Touring 4”. The intent of the rule was to keep cost and complexity low. Over time, the rule has had the
opposite effect.
Survey Results-
Responses to the survey were in favor of removing the non-adjustable’ requirement. Of the 64 responses, 43 people (67%)
selected “Yes”, while 21 people (33%) selected “No”. There were 24 comments. Proponents mentioned increased availability
and options, decreased development costs, and a better ability to compete with teams with bigger budgets. Detractors cited
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rules creep, cost to convert what they currently have, as well as unspecified “costs”.
The TAC’s interpretation of the results-
For the budget racer, the “non-adjustable” requirement severely limits available off-the-shelf (OTS) options. Commonly, custom
shock hats and spring perches are needed to make a compliant shock work, adding to the expense. With the proposed change,
budget racers should be able to buy a readily available OTS coilover kit, complete with top hats and spring perches. With some
compliant springs, they’re ready to race.
Currently, the ultra-competitive T4 racers have been using custom made shocks or OTS shocks that were upgraded with custom
internals. In these cases, the car was built with adjustable shocks, adjustments were perfected, then the adjusters were
removed by a suspension shop. In this case, the “non-adjustable” requirement adds steps in the development process, adding
to the cost and complexity. If you currently have access to custom shocks that are already optimized for T4 (ie. Penskes from
Mazda Motorsports, or secret valving from professional teams) this R&D was done for you. Drivers using other spec lines have
to do this R&D on their own to compete at the same level.
Conclusion-
By changing the “non-adjustable” requirement to “single-adjustable”, there were many more options for budget builders, and
custom builders won’t need to perfect their shocks, then remove the adjuster. Drivers will also be able to make minor
adjustments as the shocks age, prolonging their operational life. Remote reservoirs or multiple adjusters would significantly
increase build cost and complexity and are not recommended.
In GCR Section 9.1.9.2.D.5.b.2., change as follows:
"The make of shock absorber may be changed. Their number, perch location(s), system of attachment, and attachment points
shall not be altered. Their type (tube vs. lever, etc.) shall not be altered. The interchange of gas and hydraulic shock absorbers is
permitted.
T4 only: (Effective 01/01/2026) Unless a specification line allows adjustable shocks, adjustable shocks are prohibited. Any non-
adjustable or single-adjustable shock absorber is allowed. Adjustable shocks that are retrofitted into nonadjustable appearanceare prohibited. Removing adjusters or knobs from adjustable shocks is prohibited. Commercial part numbers for shocks must bevisible and unaltered. Shocks must be installed in the original mounting locations. Remote reservoirs are not permitted.
Threaded shock bodies or adjusters may be used. Shocks can serve no purpose other than to damp motion."