gts.nasaseries.comGerman Touring Series - National Auto Sport Association

We are currently performing system maintenance on the registration system. We will be back up and running shortly. MENU Sign In Join Now MENU INTRODUCTION RESOURCES FAQ NEWS REVIEWS VIDEOS CONTACT Menu INTRODUCTION RESOURCES FAQ NEWS REVIEWS VIDEOS CONTACT Introduction Everything You Wanted to Know About NASA’s German Touring Series The German Touring Series is wide-open in terms of its rules structure and the variety of cars that can compete in this class. To find out more, we spoke with GTS National Director, Michael Gershanok. He pointed out that E30 BMWs and Porsche 944s are great candidates for GTS1, but Volkswagens, modern Minis and Audis also can run in GTS1. In GTS2, the BMW E36 M3 likely is the most popular choice, and even then it has to be detuned a bit. In GTS3, a detuned E46 M3 is a go-to car, however, no car is permitted to drop more than one class from where it would be classed naturally based on factory horsepower and curb weight. For example, a BMW M3 with an S54 engine naturally falls into GTS3, so it cannot be classed lower than GTS2 regardless of how detuned it is. By the time you get up to GTS4 and GTS5 and even GTSU, the game escalates with a field of modified E46 M3s, E90 and E92 M3s, and Porsche GT3 Cup cars. Series Description The NASA German Touring Series is comprised of six classes of German cars organized strictly based on power-to-weight ratios. This simple formula provides broad flexibility in vehicle choice and in the modifications allowed, which include just about anything. The result is a broad range of modifications and extraordinarily close racing. GTS classes range from GTS1, with the highest power-to-weight ratio, all the way up to GTS5, and the unlimited GTSU, which has no mandated limits. Most GTS cars tend to be either Porsches or BMWs, but GTS fields include vehicles from Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and even Mini. GTS has rules in place to discourage body contact and encourage good sportsmanship. Because of the wide variety of eligible cars, the cost to build a competitive car could range from $10,000 to almost anything. Eligible Makes and Models Any vehicle of German manufacture meeting NASA CCR standards for competition is eligible for competition. The vehicle must have originally been badged and assigned a VIN by one of the following manufacturers: Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Merkur, Mini, NSU, Opel, Porsche, Volkswagen. Competitors are encouraged to request an exemption to the above list. Please contact the GTS National Director. Upon issuance of exemption, a signed allowance must be attached to the logbook. Engine Specs The following table shall be used to determine each car’s base minimum weight when multiplied by the engine’s average horsepower or peak torque multiplied by .9, whichever is higher. In case peak torque is even or higher than average horsepower, the minimum weight will be determined by peak torque ratios: Minimum ratio for: D.O.T. Approved Tires Non-D.O.T. Tires GTSU No limit No limit GTS5 6.6 7.2 GTS4 8.5 9.0 GTS3 11.0 12.0 GTS2 14.0 15.0 GTS1 17.0 18.0 All front-wheel drive cars will be given minus .4 correction ratio. Drivers are fully responsible for classing their own cars. Detunes and weight adjustments are not allowed to drop a car below one class drop from the natural class.” Natural Class is defined as where the car would fall based on published factory horsepower and curb weight. For example: A BMW M3 with an S54 engine is naturally expected to be in GTS3, and should not be classed below GTS2 regardless of the detune. Additionally: GTS 1 – No S54/S62/S65/S85/GT3/Cup Cars or Turbo over 2.0 L GTS 2 – No S62/S65/S85/GT3/Cup Cars or Turbo over 2.5 L GTS 3 – No S55 (F80 M engine)/ S85/ or Turbo over 3.0 L GTS 4 – No S85 GTS5 and GTSU – unlimited The above list of additional comments is to serve as an example of the most common models currently competing in the series, but may be modified or expanded based on the future participation examples. In cases when drivers want to compete with cars outside of the above outlined limitations of the detunes – the formal request must be submitted to the National GTS Director accompanied with the detailed description of the car, dyno data, declaration form and details of the method of the detune – to obtain an exception. The approval must be attached to the Log Book and presented at the events. Any driver caught in violation of the spirit and the honor of the rules may face serious penalties. Weight Varies by car and horsepower. You can access the class calculator here: GTS Class Calculator Fuel Required Permitted fuel is any grade of commercially available unmodified gasoline, E85 Ethanol, biodiesel, or diesel. The driver must notify the Race Director if using methanol or other exotic fuel, when class rules permit. Vehicles that run on (all or in part) electricity, propane, or hydrogen must be cleared through the National Office in writing. Average Cost to Build Car Donor Prices BMW E30 $500 to $5,000 BMW E36 M3 $5,000 to $15,000 BMW E46 M3 $10,000 to $20,000 Porsche 944 $500 to $5,000 Porsche 996 $15,000 to $25,000 Porsche 997 $25,000 to $50,000 Average Cost to Buy Built Car It depends on the class, but the general trajectory of prices rises with class number in GTS. For example, you can find built cars that can compete in GTS1 for around $10,000. In GTS2, you can pay as much as $20,000. For GTS3, $30,000. For GTS4, GTS5 and GTSU, the prices start around $40,000 and $50,000, and can top the $100,000 mark depending on how new a platform you want. Typical Modifications Modifications center on safety, engine, suspension and aerodynamics. German Touring Series National Director Michael Gershanok explained: The higher the class, the more elaborate and more sophisticated the components are,” Gershanok said. Converting from a street car, the suspension components like shocks and springs and sway bars are the first in line to change.” Cost Analysis Average cost to run a weekend — $2,000 to $3,000 depending on class and your tire program. Consumables Prices Tires and prices (from Phil’s Tire Service, Cragsmoor, N.Y.) Toyo Proxes RR $188 to $344 Hoosier A7s $232 to $511 Michelin slicks $295 to $825 Maxxis RC-1 $138 to $248 BFGoodrich R1-S $212 to $369 Brakes, brands and prices BMW E36 and E46 Hawk DTC-60 fronts $212 to $235 Hawk DTC-70 fronts $209 to $264 Carbotech fronts $200 to $285 Porsche 997 GT3 Hawk DTC-60 fronts $342 Hawk DTC-70 fronts $452 Hawk HT10 fronts $379 Available contingencies Check the NASA Contingencies page for the latest programs. Factory Participation Nein. Benefits Racing room” differs from NASA CCR and is defined as at least one car width plus 6 inches.” A modified 13/13 rule. The Modified 13/13 is not intended to be used for individual instances of contact or other driving situations as NASA has clearly-defined and well-documented protocols for addressing individual racing situations. Rather, this rule and its inherent flexibility are intended to provide race officials with a discretionary means of dealing with habitual offenders. Good choice of platforms and plenty of aftermarket support for each. Horsepower-to-weight ratios and an open rules set that is easy to follow. Challenges Racing German cars, new or old, is rarely cheap. Prices are out of reach for many drivers. In upper classes, a thicker wallet can translate to greater success out on the racetrack. Rulebook Highlights In the NASA CCR, under section 25.4.2 ‘Punting,’ the rules define ‘racing room’ as: ‘at least three-quarters of one car width.’ For racing between two or more GTS cars, ‘racing room’ is hereby defined as: ‘at least one car width plus 6 inches. For the purpose of these rules, the test of engine eligibility is intended to recognize that some manufacturers (e.g., MINI) use engines not manufactured by either themselves or by any of their sibling companies. However, because such engines were delivered in these otherwise GTS-eligible cars from the factory,...