Project 2.Slow Mazda3

[ScottyB]

the entire point of most of the autocross classing and rulesets is to either allow or disallow certain strengths in a huge variety of eligible cars in order to balance the competition so that the "one care to have" for each class is negated as much as possible (although it inevitably happens that one car tends to dominate...but rules eventually change to combat this over time). the rule makers study the race results and perceived characteristics of the kind of cars that are eligible for each class and craft the rules so that some cars and held back but some cars are allowed advantages so that the racing is tighter.

this is a hypothetical example -- your car may have camber problems but has a power to weight advantage over most cars in your field. another car may weigh more but can take advantage or more suspension adjustment. another may have poor weight and suspension adjustment but a strong engine. etc etc. the challenge is to try to find the best way to be fast within your class with a car that may not be able to take advantage of every modification allowance.

autocross-maximized cars typically have to run less-than-optimized setups for this exact reason - some parts are allowed but others are not, and don't necessarily let the car reach full potential.

locally you will probably be fine, and if you keep it to yourself nobody will probably ever notice. past that (divisional, national) you're taking a chance at being called out for good reason.