Since the concept’s introduction in 2023, Club Spec has taken off. Shortly after registration opened for the 2026 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships, Club Spec Mustang and Club Spec MX-5 entries quickly filled the entry list, with more than 70 drivers signing up. Likewise, the mid-October Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack National Championship will also see an admirable Club Spec population.
Club Spec is growing both in participation as well as in the brands of cars receiving the Club Spec treatment. It wasn’t long ago that SCCA announced Porsche would be entering the fray with Club Spec Cayman. That class will include 718 Caymans and Boxsters with the 2.0L turbo flat-four equipped with either the six-speed manual or PDK (but not the Sport Chrono Package) and will hit SCCA entry lists beginning in the 2027 season.
Between Club Spec Cayman’s (CSC) announcement less than a year ago and the present day, progress has been made on the ruleset and, as you might expect when developing a new class, it was discovered that not all components were going to be ideal.
Put another way: Club Spec Cayman’s suspension needed a rethink.
Suspension Shift
The original plan involved Club Spec Caymans to utilize the X73 suspension kit and Vorshlag camber plates. While the Vorshlag camber plates will remain, availability limitations of the X73 kit led SCCA’s Club Spec Committee to search for a new long-term solution that would also feature factory support. With that in mind, the X73 suspension kit will be joined by Öhlins Road & Track coilovers as an approved suspension option on CSC cars.
“The X73 kit will remain a legal option for the class, as we do want people who have, or prefer, the X73 to be able to participate,” said SCCA Vice President of Rally/Solo and Experiential Programs Heyward Wagner. “The [Club Spec] Committee is also recommending that underprepared or partially prepared cars be allowed to run with the class. This includes cars that have camber plates only or are in stock form.”
Öhlins is the Official Suspension System of the SCCA, and Wagner notes this partnership enables the Club to have direct access to the manufacturer, ensuring longtime support and parts accessibility. Furthermore, Tire Rack, the Official Tire Retailer of SCCA, is an Öhlins dealer and can assist in ensuring stock availability.
Road & Track coilovers are a one-way adjustable monotube shock with independent damper length adjustment.
“The Öhlins Road & Track coilovers are a ‘do everything’ solution that embody the true spirit of Club Spec,” said Mitch Bloom, USA Sales Manager for Öhlins. “These coilovers offer drivability and comfort on the street, thanks to their Dual Flow Valve technology that bleeds the high shaft speed pressures you’ll see with bumps and surface irregularities, while having the performance and durability that’s needed for autocross and track use. And should someone need to service their coilovers, Öhlins has a network of dealers and service centers across America.”
The Dual Flow Valve (DFV) architecture used in Öhlins Road & Track coilovers is derived from technology proven in major automotive OEM applications, where it has been validated for 100,000 miles of real-world road use, including testing for damper performance and resistance to salt corrosion.
For those who have already purchased the X73 suspension and wish to move to Öhlins Road & Track coilovers, Wagner says that SCCA is working with Öhlins, Tire Rack, and Vorshlag to ease the transition. Furthermore, to offset the time and cost for those who already installed the X73 setup and are choosing to move to Öhlins coilovers, SCCA will offer a free entry to a 2027 Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Tour and a free entry to a 2027 Tire Rack SCCA Time Attack Challenge. If this affects you, contact Wagner directly at hwagner@scca.com.
Wagner added that the committee will evaluate vehicle performance throughout the 2027 season to determine whether the X73 kit will be permitted into 2028 and beyond.
Your Turn
From the 2023 concept announcement to today, it’s impressive how quickly people built to the Club Spec Mustang and Club Spec MX-5 rulesets. With a higher initial vehicle cost, Club Spec Cayman might see a slower adoption, but drivers will discover the minimal modification list that offers maximum impact, doubled with low maintenance costs, making CSC an affordable option.
The next step is … well, it’s up to you! Whether you own a Club Spec Mustang, a Club Spec MX-5, or are just curious about the new class, check out the Club Spec Cayman page on scca.com to discover whether your next car should be a CSC Porsche.
Photo by Gregory Pfaff
