I recently picked up a new 08 STI to AutoX this summer. My only real gripe with the car so far is the factory steering wheel -- it's too thin. I'd like to get it padded and recovered with alacantara, but I'm going to be running A-Stock AutoX this summer. Is padding/recovering the factory steering wheel legal for the Stock class? Thanks in advance!

 

That's a tricky one - per the letter of the rules, cars with airbag wheels are not allowed to change the wheel. The intent however is to keep people from removing airbags by installing an aftermarket wheel. In reality nobody will have an issue with what you are proposing to do, especially on a local level.

 

Do you think that this could fall under the "Comfort and Convenience" rules?

A. Accessories, gauges, indicators, lights and other appearance,
comfort and convenience modifications which have no effect on
performance and/or handling and do not materially reduce the

weight of the car are permitted.

 

Yes, but more importantly is the section down a little further:
13.2 E:
Alternate steering wheels are allowed....Steering wheels with an integral airbag may not be changed.

Don't worry about it covering it, just don't change the whole wheel.

 

I'm sure you'll be fine. But if you're worried, put a wrap on it instead of replacing the whole thing.