I was truly blown away by some of the stronger "go away and leave us
alone - we're happy" responses to my suggestion to make some movement
back towards "Stock is Stock" concept. It reminded me of a scene from
the Jim Carey 'Pet Detective' (?) movie where he ventures supposedly to
the bathroom but becomes involved in much more, and he returns from the
'bathroom' soaking wet and severely disheveled, and announces to all....
"Whatever you do, DON'T go in there!!!"
You would think I was preaching heresy or something.
So let's pretend it was the other way around. Let's say we now had a
true Stock class, and I came out and suggested that we allow any front
sway bar, any front shocks including multiple adjustable, wheel spacers,
and then longer wheel studs to accommodate the wheel spacers. Toss in
any exhaust system from the cat back. In 'Stock' class.
Any chance I would have been lynched, do ya' think?
Someone or some groups at an earlier time did exactly that, and this
group bought it. He or she was not asked to shut up, go away, prove
through specific example, preferably from the *Nationals*, that the
lesser driver was disadvantaged by these ideas, ad nauseum. I'm sure
these all didn't happen at once, and also sure that there was much
discussion before taking effect BTW. But the changes away from stock
occured.
SCCA rose to the occasion and did what was perceived as best for the
sport at that time. Like it or not, conditions are still changing.
Look at the huge interest in newer somewhat-modified street-based cars
that *do not fit* existing SCCA classes. SCCA is scrambling to find a
way to include them. Why not the 'Stock' cars too?
Finally, I submit that those that would be most affected are not present
here to discuss. They are *elsewhere*. There is a huge untapped market
of potential competitors who would prefer the Stock option (this is my
opinion, and one that is believed strongly). Say, that could be the
place for the 5 or 7 year phase-out as stock components needed to be
replaced.
Regrets to all for seemingly upsetting the SCCA apple cart. I did not
know that suggesting a new idea or approach would be regarded as being
unhappy with current situations. I *never* said that (have been a
participating member for more than 20 years) - I only said I thought
this other piece was missing and thought it should somehow be restored.
Please try not to put words in my mouth; it's already got enough!
That's it for me. I put the idea out there. Don't really care where it
goes, or if it goes. Just food for thought.
I guess its more like Marie Antoinette once said......"Let them eat
cake!"
(Hope my history is correct.....many years since school y'know)
Scott Meyers
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