from:larrybsp@aol.com (Larry Stark)
I have a different spin on why the new members. It has to do
with the change in our society and the advances in automotive technology.
Twenty years ago there were three classes, stock, prepared and modified with
the largest group being the prepared and modifieds. In that era stock,
whether European or American cars
handled like s--t, except for one little yellow car built by an eccentric
Englishman named after a flower. There was no real after market for handling
performance parts, tires, shocks, etc. Stock cars on an autocross course were
for the most part no fun to drive. If you were serious about autocrossing you
had to be build your own car up
to the prepared class rules or buy a retired open wheeler to run mod.
Competitors in these classes made a BIG commitment in time and money to
compete.
Times have changed. Now any wet behind the ears kid can go out and
buy a highly engineered car with excellent handling right off the show room
floor. All they have to do is write the check after selling their stock
options. Its instant gratification. The car handles great on the autocross
course (BMW M3, Honda S2000, Z06 Corvette, Porsche Boxster, etc.) and they
all think they are Mario Andrettis. I'm assuming they know who he is. There
is no real commitment to the sport. I'm sure some people will get hooked but
what about the long run? Six monthes from now when they are bored with their
new toy and go out and buy a new one will they still autocross it? Don't
wan't to scratch up my new Boxster do I?
The only quantifiable way to measure growth in the membership is to
track new members vs. members who don't renew. With Solo II you'd also have
to track new members vs. existing member entrants at events to see if are
coming back or if people are just signing up to run and then don't come back.
If you gaining members faster than your losing them you have growth. If not
your kidding yourself. FWIW.
Larry
>
>
>
> On Thursday, August 8, 2002, at 11:14 , Richard Urschel wrote:
>
> > Comparing SFR 1999 to 2002 participation per event:
> >
> > STS +14
> > STX/SM/2 +10
> > Novices +7
> > OSP -4
> > Street Tire Class -3
> > Stock/SP/Prep/Mod -1
> >
> > Total +23
> >
> > Street Tires +18
> > Race Tires +5
> >
> > 39% of SFR participants are currently running
> > in street tire classes.
> > Rich Urschel
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