> You can't just show up at one (or 17) event(s) in your anemic 3400lb base
> model Prelude and hope to finish in an emotionally satisfying spot in any
> class.
dont tell that to Ric Quinonez. i dont know if it was a base model or not
but i remember some Integra Type-R drivers getting upset when he showed up
in a prelude a few years ago and did pretty well.
-james c
OSP - Often Seen Practicing
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jake Hodges" <jake@codeworm.com>
To: "Richard Urschel" <osp13@mybluelight.com>
Cc: <ba-autox@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, October 14, 2002 9:52 AM
Subject: Re: Regional and National autocrossers
> At 03:54 PM 10/14/2002 +0000, Richard Urschel wrote:
> >Um, Jake, most national autocrossers not only compete
> >regionally, but they are by and large the folks who
> >run the regional events. Maybe you're actually describing
> >casual and dedicated autocrossers?
>
> Oh, I just wanted to point out that the greatest proportion of paying
> customers at events don't have National Aspirations, or at least don't
have
> aspirations strong enough to motivate them to drive to Kansas, much less
> the time and money involved in testing, tuning, and taking the time
> off. How many folks from our region went to nationals this year? I'm
> pretty sure it was less than 10% of the average number of entrants at our
> events. Maybe 35% really wanted to, but that's still not enough to pay
the
> rent.
>
> I, for example, would classify myself as a dedicated autocrosser, having
> attended all but four of our many events last season and allocating
> virtually all of my precious little discretionary funds to a set of used
> tires, a set of inexpensive KYB's, and hundreds in entry fees. Still, I
> have no intention at this point in my life of driving to Topeka. Between
> college and my fledgling career, I have too many other priorities I have
to
> balance with the sport. By the attendance metric, Dan, too, is a
dedicated
> autocrosser, although he has even less discretionary money for tires and
> shocks.
>
> >As for the rest of your points, I understand them,
> >but what are we to do about them?
>
> I didn't propose any changes. I just wanted to point out a different
> viewpoint. The (stated) goal of SCCA's Solo 2 classifications is to
> balance the results for each class at nationals. That doesn't necessarily
> translate to a regional event where the cars and drivers aren't all
> prepared to the same level, especially in HS, the dumping ground for all
> lame cars "NOC".
>
> As a thought experiment, I imagine if SFR decided to classify cars
> independent of SCCA's classifications, we'd come up with a very different
> picture. Because many if not most regional drivers pick their CAR rather
> than the CLASS they want to autocross in, I bet the classes would end up,
> either directly by decision or indirectly by using the results of previous
> events, based more on local driver skill and willingness to spend money
> than car capability. At nationals, there is a greater sample space of
> prepared cars and evenly matched drivers. Car capability is a more
logical
> choice. I guess it comes down to how you prioritize rewarding drivers for
> excellent skill, engineers for excellent modification (or in some cases
> money sunk), or planners for excellent car selection strategy.
>
> You can't just show up at one (or 17) event(s) in your anemic 3400lb base
> model Prelude and hope to finish in an emotionally satisfying spot in any
> class. You can have fun driving around the course, learning, and talking
> to your friends, but trophies and bragging rights are out of your reach no
> matter how good a driver you are. There's some cars in some classes that
> aren't winners. In HS there's a few more now.
>
> Actually, now that I think about it, why not reward dedicated regional
> folks that don't have competitive cars? I think it's lame if you can run
> your heart out at 15 events and not come up something to show for it. I'd
> be willing to organize some simple award for dedicated autocrossers that
> don't make the trophy cut after a long season. How about a cool pin that
> rewards consistent attendance and contribution to the club? That would
> provide out-classed but dedicated folks a badge of honor. Simple and
> cheap, and keeps 'em coming back!
>
> Jake Hodges
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