--On Friday, December 5, 2003 10:40 AM -0800 Steve
<huronmountain@yahoo.com> wrote:
> In the new January Fastrack there is a request for
> member input on allowing FF2000 to compete in CM at a
> weight of 1310 lbs. and without wings. I thought I
> would send a heads up here since it directly affects
> CM and people might not have seen it. So send your
> comments to seb@scca.com if you want to be heard.
Folks,
Steve's note has generated a bunch of messages in my mailbox, so I thought
I'd post a somewhat public answer.
As an SEB member, I don't feel comfortable broadcasting my personal opinion
on this proposal, though I would probably be willing to share it more
privately. In any case, when it comes time to make a decision on it, rest
assured that I will argue for the position that I think is best for the
long-term health of the sport.
In any case, please remember that not everything that goes out for member
comment is a done deal. The member comment process is not just a
formality; the board is genuinely interested in your feedback.
In this particular case, the Modified Advisory Committee has not endorsed
this proposal, but they wanted to float it to hear the membership's view.
So please, please do give it to them. (Try to be nice. :-)
A couple letters have come in so far, but I'd prefer to see a flood (on any
topic, not just this one). Keep those cards and letters coming! Send your
comments to seb@scca.com; they'll get logged forwarded to the MAC and SEB.
My mailbox is also always open if you want to discuss before or after
sending your letter, as is the mailbox of your divisional SEB
representative.
Dick asked:
> However, as Jim said, I would really like to know what the reasons are
> for suggesting the change before writing a letter either for or against.
To give you something of a starting point for your letter... What prompted
the proposal is this idea that's been floating around for years; it keeps
coming up, so the MAC figured why not just see what everyone thinks and
then we can actually act on it (where "act" might mean "put it to bed for
a while"). Once again, neither the MAC nor the SEB has actually endorsed
it; it has simply been published for member comment.
The thinking is that the FF2000 is a fun, easily available, relatively
simple, fast winged formula car that currently has no place to
competitively play in Solo II. At the same time, it is considerably less
expensive than its Sports Racer and pseudo-Atlantic brethren in BM. While
many believe that one could trophy in the current BM, few believe it has a
chance to win.
The 1310# number was based on the club racing weight of the Sports 2000.
The FF2000 should be faster than a Sports 2000 -- it has the same motor and
tire, with a center-seat driving position that allows for better mass
distribution and potentially improved front suspension geometry. In Solo
II, the S2000 still competes at the old weight of 1280#, so it would have a
30# advantage over the wingless FF2000. (We generally discount aero
factors, but the FF2000 has a smaller frontal area too, though open wheels
generally raise drag.)
I hope that gives you enough to go on. Please send in your comments.
Mark
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