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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