In a message dated 3/28/01 10:45:56 AM, dwaite@reboxx.com writes:
<< I certainly don't disagree with having rules and trying to keep things in
check but all was not kosher in the good old days and I think folks should
understand that. >>
Everyone knows that cheating is nothing new and as much a part of racing
as rubber and gasoline. One of the differences from the 'good old days' and
vintage racing is that in the old days, there was more of a purpose for
cheating. When these cars were new, they went racing with the intention to
win the race or their class.
But now, the purpose is supposed to be a bit different. The purpose and
focus now is supposed to be fun/preservation/exhibition. If you cheated to
win back then, you were using creative engineering to outrun the competition
for money or points. If you cheat to win in vintage racing, you're doing it
because your ego can't cope with your lack of talent or a historically slow
car.
I also don't buy the common excuse that "everyone ran with (insert your
favorite cheater part) on their cars in the old days" Sure, some guys did.
But don't try to tell me that blatantly illegal cars were winning SCCA
Nationals and not getting protested. The good and fast cars were NOT running
incorrect cylinder heads, brakes, carbs, etc., etc. They were primarily well
prepared and well driven machines that earned their way to the front of the
grid LEGALLY. Any cheating on these cars had to be very clever indeed not to
get spotted and protested. (Of course, some of these cars were prepared by
very clever and brilliant mechanics.)
Since where we finish in a vintage race is less important than it would
have been in our cars heyday, we should have a higher standard of car
preparation in terms of legality. Part of the thrill of vintage racing is
knowing (if your car is period correct) that what you are doing is really
like it was in the old days - that you are racing a true vintage or historic
car.
Doug Meis
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