<html><head></head><body><div class="yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:arial;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"> <div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Spridget / Smidget / Spridgetites / and all other twisted expressions for these little beauties!</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div> I wanted to follow up on some emails that I had
overlooked last Summer. I will highlight some of those comments and
concerns:</div>
<p class="ydpdd47e3c9MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="ydpdd47e3c9MsoNormal">1. What are the rules for Vintage Racing for classifying
Spridgets in VSCDA and SMRS (Sprite Midget Race Series)</p>
<p class="ydpdd47e3c9MsoNormal">2. Do we have physical inspections?</p>
<p class="ydpdd47e3c9MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="ydpdd47e3c9MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When I initiated the SMRS my goal was to be
inclusive with most Sprites with the intent of bringing more Spridgets to race
as the vision. I thought that once a highly modified Spridget saw more
Vintage Appropriate Spridgets they would want to back date their cars.
That never happened, in fact just the opposite.<span>
</span>VSCDA’s rules and regulation identify 1972 SCCA GCR and PCS if a car is outside
of those rules those cars could participate as Mod1 or Mod 2.<span> </span>The reinforcement of these rules are a time
consuming challenge that is difficult to apply.<span>
</span>The SMRS rules and regulations were initiated by me and fit within VSCDA
rules.<span> </span>They were reviewed with 3 other
Spridget Aware assistants before issuing to Spridget distribution.<span> </span>Initially I tried to put us in groups where ability
and car prep were similar.<span> </span>Three years
later I realized this made it even more subjective, which is when we had more
concrete rules and a 1972 SCCA GCR to reference.<span> </span>There were many assumptions made on what was
legal and illegal.<span> </span>To counter this misinformation,
I had a reference sheet to help with understanding the differences.<span> </span>I am attaching SMRS Rules and Regulations and
would encourage anyone wanting to understand the differences to read them.<span> </span>This would also help others potential
Spridget Racers to understand some of the details. </p>
<p class="ydpdd47e3c9MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We have inspected some car with and inspection sheets to assist in making decisions for classification.<span> </span>Sometimes this
was not possible since I was the primary person doing the inspections and some
racers were not in our paddock or raced with us infrequently.<span> </span>Mostly this has been the honor system.<span> </span>SCCA was able to regulate this more with tear
downs after races if there were protests against other racers, which we do not do in Vintage Racing.</p>
<p class="ydpdd47e3c9MsoNormal">Future: I resigned as the lead for SMRS earlier this year to work on other projects and
would encourage those that want to keep the VSCDA Spridget Racing alive to
shape the future to better meet the needs of Spridget Racers.<span> </span>It is a double edge sword to allow more highly
modified Spridgets in with the positive being more Spridgets to race with and
better numbers to support race expenses.<span>
</span>The other side of that coin is for those adhering to 1972 SCCA
Regulations it becomes a frustration for trying to be authentic and less
competitive.<span> </span>Like most things in life there
is never a perfect solution, but with some compromise hopefully the majority of
Spridget Racers will enjoy a good time on and off the track.</p>
<p class="ydpdd47e3c9MsoNormal">Have a Spritely Happy New Year</p>
<p class="ydpdd47e3c9MsoNormal">Stan Mason</p></div> </div></div></body></html>