On Sat, 2006-08-19 at 11:55 -0400, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

> Since there are so many old cars that are once again competitive, the  
> combined FF/F600 class increases it's participation grow by 20-30%, as 2 or 3 
>  'new' 
> DB-1s start to show up at each national.  Most of these have been  built for 
> under $20K net, so this becomes the de facto entry-level open-wheel  class, 
> pushing F500 aside.


I fear that this is a much more likely and relaistic scenario than
David's horror story. Not that David's horror story isn't possible (or
even likely). 

But I agree that the 600cc bike motors WILL pose a significant threat to
F500. 

Marshall poses some real serious (and legitimate) questions here....


> So, will the guy with $20K to spend buy a new F500, a converted DB-1 F600,  
> or a Spec Miata?  If so, why or why not?  


Sadly... I have to say that I would have to give some pretty serious
consideration to a converted DB-1. And that's a tought thing for me, the
ultimate F500 cheerleader, to acknowledge.


> Alternatively, should F500 be the lowest-cost option in a single group that  
> includes FF/F600/F500?
>  
> Where do you want F500 to be in 5 years, and how do you plan to sell it  
> against the likely invasion of the bike-engined cars?  


I think that pretty much sums up the the core questions that we, as a
class, need to answer. 


> These issues are being  put in front of 
> the board NOW; our proposals so far are a great start, but if we  don't take 
> some leadership, we will be dragged along against our will or left  behind.


Without some solidarity and sense of purpose F500 WILL be dragged along
or left behind. We can either embrace change and grow (or at least
sustain) the class, or we can resist change and be left behind. I
believe that the class MUST evolve somehow to remain viable for the next
20 years. If it doesn't evolve it will become extinct (Darwin's Theories
apply to racing classes too). We need to figure out what that
evolutionary path is, and how to manage it in such a way as to keep the
class viable and cost effective.

As always, just my humble opinion...

-- 
Eric D Christensen
Proadmin, Inc.
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