Chuck, you are correct in that getting existing cars on the track is the short term answer. That said if we are to survive we need new blood & I think that will require some changes to the class. Most certainly we MUST NOT dis-enfranchise existing cars & owners.
My only suggestion is that we look at new ideas to grow the class. Thanks ... Jay Novak -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of McAbee, Chuck Sent: Saturday, October 28, 2006 5:19 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [F500] Write the Shock Rule National Participation figures alone do not indicate the full story about F500. Participation is driven by many levers, other than just owning a car. I can only speak from the knowledge I have derived from SE Division competitors. One car was wrecked in it's initial outing of the year and is, I presume, still undergoing repairs. One owner of 2 cars is going through a divorce and is unable to race either. One owner had his AMW fail and because of part availability decided to built up a new chassis with Rotax power. Another owner of several cars has relocated his business and has had to devote more time to the business than to racing. Several other owner have had business or family commitments that limited their participation. Were all of these owners to have run schedules that they have in the past, the SE Division participation numbers would have been 30 to 40 higher that they were. I know there were several competitors in other divisions that ran schedules more limited than they have historically run. I believe the change in Runoff's location affected a number of competitors plans in NEDIV and SEDIV account the additional tow distance to Topeka (For me the tow was 6 hours longer than to Mid-Ohio). Historically, CENDIV, SEDIV & NEDIV have provided the participation core for F500 (and most other classes in SCCA) and the move to Topeka affected a number of the competitors thinking about National participation. Changing the cornerstone rules of the class is not a way to get existing cars out on the track. If the cornerstone rules of the class are changed, most of the existing cars will never be seen on track again, and most will not be able to be sold by their owners since major modifications and development would be necessary to get the cars to competitive racing condition. Getting existing cars out on the track competing will improve our standing more easily and quickly than developing a whole new type of car and calling it an F500. Chuck McAbee SEDIV #16 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jay Novak Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 11:25 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [F500] Write the Shock Rule Excuse me but there is not misconception about the lack of entries in F500. Look it up here in the SCCA website. F500 had a GRANG TOTAL of 9 entries in the NW Pacific division for an average of 1.29 entries/race. F500 had a 70 race total of 243 entries for the entire USA for an average of 3.4 entries/race. We were 19th out of 25 classes. If you think that 9 entries for an entire season in a division is good racing you are very mistaken. You guys that have blinders on will have nowhere to race your F500s in a few years. Thanks ... Jay Novak -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Sean McDonald Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 11:37 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [F500] Write the Shock Rule I don't know where the misconception comes from about our class not attracting newcomers. Out here in the PacNW this we had 3 newbies (including myself) and it looks like we will have 2 more next year. That's 5 new guys in one region in one year. I can't keep track of all of the posts on this list from guys saying "Hey, I am new to F500 can someone answer...". National participation may have been down but we weren't at the bottom of the list and we are fine for the 2007 Runoffs. By that time most of the newbies will have earned their National licenses (don't forget that it takes time to get to the National level). I don't know about shocks on our cars, frankly I am having a blast learning to be competitive with the car I have and don't really want to have to become an expert on shock set up at this point. I didn't just happen into F500, I did a lot of research about what was available and the rules, money, etc. to be competitive and F500 (the way it is now) is what I was attracted to. My first year was some of the most fun I have ever had. Just my $0.02 worth. Just don't underestimate the attractiveness of this class new people. There are more of than you probably realize. Sean G. McDonald Advertising Director Peninsula Daily News 360-417-3540 -----Original Message----- From: Eric Dean [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 6:20 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [F500] Write the Shock Rule The class is not attracting many new owners, road racing participation is down, National class status is in jeopardy, many cars are becoming autocross only cars, 14 cars are for sale on the web page, and you guys want status quo? What do you suggest to generate renewed interest in the class? How do we save it? Any positive ideas or do we just stick around and wait for the eulogy? Sorry to come on so strong, but I hope there is a larger purpose to this discussion than just spending money for performance, safety, etc. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gil Osenburg Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 5:13 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [F500] Write the Shock Rule Chuck, I agree with you ! If you want something different - get into something different ! Gil ----- Original Message ----- From: "McAbee, Chuck" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 11:56 PM Subject: RE: [F500] Write the Shock Rule > It has always amazed me how the newcomers to a class, any class in > SCCA, always want to reinvent the class to their liking (so it will be > 'easier' for them to win - since they have 'expertise' in the changes > they want). > > The hallmarks of F440/F500, since 1984 at least, have been - > > 2 stroke, water cooled 440/500cc engine CVT Transmission Suspension > medium = Elastomer 1" thick x 2" diameter 10 inch wheels 80" maximum > wheelbase 55" maximum width > > The basic concepts of the class have worked well for the past 22 years > and I don't see any compelling reason for those hallmarks to be > changed at this time. F500 is not 'just another Formula class' at > present and if it were to become 'just another Formula class' it would > become totally invisible in the plethora of the other Formula classes. > > F500 is what it is! > > The biggest bang for the buck in SCCA racing! > > > > > Chuck McAbee > SEDIV #16 > > ----------------------------------------- > This email transmission and any accompanying attachments may contain > CSX privileged and confidential information intended only for the use > of the intended addressee. Any dissemination, distribution, copying > or action taken in reliance on the contents of this email by anyone > other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have > received this email in error please immediately delete it and notify > sender at the above CSX email address. Sender and CSX accept no > liability for any damage caused directly or indirectly by receipt of > this email. -- No virus found in this incoming message. 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