I wholeheartedly agree with Chuck, Sean, and Cory's positions as stated in
this thread. The class is not in immediate jeopardy of losing either
National or Run-Offs status. We all joined this class for the same basic
bang-for-the-buck reasons, which is the formula that has kept it healthy now
for 40+ years. There is no major change or technology shift in sight that
suggests that success won't continue for many more years. Smaller,
incremental improvements, supported by a class majority are healthier than
large wholesale formula changes. Large changes to the formula as we know it
would logically drive away more existing participants than it could possibly
replace with new participants confused by the resulting schitzophrenic rules
and lack of clear purpose & direction.
I think the discussions and debate on this list have been healthy, for the
most part. I would only suggest that folks not be "alarmists" about the
decline or demise of our class based on it's formula. This, because we've
all seen several newbies and prospective newbies lurking here each year.
We've seen the NW and SW growing, largely due to a couple folks passionate
about the class spreading the word and following Cory's common sense list of
"Dos & Don'ts".
Also, I've had several requests to do so, and will eventually coordinate
another F500 Improvement Items Nomination Process and "Vote". I think we
still have and need more time to test, analyze, discuss and debate the
issues. Specifically, some test data and better yet, FS F5+Coil+Damper
experience will serve us well, even prior to a nomination and vote of
interest. Meanwhile, the [optional] items the class majority pushed through
for 2007 offer some incremental opportunities for many of us, take advantage
of these, if possible.
So, to add two items to Cory's list . . .
5. Be a "POSITIVE" change agent for our class, especially when
discussing/debating issues on the PUBLIC F500.org list.
6. Actively partcipate in our class and exercise your voice and your "vote",
again, in a positive manner.
Shiny Side Up,
Joe Palmer
TX Novakar #56
----- Original Message -----
From: "Cory McLeod" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 9:57 AM
Subject: RE: [F500] Write the Shock Rule
Class is not in jeopardy of losing national status, which is different
than the Runoffs issue. 14 cars for sale is not unheard of, and is not an
indicator of people leaving the class (ever heard of upgrading or buying a
new car?) We can absolutely grow the class without killing it in a
misguided effort to turn it into a new class.
1. Run your car as much as possible if it's been sitting in the garage.
2. Buy a car and run it if you're on the fence or have been sitting out
(my situation).
3. Promote the class based on what drew us to the class.
4. Rent your car to newbies whenever possible.
This is just a few ideas off the top of my head and there are plenty more
that have been posted on this list, but they all assume that the person
truly cares about the class. I agree with Chuck - what is the motivation
for someone new to the class, without the years of effort, friendships,
and sweat invested in the class, who obviously doesn't understand ( or
purposly refuses to understand) the demographic that the class appeals to,
to want to reinvent the specs? Is it truly for the long term benefit of
the class, or is the motivation somewhere else?
Cory
Eric Dean <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
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"
To:
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
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