Great catch, Stan.
As is the case of any data analysis, Stan's data must be interpreted,
preferably without the aid of anyone's preferential "spin" being place upon
it.
With that said, it is obvious to the most casual of onlooker that there is
an overall decline in club racing participation. With the exception of SM,
ALL classes have declined (yes, even SR/SRF). If we want to take our case
on an individual basis and say that the F5 numbers are down, the class is
lost, sell your stuff, then, we will get what we deserve: LOTS of surplus
equipment or, at best, a regional only class. We must NOT put a negative
spin on the problem at hand. This data tells me that:
- The price of gasoline (and other petroleum products) has risen
significantly
- The price of lodging and associated costs has risen significantly
- Interest in road racing has dropped OR there are other opportunities for
road racers with equipment they currently own
- Discretionary income in general has dropped.
- Interest in closed wheel classes is roughly equivalent to the interest in
open wheel classes.
- Spec Miata is extremely affordable given all of the factors (e.g., engine
longevity, sheet metal replacement, required tow vehicle size, and abundant
suppliers).
What can you add to this analysis?
However, before we get "starry eyed" and believe that "it's not our fault.
Everything in our class is great if only we could afford a night's stay in a
hotel." We have work to do
Mull this over:
Do I believe we need the results of a revitalized effort to fortify our
class? Absolutely. With that said, let's not expect miracles. Given those
factors for which we cannot address (e.g., gas prices), let's focus on
improving our class by, say, 20%. For every 4 cars racing, a fifth is
recruited to the ranks. The important aspect is that we must advocate
legislation that will provide a DEFINITE INCREASE in our counts. There are
many classes whose "time has come" the doomsayers may say. Those class's
focus is (in most cases) based upon equipment that has been out of
production for some time. Does this mean that the class is no longer
viable? IMHO, no. Does the class need a change? Again, IMHO, absolutely.
I do not believe the absence of a power package in current production is
necessarily an indication of impending doom. As long as the parts conduit
and support infrastructure (in our case, Tony Murphy, Mike Quadrini, Kenny
Price, Don Clar, & Don Hanley to name the major suppliers) is in place and
our rules remain favorable to their efforts, we have solved the pivotal part
of the equation.
With the change in the weight break ruling, the 493 has instantaneously
become THE power package to have. Up to this point, the weight penalty kept
what is probably the closest parity between power packages this class has
ever experienced. I have been associated with this class long enough to
personally observe this phenomenon. I can remember when I was navigating
the infield section of Texas World Speedway in my AMW powered Mk5 and racing
easily with Cory McLeod in his Rotax 494 powered Red Devil only to watch him
drive away from me on the front straight. The past two year's finishes in
the respective divisions as well as the Runoffs is testimony to the parity.
However, that parity does not bode well for our engine supplier and to a
lesser extent, our chassis suppliers. "One cannot subsist on gaskets alone.
One must have whole engines." The advent of the reduction in the weight
penalty should stimulate more engine sales. Yes, the 494 is literally 25
pounds less competitive than last year. As an individual competitor, I hate
it. As a member of the F5 community of enthusiasts who wish for the best
for the class as a whole, it is probably an improvement in our overall
situation. The majority of competitors in both Solo and Road Racing utilize
"pre-owned" equipment. This is where the new folks should get their stuff.
The packages are complete, the setups are close, and the infrastructure is
sufficient to support the answers to those inevitable questions we have all
asked at one time or another. The new cars should be reserved for the
competitors with abundant seat time, the knowledge of setting up and
completion of a new car, and a wealth of relevant spare parts and special
tools. The new cars are as important to this class as plentiful power
packages. These "competitive folks start right here in this class. They
are the ones who have been around for awhile. They are the ones who
(typically) used to buy used equipment. We must regard them as just as
important to the preservation of the class as the new folks and make
equipment available to them as well.
There is no room in our class for secret tricks, obscure setup techniques,
or limited availability parts. That just tells the rest of us that you need
more of an advantage than your driving skill will (in your opinion) provide.
If your secrets promote equipment longevity, shame on you for withholding.
If it merely makes you go faster, how about a break for the rest of us. You
can still outrun us with your consummate driving skill and knowledge of how
your car handles, right? Succinctly stated, give a newbie a break! You DO
want competitors, don't you?
Today's disgruntled F5 racer is tomorrow's SM racer. Do we really need the
"SMCCA?"
FF is getting a new aluminum head approved
American Sedan has approved the late model bodies
FM is allowing the Renesis engine in their tube cars
Atlantic is allowing FSCCA and Pro Mazda (check the graphs; it looks
favorable).
F5 is ____________??
Apologies for the rant.
Dave Gill
----- Original Message -----
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, November 16, 2006 9:01 AM
Subject: Re: [F500] National entries by class and category for 1983-2006
Thanks. Glad to see someone has a handle on data and is using on such
info.
What does the data prove? Like any consumer driven industry, ex. music,
movies, clothes...tastes change. Yes, it would be a lot easier to cope if
we
had a crystal ball but gee how dull life would be.
As always thanks for sharing with the masses.
Do you think we (members) are get enough why "we're gonna do it this way"
data
from Headquarters or are we getting too much data?
Louie Schultz
Philly Region
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