I also thought the same about the Optima coverage, but, they are the title sponser. Without them, no series. Since RA is there "hometrack", that's why it was there turn I'm sure.

You are not the only one that is nervous. Everyone should be, keeps you focused. I'm sure you could ask Kyle or Bret or Danny, but I'm pretty sure there are a few nerves before they get out on track. MIS for some reason scared the $#!? out of me. 10 laps later, I felt much better.

It is OK, in the novice group, to go out and cruise. I'm sure you'll be asked to pit and let faster cars go by as there is no passing allowed in novice. I'm no sure however, how many people are content with just cruising a few laps. When you're strapped in with a helmet on, its hard not to want to improve session after session, at least for me.

I'm content with being in the middle of the pack and having a great time, but if I see a late model Corvette or other, that is a few tenths faster, then it's game-on next session. I'm gonna go out and run him down, safely, within my personal limits of course.

It is scary when you see a car balled up at an event. Even worse when he's two cars in front of you. There has been a total of 7 cars that I'm aware of that have been involved in some sort of contact with a barrier or another car.
This is real life no doubt.

You all saw James in the OLC and Ken with the Z28. Not sure what the proper etiquette is about talking about other's misfortunes, so it's best not to I guess. No one has been hurt, that is the most important part.

I can't wait for the last event in Pittsburgh. I wish Sebring was possible, its just too far.

You also haven't seen many of the spins and off track excursions that happen as well. I personally saw 4 different spins happen right in front of me at Gateway. Every one of them happened when the driver was digging for more rather than just cruising, but thankfully none of them had any contact or damage other than some tire wear.

Aaron is right about the nerves, but as long as you drive within yourself and constantly feel what the car is doing you'll be fine. I assume that all of us are good enough drivers to know when your four tires have good grip with the surface and are able to notice when that grip starts to go away. Once you get to that edge, it is up to you whether to tip toe that line or scale it back and just ride along. Nobody is going to laugh at you or peer pressure you into driving over your head, that is not what these events are about.

I feel your pain on not being able to get the show via livestream or even download. MAV absolutely forbids it. I'm not in the TV business [at least not that end of it] so I don't know the resoning behind it.
I would love to be able to push a link to the video out to our facebook/forum/email base, even if its days or weeks after the initial airing. It would seem to help everyone....including MAV...to excite people about the show and the channel.

The show[and its distribution is not perfect. BUT...it is certainly a huge step in the right direction...AND each show is getting better about focusing on the car/racer/racing coverage.

I can also see the point about the show seeming a little like an infomercial. Opinions vary on this but I like the "organic" approach...casual product placement...performance results...lifestyle enhancement. Each company has their own way of accomplishing this.

One thing to consider...this group is VERY involved and knowledgeable...to the point that they could pick apart the tiniest of technical details. The "civilian" market [even if they are car people] might enjoy a show that is more concept based and more pure entertainment rather than a show that is technically accurate...but could be considered...boring.

It has been called a fine line...I think its a broad and blurry line.

Aaron and Lance... Thanks for your input. As an OUSCI '13 attendee (wont say competitor cause I was fooling no-one lol) I get it. I was just saying that what you guys are saying needs to be shown on the TV coverage. Not everyone at these events is trying to hit 150mph on the straights. They should show the novice class and what its about. I dont recall seeing that aspect of the show yet. Attendance of these events is going to come from those sitting on the sidelines thinking "it looks fun and my car may be capable but I dont want to trash it or push it that hard". Another thought... 5-point harnesses, neck restraints, and roll bars are great but also intimidating for those thinking the only way to do the event is to have that stuff.

The last two shows (Gateway and Portland) have been the best so far by a long ways. The producers have really listened to the comments and changed the focus of the show to the cars and the drivers...and it shows. They are much more watcher friendly.

I just hope the ratings are showing this on that end of the deal. Bret will you pass along our thanks for asking for our input and more than that...their listening to it as well.

Good luck to everyone in Pittsburgh this weekend, hope the weather warms and dries up for you for the ultimate experience at the event.

Optima streetcar challenge
 

I love the show, I love the action and I think it's a huge step for the hobby, business. I think they do the best they can with a 40 minute show, after all the events are a couple days and the editing has to be tough. I wish MAV TV were available on ATT/ Velocity. I gotta go by the inlaws to view. Can't wait for Vegas.

Another thought for the Producers... Please do a 3 part season finally. With as much competition as there will be there, it would be an injustice not to give each event the time necessary to show all the leaders and the competition. Show their times on the leaderboard so we can follow how the competition is progressing. Do an episode on Autocross, then another on Track, and another on Speedstop. Mix in SEMA cvg, character/driver stories, and D&E competition within each episode. I take that back... you might need a 4th just to introduce SEMA, OUSCI, and the major competitors in the event. Build up to the actual competition.