A new direction for me in 2014

[DFRESH]

I'm in for whatever you guys decide Bill. I am bummed we won't have the chance to get together in Spring with the whole gang---I am more disappointed by that than I am by missing some road course action.

As long as I can drive my car, along with a bunch of others doing the same, and have a good time doing it then I will be happy. It's about the people for me. A little friendly competition is always a welcomed thing in this hobby, and I am with you and the others----as long as it is safe for everyone involved. I know what it's like to go over 170--but that's been in the drag car--with a full halo cage, fire suppression, fire suit, shoes, main shut off switch, tip over switches that go cold if the car goes on its lid, etc. That's with an emergency crew standing by and fire extinguishers lining the track wall. The PT car has nothing except 4 point seatbelts, so I get what you are saying and the concern--and I know it's valid. After racing for many years, I've seen more than my fair share of unbelievable events happen at the track. Fire is the worst possible scenario in my opinion--and can happen from the stupidest things. Speed and driver inexperience will bring about bent up stuff for sure. Someone already said it---it's not if, but when. To keep doing the road courses, once I get my new stuff in the car (more power) it will have to have at least a 6 point and a fire suppression system along with the cut off switch. It's crazy to not have that stuff if you are planning on road coursing the car--unless there is a way to limit the speed to something safe. Just my opinion Hope to hear from you soon on the new venue.

Doug

[Payton King]

My new car is more race car than anything else. I also know that a NASA sponsored track day is more suitable for what I am building than showing up to one of your or anyone else's events and trying to run on street tires.

I will still come to your events regardless of what you do to your format. Like has been stated before, I come for the people and the socializing after the event..and the occasional slash of apple pie.

Looking forward to your event schedule.

[Chad-1stGen]

The safety comments added here have been good. But there is a huge difference in the "vibe" or feel at a RTTC type event vs an average track day. Both good and bad.

The good is so many cool like minded people and cars to hang out with.

The bad (relative to safety) is that by having a "winner" at a pro-touring event you increase the focus on competition and away from just having fun. At an average track day there is no "winner" and many of the folks won't even have paid extra for the transponder to even know their times. They just want to go out and have fun on a track. Yeah it is still dangerous and there can be very serious accidents but I don't see people pushing nearly as hard either.

[SSLance]

Originally Posted by Chad-1stGen

The safety comments added here have been good. But there is a huge difference in the "vibe" or feel at a RTTC type event vs an average track day. Both good and bad.

The good is so many cool like minded people and cars to hang out with.

The bad (relative to safety) is that by having a "winner" at a pro-touring event you increase the focus on competition and away from just having fun. At an average track day there is no "winner" and many of the folks won't even have paid extra for the transponder to even know their times. They just want to go out and have fun on a track. Yeah it is still dangerous and there can be very serious accidents but I don't see people pushing nearly as hard either.

You know, that is a GREAT point. At the NASA HPDE events, first off we are separated into run groups with other cars with our same experience level and we have instructors in the cars with us...but beyond that, there are no times kept.

We are all out there just driving...and the instructors in the car make sure that we stay within our abilities. Never once have I felt like I needed to go faster...for any reason other than I just wanted to. And I still had a complete blast.

Might be something to think about for future events...

[Bill Howell]

Originally Posted by SSLance

You know, that is a GREAT point. At the NASA HPDE events, first off we are separated into run groups with other cars with our same experience level and we have instructors in the cars with us...but beyond that, there are no times kept.

We are all out there just driving...and the instructors in the car make sure that we stay within our abilities. Never once have I felt like I needed to go faster...for any reason other than I just wanted to. And I still had a complete blast.

Might be something to think about for future events...

I think you will find that my idea of rules fit right into this post. I think there is room for a touch of all things mentioned. What you are going to see with my rule changes is my attempt to accommodate as many elements you just mentioned as possible, with SAFETY and fun being the focus and reasoning for those rules, not just copy and paste someone else or some other sanctioning bodies rules. The very nature of our build style means Protouring cars, even if they were all built alike, do not really fit into any group that is presently out there. As I recall, we were and still are streetcars that run on a track from time to time, not racecars with tags. Some may have moved over that line and I have a plan for that too. The KEY here is this, I have a line in the sand now and it is very easy to determine what side of that line your car fits. Giving that and not much more right now, know that EVERYONE soon will know the rules and what the new game is. They will simply have to see what those divisions are and either choose where they fit, or if they think maybe they don't fit any and decide not to play anymore in the ASCS sandbox. That is certainly the risk I will take, given the importance to fix this. There are so many other options out there, no one program fits all needs, I am good with that.
Regardless of the emails and calls I have gotten today, trust me, I am not a MADMAN yet!!! lol