Ousci

[bret]

In ANY competitive series...soccer, football, car shows, and car racing...there are challenges and no shortage of opinions on how to resolve them. That is why there are MANY such series...each one has something unique to offer and typically caters to a specific audience of participants and spectators.
Up to this point I think the Optima Series has tried to be focused on the participant. As Jimi pointed out, there is no other series that offers as much seat time AND access to brand name tracks as USCA. They have invested a huge amount of time, money, and effort to create a competitive and fun environment for competitors.
And they have arrived. In 2016 there will be a waiting list for entries for many of these events [its already happened this year].
Now they can [hopefully] concentrate on improving the spectator experience, both in person and remotely [TV, livestream, etc.].

The Indy 500 is arguably the most popular race in the world. It is over 100 years old. In 1904 is was not the most popular race in the world.

I was not able to run nearly as many Optima events in 2015 as I wanted to. Like most other people, I have other obligations that sometimes take precedence. In 2016 I may run even fewer only because of the locations of the events and the timing compared to other commitments.
BUT...I still stand by the USCA format and viability of that format. Danny Popp won that event because he was the best combination of car and driver. Chris Smith in our 48 Hour Corvette was the 33rd best this year. What will it take for us to win that event next year?

I'm not sure I care. Our goals are simple:

1. build a fast car to develop and test our suspension components
2. demonstrate how those components perform
3. enjoy ourselves during this process
3. try not to spend ourselves broke doing the above

For us, no matter the official standings...mission accomplished.

Would I like to win? Sure, everyone wants to be the best. But it is only one path to success...we have many.

I know that Jimi Day and Cam Douglass are watching this thread with great interest. They CRAVE constructive criticism [and certainly have the ability to ignore simple whining]. I would encourage everyone to keep these ideas coming...offering detailed opinions if relevant...to help improve the series.