Andy,
As is usual w/ the CRB, their position on the process is inconsistent. They have enough confidence in it to use it on newly classified cars, but they don't have enough confidence to use it on all the cars in the ITCS. ............
First, regarding the Process application on newly listed cars (Initial classifications), I was told by the CRB, (and I'm condensing a bit) that we can use The Process V1.0, 2.0, or make it up,
as long as it makes sense.
Well, that leaves some latitude. As an example, a Atwood GT is currently classed in ITA, with 120hp, and 110 ft lbs. A new listing, the Cumberton GT comes across the desk, with the same exact Hp, and the same basic specs, FWD, brakes, suspension, etc etc. Same car, essentially, as the Atwood GT. But the Atwood was done 6 years ago. Now the Process spits out a weight 100 pounds lighter. What to do?
- A- List it as the Process spits out. Ignore the obvious "It doesn't make sense" aspect when compared to the identical car that's already listed.
- B- List it at the existing car's weight to make it "make sense". But ignore that it doesn't 'make sense' compared to the rest of the class??
(I'd chose A, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few)
In either case, it points out the inevitable contradiction that the "Make it make sense" edict creates when we are limited in our range of adjustments.
I do understand that the CRB feels the process is flawed because it relies on stock hp. I agree that that IS a limitation, yet I feel it has been dealt with effectively, and transparently with documentation in V2.0. We have an "evidetiary module" that allows non stock ratings to be considered, as long as there is evidence and the ITAC can register their votes of confidence. So I thought that issue had been dealt with. But the CRB disagrees.
In a way, I am not surprised. But in a way, I am. I *think* that the CRb has gotten a lot of fan mail over the ITACs position and direction, and I'd bet it's vastly more than any other Ad Hoc. (Both in terms of amount and 'satisfaction' rating) I would have thought the BoD and the CRB would consider that as a strong indication of the categories success and the
members wishes. That's naive' I guess, because perhaps the BoD was never relayed that information, and because there might be a CRB perception that the rest of the racers that aren't on boards like this and don't write letters don't agree. I like to think that you, the members, are my bosses.
Hate to say it, but nothing has really changed over the last 5 or so years.
Understood, but I disagree by a degree.
We have learned as a group (us racers and the ITAC). We are largely on the same page. Thats a good thing. We can still fight the good fight. We've been handicapped for sure. But yea, we're looking at a new landscape that looks suspiciously like the old landscape.
Everyone knows about it, it kicks ass, there hasn't been a 10/10ths built one yet (other then Andy), but still, nothing will be done...... 
