Originally posted by rjohnson999:
With snide comments like this, it's becomming more and more apparent that you're wanting this organization to be a perfect reflection of yourself. So I'll repeat what's been hinted at and even said directly: If you don't like what they're charging, don't do the race. Your region has a corporate charter under whatever state it's in and it operates according to those rules as well as the Club's requirements. How those apply in your state is probably different than mine, but entry in a race does not confer special status beyond being a customer. Your membership is a different kettle of fish. As such, it, too, has no special status because you drive a particular car in a particular class.
Either work the club/region politics or choose the events you'll support. Or both. This forum isn't doing either.
Dear Mr. Johnson,
You have no idea who I am or what I want from this organization. Your speculations nowhere near accurate.
Where does this "special status" come from? Who claimed special status until you mentioned it?
Up until this year that majority of the Weekends that were not doubles had been R/N/RR. Now all of a sudden, and with out the courtesy of even a little blurb in the news letter giving a clue as to the reasoning behind the decision, it has been determined that there in no longer time in the day to hold the Sunday restricted regional. Which, BTW, only took up one 30 minutes session as the grid was set by the race results from the saturday race, to make it clear there was no P&Q for the regional classes only the race on sunday. And yes I am aware that to do so took three sanction numbers with the attendant cost.
Now it has been a concern for the last few years that nationals, single or double, were at best a break even for the hosting region, and often are net losers. On the weekends which were a R/N/RR there was a greater difference in the entry fees for those entering the R/RR and those entering the R/N. With the sanction fee being higher and the other cost associated with a national (tow fee for one, as has been mentioned) that are not required for a regional it was understood and accepted that the national entrants would be charged more. Part of the idea was to attract more regional entrants to enhance the profit potential.
Texas is a large state and some have a very long tow. By giving them two points races in a weekend instead of just one it gives them more incentive to make the tow instead of choosing to skip the weekend and wait for the next R/R. More entrants the lower the cost to all entered. BTW as large as this state is there are only two SCCA approved tracks. The infield/oval at Texas Motor Speedway near DFW and Texas World Speedway near College Station. No Problem Raceway in LA. is pending approval Which may give the division another option.
Next year when I have a national liscense and can drive in the both races will I still feel the same way I do now or will I be happy I don't have to be excluded any more? Yes I will feel the same. To stay alive we as a club must grow. To grow we must attract new members. New members have few choices but to strt racing at the regional level. If "WE" make them feel like lessor beings or make the price so high they don't feel it is a good value they are going to go the autoX, fast and furious, or drag strip routes. (Do you know what it cost for the friday night test and tune at the local dragstrip? $15 and you can run as often and you get in line. Gates open at 6pm and close at midnight.) And "WE" will die a slow painful death.
So what are your ideas to contain cost, attact new members, and keep the ones we have?
Now that I know when and where the Region BOD meetings are I will be making my presence known.
Now have a nice day.
