You would have sworn wrong.
I never thought the NX2000 would be competitive in ITS. Never, ever. In fact, I resisted even starting to build it for a couple of years after numerous requests to SCCA to move it to ITA with its obvious competition, the Acura Integra; all requests were rejected, from 2000-2003. But it seemed apparent that the car would
eventually go there, so I took the chances that over time SCCA would come to its senses.
And, of course, I was eventually proven right, though in the end surprisingly.
All the historical details - of which you are quite familiar - are on my web site at
http:///www.kakashiracing.com (select "Archives"), but the truth is that I began building the car with the expectation that it would/should be moved to ITA. Witness, Bettencourt, the
IT2 initiative of circa 2003.
But in 2004 I gave up in frustration. I decided in late 2003 that because of many short-sighted people in the decision-making positions (well-documented on this forum) stating that the car would "never" go to ITA that
I chose to abandon the project, and to build a 1.8L NA Spec Miata. Thus in January 2004 I did exactly that:
I purchased a 1994 Miata and built it for SM.
Later that same summer, just as I was finishing up the Spec Miata, SCCA relented and announced it would move the NX2000 and SE-R to ITA. So I again changed tactics, sold the running SM project to Tony Senese, and re-focused my attention on the NX. Unfortunately, only two weeks later (while I was on vacation in California; I remember the call well, standing on the balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean) I got a call from Jake Gulick telling me the 1.8L Miata was also being moved to ITA,
but at 2380#, over 100 pounds lighter than the NX/SER, and 200# lighter than the Integra! I was floored. I told Jake at that very moment that I had all of
maybe two years to make that NX competitive before the Miata began to pretty much wipe up all the competition in ITA, and I predicted that it would be the dominant car in ITA for years to come.
And, of course, I was right. Frankly, the only surprise about all this is that it has taken this long.
So, Andrew, before you go off spouting, you might read my web site again for reference. Or maybe ask me...?
I think Travis' point is moot. I place no value on his opinions or what he has to say. All he does is tear people down from behind his keyboard, protected by the Internet, arguing with people who have actually accomplished something in racing to "STFU".
It won't ever happen. I know what it takes to build a competitive car ($$$) and I am no longer willing to make that "investment"; I'm enjoying way too much having a positive balance on my checking account and a negative one on my credit cards (your sitting out a year will help you understand that revelation, Andy).
Further, as you well know I'm not a "me too" type of guy, preferring to work with something other than what the crowd does, and in ITA that attitude/desire is a Sisyphean task. We gave serious consideration to building an ITA Integra -
in fact, we have/had all the parts and Kessler started an engine build for us - but when 2009 requests for adjustment of the weights on the Integra and the Miata were both rejected I recognized spending that money on that car is absolutely pointless and very likely frustrating. I chose, instead, to focus on other goals for racing (e.g., tracks and events I've yet to attend) and have fun in other ponds...
I have lost interest in investing in a long-term racing effort in ITA. That's just the way I see it. I recognize you don't agree with it.
GA
