Obviously, some regions out there seem to think deviating from SCCA
classes for a class like OSP is an "abortion." I suspect these same
regions are wondering why their entries for their events are the same
year after year.
The fact is that every community in this country has a bunch of
motorheads who like to modify their cars. Rarely do their mods fit within
SCCA's Solo II rules. So, your region has a choice. Do you tell that
street rodded Camaro/Mustang driver he has to run in E-Mod because his
modifications don't fit within any of the other categories? Or do you
develop a class they could really enjoy running in against other
motorheads?
OSP becomes the catchall for any street car that doesn't fit within
regular Solo II rules. Here in Atlanta the OSP points leader drives a
supercharged Miata followed by a 96 Corvette CE with a 383 motor. There
are several blown Miatas, a big front drive Grand Prix, some Honda
products and several pony cars. Modifications vary all over the place.
But the drivers seem to be having a great time.
SCCA's SM class is a weak effort to emulate OSP which works very well as
a regional class in lots of regions. Unfortunately, the "powers that be"
chose to eliminate any cars that couldn't seat 4 people. OSP doesn't have
that restriction. Like Rick Brown said, a registered car on DOT rubber,
that's it! Kind of a street version of the old Can Am rules.
Of course if they made OSP a national class, all hell would break loose
and the next thing you know the whiners would demand restrictions to
protect their investments. Rather like AP at Tokpeka in 1999!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ben Thatcher
Apex Benefit Services & Motorsports
Stockbridge, GA
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