-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Whitworth <dave@wcsllc.net>
To: autox@autox.team.net <autox@autox.team.net>
Date: Thursday, October 19, 2000 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: Runoffs move & Nationals
>A rhetorical question: (I'm undecided on this whole issue, just wanting
>opinions)
>
>Haven't the runoffs and the Solo II nationals grown to the point that there
>is enough dedicated SCCA staff to work them both? Maybe not the same week,
>but close together shouldn't be an issue.
Actually, not all that much. You are talking 3-5 people in each office
maybe, plus a Doug Reed and a Dennis Dean who kind of look at both sides of
the fence. Trying to coordinate two major championships with 600-1200 cars
involved, a break between them just gives everyone time to catch their
breath. These are a very intense two months. Think how intense just doing
Nationals can be, a week or so for most of us. Multiply that by about a
factor of 8 and you have the staff intensity for both the Nationals and the
Runoffs. A bit of down time between is beneficial.
>Also, is the SCCA staff we are talking about paid or volunteer? For the
>paid staff, isn't it their jobs?
Paid staff. Neither event could work without tons of volunteers (at
SoloNats, the competitors ARE the volunteers). Yes, it's their job, but the
job also includes someone minding the store. Generally not a good plan to
vacate the entire office for up to three weeks with nobody there but the
girl at the front desk.
> I travel for work, and don't generally get
>the choice of when I have to go (And I'm self employed) There is an issue
>with volunteers, however...
But your boss (for those not their own boss, and even some who are) is going
to coordinate your absences with those of your co-workers for the best
office efficiency.
>The only possible issue that I can think off is tires...In my class (CP)
>there are two tire compounds available, the softer of which is a distinct
>advantage in colder temps. Would moving to October create the situation
>where I "HAD" to have both compounds to be competitive at Nationals. This
>isn't an expense I'm willing to bear, since the harder compound is much
>longer lasting and has the same stick in warmer weather.
IMHO, no -- but only in the context that while it is usually 60s and 70s in
September, it CAN be 40s. That is equally true of October, especially the
first couple of weeks of October. If you feel you need both compounds for
the variances you can get in October, then you need them for September too.
October, however, is less likely to make you need rain tires (I did not say
unlikely, I said "less likely" -- it does rain here in October, just not as
much or as often).
>
>Just some thoughts...still undecided.
>
>Dave
Just some answers/impressions from my experience. I like the October option.
--Rocky
|