Ben,
The questions I asked were merely attempts to find out what ideas your opinions
are based upon. For me the answers to the questions are very different and
thus my over all opinion differs from yours. However I wanted to see what
created that opinion.
The issue of smog control and SP is one that I was not aware of. That does
provide some extra information. It seems that a central point of contention is
the issue of bolt on. Per my involvement with Howard over the 2002 season I
belive strongly that he is of the opinion that ST should be a bolt on class.
Keeping in mind the likelyhood that I am mistaken, it is also important to
mention that Howard is not the SEB and I would not ever attempt to understand
much less communicate the intent of the entire SEB. In short, the world may
never know.
I have a hard time buying the economic reasons for allowing engine changing
within the same line. Right now you have one option choice for replacing an
engine in ST. Racing being what it is, I find it much more likely that the hot
engine/ chassis combo will be bought and built among nation drivers. In that
case the hot engine will be your only option. So the end result is basically
the same, one engine that you will pay market value for to win. Either way the
engine might be available in a number of years and models. As far as regional
competitors go, I have seen numerous Civics with replacement ZC engines at
regionals without anyone getting into a uproar. Is it legal, technically no.
But at local events it is the norm. Bottom line, it may cost a little more to
compete and win at the national level, and generally you can get by with what
you have at local events.
Having dabbled in marketing this sport it is my opinion that one of the factors
that kills SCCA in the market place is the age of the winning cars. There is
very little interest in cars over 10 years old in the import tuner market. It
is in the clubs best interest (insert snicker here) to limit the advantage of
older cars to increase the visability and validity within the sport and compact
market place. I do agree the competitors best interest to keep the class
afordable and UD/BD supports that but I do not think it is in the best interest
of the club. I do not know if the health of ST will be effected by the
introduction of an "overdog." I do think that the odds of a overdog emerging
are reduced by not allowing UD/BD.
but will you respect me in the morning?
heyward
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