To the CSRG Directors:
My name is Tim Webb. I race a 1966 Austin Cooper S with a few different
organizations including VSCDA, RMVR and CVAR. I have recently been informed
that your group will be disallowing radial tires and that additional changes
may or will be eliminating Hoosier "Vintage" tires. This is of great concern
to me and every other mini driver as well as other production racers.
As you may know, minis run on 10" wheels. There is not a large selection of
rubber available for 10" wheels. We have a choice of Yokohama A008s
(radial), Hoosier Vintage, and Dunlops. A set of A008 cost approximately
$240, and will easily last for a season and can be made to last two seasons.
Hoosiers cost approximately $440 and will last a season with care. Dunlops
cost approximately $700 and may last a season. If what I understand is
correct, your new tire rule will eliminate all but the Dunlops and will
drastically increase our cost of participation.
On the track there is no appreciable difference, lap time wise, between the
three tires listed above. I've raced with both the Hoosiers and the Yokos
and turn about the same lap times. The only major difference is cost. I
have not raced with the Dunlops because of the cost.
If the Board of CSRG instigates these changes you may find that the minis
will not be attending. I think that this would be a shame. Minis were very
popular racecars in the late 60s and early 70s. It would also set a bad
precedent to the other organizations. My idea about the sport of vintage
racing is that it should be safe, fun and competitive. The changes that you
have suggested or adopted do nothing to increase the competitive nature of my
races and will not increase either fun or safety. All your changes will
accomplish is increase my tire costs and every other mini racers costs.
I have chosen to address my concerns only because I drive a mini, but I'm
sure that the same logic applies to numerous other racers.
I hope that you will reconsider your decision, and at a minimum seek input
from your participants. After all is said and done, your positions exist to
service your participating members.
Tim Webb
Coopers66@aol.com
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