mardi 21 avril 2015

Numbers

Guys

I have been out of racing for awhile. I used to race Formula vees and blessed to race in the Southeast back in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Big fields even at the region level. Heck I can remember 25 cars at a region race in Roebling Road. Back in those days (I sound like a Grand Pa, I am a Grand Pa, Sorry to make you feel OLD Stevan.) I remember most track having 2 regional races AND two National races, Between Road Atlanta and Roebling Road alone that was 8 races. I am not counting other tracks we could have attended. So one had plenty of races to chose from. I don’t understand we have more tracks but fewer races to choose from.

Another thing I here is you guys saying we need to bring the younger crowd in. Great idea. A lot say well the cost has gotten to high. When you look at the actual value of money today compared to back then it really is the same buying power. People are making more money. So I feel that is not an issue.

I teach automotive technology at a high school and I have tried to start several auto clubs and tried field trips to racing venues. Pretty much have given up on that. Why , bottom line it eats into their time, Kids do not want to give up their time or don’t want to put forth the effort it takes to be involved in something fun. Did get a hotrod in my shop one time to rebuild for show and possible drag race time. Started off with about 15 students and then it just fizzled out. Excuses ranged from homework to jobs etc etc. Bottom line is they wanted to be able to jump in and go.

Yes we have a lot of young kids coming up from the karting ranks but look at who does all the work. Parents or hired crew. They have plenty of money so again not an issue. All they have to do is ride in the back seat and sit in the chair while dad or hired help works on the car.

My parents helped me to buy my first vee but they knew nothing about working on it and I learned from Steven Davis, James Brookshire, all those guys. But I had to go ask and do it myself. And that really made it more fun.

It is fun watching the threads on cars being built, updated etc etc, but those guys are older . Again money not an issue. Enjoying watching the pro formula series where you see the young crowd coming in. They are bring in the money to the teams . I am not saying they are not good ; they are . but you do not see any of them working on their own cars.

They days of guys working on their own cars are fading away and I strongly believe that was the original intent of SCCA. All Amateur; But but we have burned our bridge on that one.

Should we have some one build a bunch of vees or fords for people to buy and start racing or is it time to start something strictly amateur again.
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I can go on and on but You can see what I am seeing.


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