OK, so MazdaRacers has officially written off the NA.
Here's why I think the SCCA should still care:
I still see a large percentage of NA cars entered in divisional events.
The entries from those events support the regions and make it possible to continue to host them.
The number of events in my region have dramatically decreased over the past several years. The main reason why is a lack of attendance.
Suppose all the remaining NA entries go away. That will make it even harder for regions to cover expenses.
NA drivers have to believe that they at least have a chance of being competitive.
Someone sees the big picture ^.
This same someone ^ also makes a great point, NA drivers have to believe, they also should be able to review technical data and the data should shore up their belief.
To all that have their continious go race reagionals mentatallity, you don't do this and you don't do that, there are plenty of 99's at regional events. Hey, Voytek shows up at non Majors races for testing. He's one hell of a measuring stick for the poor old 1.6 regional guys (and for any Majors guys) that don't do anything. How many of you with all the 1.6 answers can whip his a$$?
Once up on a time there was a Midwest Division that had a $hit load of Spec Miatas, today, not so much. Where are the Spec Miatas and why are they there? I would need to back search, has the Midwest divison canceled events since the Majors program came to town for lack of cars.
A few short years ago (2007), Regional entries accounted for 75% of all SCCA entries. Walter, can you track 2014 with Majors races seperate and give a percentage for other races?
Many of you know the term, torque gets you there and horsepower keeps you there. IMHJ, the ball was dropped when the 99 plus cars wre classed. Have you guys that keep pi$$ing on the 1.6 ever figure out that if the 1.6 had more torque down low, it could race more heads up with the 99 plus. Please don't start with your penality for the 1.6 BS, think in in terms that if the 1.6 became an over, the 99 plus could loose some RP.
David Dewhurst
EDIT:
A bit or two from Jim Drago's post within this thread.
The sad reality is until the 1.6 car is given enough help that it is at a clear advantage, it will ALWAYS be at a disadvantage to the guys complaining. Being negative is so much more fun than being positive. Would most folks say the 99 plus has a clear advantage over thje NA car.
So our best shot is to get them there, but most complaining will still not win. It's not all about winning.
The 1.6 should fade away IMO. IMHJ, never going to happen.
How many on the SMAC/CRB have this ^ mind set.