49 replies to this topic

[Jason Pulvermacher]

I was thinking about running the NASA National event at Mid-Ohio and noticed there was not very many spec miatas registered. My question is why is the turnout so bad? Is everyone boycotting this year because of the new rule change to the 99's or ....

I am just looking for a little insight.

[trimless]

I'm not sure if it's a boycott, but it certainly would play a part in my decision if the only car I had to bring was a 99. With 2 1/2 months before the event I would think that there will be a lot more attending than what you see registered now though. I plan to register this month.

[dstevens]

I'd reckon they'll see 40 or so by the time all is said and done. I think it's better for a bit smaller turn out than to have what happened at the Runoffs last year, 60 plus cars and massive carnage. I didn't see any of the folks that run out here on the list yet.

[dmathias]

I'm gonna go watch - does that count?

[FTodaro]

I am going to sign up but we have two more NASA races before that and I am doing two other SCCA races I like to wait a little and see if I have something that resembles a SM to race first. I just think folks are waiting longer to sign up.

[dmathias]

NASA used to employ a sliding price scale - the longer you waited, the higher the entry fee. They are good about refunds if you drop-out.

[Caveman-kwebb99]

I'm gonna go watch - does that count?

But you will let the whole world down if you keep your 1.6 in the garage they changed all the rules this year just to get you guys to come race with us! Didn't they?

As for me I may borrow a 1.8 97 for the big race.

[Caveman-kwebb99]

I am going to sign up but we have two more NASA races before that and I am doing two other SCCA races I like to wait a little and see if I have something that resembles a SM to race first. I just think folks are waiting longer to sign up.

No worries Frank you can use my rental car if yours goes down! unless it gets rented of course, then you guys could always wrestle in the parking lot to see who gets to drive it

[AJ Roderick]

But you will let the whole world down if you keep your 1.6 in the garage they changed all the rules this year just to get you guys to come race with us! Didn't they?

As for me I may borrow a 1.8 97 for the big race.

going oldschool.....

[dstevens]

NASA used to employ a sliding price scale - the longer you waited, the higher the entry fee. They are good about refunds if you drop-out.

Still do. It goes from $499 to $999 about once a month, in five steps. It's $649 right now. If you enter and cancel by Aug 26 they'll refund all but a 50 spot.

[dmathias]

they changed all the rules this year just to get you guys to come race with us

All the rule changes in the world won't increase my talent.

(Here's a tip for winning the big bucks Kyle - check the entry list, sometimes PTD is less competitive than PTE. Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone)

Beside, for the cost of the Champs I can enter two regionals and have twice the fun.

[Caveman-kwebb99]

All the rule changes in the world won't increase my talent.

(Here's a tip for winning the big bucks Kyle - check the entry list, sometimes PTD is less competitive than PTE. Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone)

Beside, for the cost of the Champs I can enter two regionals and have twice the fun.

Thanks coach but I am running PTE because it has more competition therefor IMHO means more as a Nat. title but of course means nothing in comparison with a SM Nat. title!

[Caveman-kwebb99]

going oldschool.....

lol!

[dmathias]

I am running PTE because it has more competition therefor IMHO means more as a Nat. title

Competition - schmompetition, meaning - schmeaning. Show me the money!

[Adam Molaver]

i can't really explain it, but i can say in NASA mid-atlantic, we have our once-a-year circus event (hyperfest) - bands, roll over contest, drifters, and LOTS of spectators - and what i'm guessing will be a similar pattern; lots of late signups. our entries doubled in the 3 weeks preceding the event...

assuming my travel arrangements work out, i'm pretty sure i'm going. i haven't registered yet, but expect to correct that this week or next.

and as for the 99 rule changes..you might have noticed the brouhaha has died down. as someone who built a 99 for this season and then felt like i had the rug pulled out when the changes were announced, i'm willing to admit the car is more competitive than i expected. i think we have a pretty competitive region and i'm fighting for wins with 1.6's. i don't think we have any top shelf NA 1.8's, so whether that is a 'ringer' or not, i'm not sure. my gut is that the '01+ may be the fastest with its significantly bigger plate (although +60lb) - we'll see in a couple of months

ahm

[Caveman-kwebb99]

and as for the 99 rule changes..you might have noticed the brouhaha has died down. as someone who built a 99 for this season and then felt like i had the rug pulled out when the changes were announced, i'm willing to admit the car is more competitive than i expected. ahm

Well we havent seen you race at Mid Ohio yet You can tell us how you feel after you have! I personally witnessed a 1.6 win every SCCA race but one I have attended at Mid Ohio this year. And I can tell you it was not for a lack of quality 1999's or Drivers. (so that you understand what I mean Fowler, Bednarz, Manning, Steyn all got smoked by a wimppy 1.6 driven by a guy who almost nobody except us locals has ever heard of! Kudo's to you Rugiero!!!!!!

So stuff that Bruhhhhaaahhhhaaaa in your pipe and smoke it

[Adam Molaver]

err 1) SCCA-spec 99s weren't affected by the NASA rule changes so not sure what your point is. 2) i've only been to mid-o once, so don't think my laptimes are really going to be indicative of what is possible. 3) i think any significant adjustment to the rules will produce winners and losers at different tracks; at the venues i run (summit point and VIR) the cars seem extremely close. the 1.6's seem to have more top end, but the 99s get off the corners better. with two races at spr and two at vir, we've had incredibly close racing between 1.6's and 99s at all 4 events. in my gut, i think the 1.6 does have an advantage, but it is small (if at all) and that might just be rationalization for when i lose

i believe john mueller is monitoring results nationwide on the effectiveness of the nasa rule changes. perhaps he can chime in with some more details.

ahm

[Caveman-kwebb99]

err 1) SCCA-spec 99s weren't affected by the NASA rule changes so not sure what your point is.
ahm

So you can get it through your obviously thick mellon!!!! I am telling you if a 1.6 is beating a top top top 99 in SCCA at Mid Ohio the 99 sure as hell can't win at the NASA nationals or any other damn NASA race at Mid Ohio. Got it now?????

So bring your competitive 99 over and blow your wad of money for the NASA nationals, and bring some of that NASA flavored coolaid you are drinking with you because you will need it!

Mueller Schmueller WTF does he have to do with it, read between the lines he isn't the rule maker! Mueller you know you are on my cool list!

And furthermore AHM I just looked it up in GL region there has been exactly one race won by a 99 whoo f+cking hoo, thats at all tracks combined! And by the way it was raining that day! Tells you Price can drive like a mother but can't win if its sunny and 80 degree in his top top and I mean top 99!!!!!

we are racing this weekend @ Mid Oh and Price will be there once again so just get on the GL website after the weekend and see where he finshes.

I really have no bone to pick with you AHM and this is my last comment about this stupid bullsh*t! So just let it die NASA sure has!

[dmathias]

Time for some decaf Webb?


FWIW: There are some very good local drivers running 1.6 cars that may not be known nationally, but who have a lot of hours on Mid-O and are tough to beat.

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Time for some decaf Webb.

LOL you always make me laugh Denny! How was your trip east? have fun, do ok in the race? I am sure the family visit was good anyway.