A few more observations from someone who will race with anyone, anywhere...Conference, SCCA or now NASA.
1. Of the 13 SM entries so far for this weekend, only 1 (Robert) is from Seattle. If I lived in Portland, I'd probably do a whole lot more SCCA racing. It's about location, location, location.
2. In 2012, there were only 2 SCCA CSM entries and both were from Rose Cup. So, the few CSM Conference racers from Portland (Hindman, LeBlanc, Heinrich) don't jump into the SCCA races...someone should as them why.
3. With few exceptions, the SM grid is rarely larger than 20 and sometimes closer to 10. And it can become a lapping day pretty quickly if you don't have one person running similar times. Ask me how I know this. Is it time to seriously discuss a mixed grid. I have run a lot of Group 2 with Conference. Grids are never less than 25 and often are over 35. The Pro44's generally are quickest, but there is always something going on somewhere, and it has never become lapping day. Obviously, the combining of groups would free up time for more track time. This is what NWR ended up doing, albeit very late to affect registration in April, but they almost doubled track time. Isn't it often about track time when it comes to spending money.
4. Combine Oregon and NWR for racing. Have one championship and require that in order to win the "SM Championship" you must do all the events "outside your" home track. Portland racers would have to attend all the regionals up north and vice versa. NWR has given out "Championship" trophies for TWO races....
5. With the exception of NASA which specs Toyo on a national level with NO ability to deviate, the only way to really encourage more crossover racing is to spec both Toyo and Hoosier for regional racing or go to a open tire as MANY SCCA regions do. If NASA, for instance, has the same schedule for their Portland race as they are using this weekend at Pacific (160 minutes of track time including two 40 minute races for only $299), are any of the Oregon SCCA guys going to want to buy that value package. You'll need Toyo's...
6. While the championship contenders in Conference are on Hoosiers, some would rather not be! I know this personally. So don't think that every Conference racer on Hoosiers prefers that. There are still more on Toyo's, and you very well may see a rule change proposal to avoid the "Hoosier only" for 2014 as their rule goes off SCCA.
7. I have always enjoyed most everyone I've met over the past several years, SCCA or Conference, but Keith is right, Conference does have a bit more of a family thing going on. And they know they are minor league compared to SCCA Spec Miata. They keep being told. And they do a very good job of attracting new racers. The last novice race at Portland had 23 entries I believe.
For me personally, it is about track time, location, cost (including towing) and tires. Provide more track time, lesser cost and a more flexible tire option (WITHOUT offering a subclass like CSM). And all of this is applicable to SCCA Northwest as well. But, right now for some of us, it is all about the tires. We are really a unique racing area. We now have 3 racing bodies trying to attract as many racers as possible, most of them living withing a 150-200 mile radius. Find a way to be more inclusive and everyone's entries would grow I would think.
I applaud anyone with any of the organizations trying to think outside the box to attract entries.
Bill-