136 replies to this topic

[Steve Scheifler]

Perhaps the most shocking statistic is that over 7% admit not knowing enough about it to cast a vote! And here I thought that everyone on the internet was expert in everything and all too eager to prove it.

[LarryKing]

(Beating Johnny to the copy and paste punch)

 

In our effort to continue our open communication with our customers, I wanted to provide you with an update on the investigation into the Spec Miata rules infraction that was identified during the most recent SCCA Runoffs. All of your e-mails, phone calls, thoughts and input we have received have been very valuable and appreciated. As you know, the SCCA’s board of directors meets on Friday, October 31 to discuss the next steps. In preparation for this meeting, and as partners, Mazda and the SCCA have been working very closely.

 

Our first step has been to gather as much information as possible on what transpired at the SCCA Runoffs. The next step has been to understand the state of the current environment. We’ve been listening to varying interpretations of the rule in question; what it states; what it should have stated; what it should state in the future, if anything different; and why. We are fortunate to have many experts within the Mazda family and within the SCCA family who have helped in all of these discussions.

 

In an effort to perform our due diligence, we have formed a team of industry experts including Mazda technical staff to travel this week to Topeka, Kansas where the cylinder heads that did not pass technical inspection at the Runoffs are being stored. This team of unbiased, industry experts will inspect the cylinder heads to gain a clear understanding of the work performed on them to deduce the functionality, performance benefits, and reason behind it. We are confident that this comprehensive understanding coupled with all the information we have gathered thus far will help the SCCA’s board of directors make the best and right decision for the class, our customers.

 

Thank you for your support in us,

John Doonan
Director, Mazda Motorsports

 

- See more at: http://mazdamotorspo...h.3s47EuRN.dpuf

[Steve Scheifler]

How do I get an invite to THAT event? I'll gladly pay my own way.

[FTodaro]

How do I get an invite to THAT event? I'll gladly pay my own way.

I do not know but i would like to be a fly on the wall. How interesting that would be to see how they decide this and what information that thought was important. I do not know but i assume they do this in a confidential environment, and not open to the public.

[CruzanTom]

 

 

In an effort to perform our due diligence, we have formed a team of industry experts including Mazda technical staff to travel this week to Topeka, Kansas where the cylinder heads that did not pass technical inspection at the Runoffs are being stored. This team of unbiased, industry experts will inspect the cylinder heads to gain a clear understanding of the work performed on them to deduce the functionality, performance benefits, and reason behind it. 

 

 

 

I do not know but i would like to be a fly on the wall. How interesting that would be to see how they decide this and what information that thought was important. I do not know but i assume they do this in a confidential environment, and not open to the public.

 

Interesting that Mazda, a third party to the Runoffs drama, is given access to all of the heads in Topeka for examination and /or testing but the drivers and engine builders who originally owned the heads cannot see them. I support Mazda's involvement but that should not come at the expense of the SM racers. Why shouldn't a Drennan or Drago or any of the other participants get a look too?

 

Tom

 

Tom

[Caveman-kwebb99]

I could not agree more Tom... allow the competitors themselves to be there or a representative of their choosing while mazda mulls over the STR cuts.  

 

This needs to be as transparent as possible.  

[Johnny D]

I assume there's minutes to the meeting, right ??

 

Could they publish them after the meeting, they could edit out the cluster parts.

 

Or just release a statement after the meeting?

J~

[Caveman-kwebb99]

all we have seen is statements...

[FTodaro]

Interesting that Mazda, a third party to the Runoffs drama, is given access to all of the heads in Topeka for examination and /or testing but the drivers and engine builders who originally owned the heads cannot see them. I support Mazda's involvement but that should not come at the expense of the SM racers. Why shouldn't a Drennan or Drago or any of the other participants get a look too?

 

Tom

 

Tom

Agree Tom,  lawyers have a thing for wanting to be represented and have a voice in the room. As competitors, some who have lost money and some who may have to spend some money, we have some interest in whats going on.

[MPR22]

SCCA should allow one representative elected from the SM racers of that division attend the meeting.  It makes no sense to have rules set without representation from the competitors.  

 

It reminds me of a few years ago at Texas World Speedway, SM was run group 1,  we went through qualifying and huge rainstorm hit during run group 3s qual session, which wiped out all subsequent qual session.  The stewards unilaterally decided to wipe out SM's qual times and use Saturdays race times as the basis for Sundays grid.  

 

They almost had a riot on their hands as 35 or so drivers stormed their lunch table.  After giving us the, we are the race directors and we get to choose speech about 30 of the drivers told them to refund their money since we supposedly didn't turn a lap.  Eventually the stewards decided it was ok if our qual times stood.  

 

This is the future of our class and we have should have a seat at the table or the SCCA could very well have run off those who have other places to spend their money. 

[Caveman-kwebb99]

what division are we referring to mpr?

 

every competitor that was relegated possition should be invited or they shoudl be allowed to send a representative.  

 

maybe they could find a bigger room to accomdate those 8 people???  

[wheel]

As the Chairman of the CRB, I will be at this meeting as a representative of the SCCA SM racers.  Although I own a 1.6, I have not raced if for a few seasons.  I race a full schedule with the ASedan and my Miata has been used by several students, race workers, racers needing finishes to maintain their licenses, etc.  I have already gone to Topeka and inspected the heads.  I, along with another CRB member, also testified at the Runoffs early in the Runoffs week, (Monday as I recall) concerning the head rule.  Whatever comes out of this meeting will be brought before the entire CRB for comment and action before the CRB makes its usual presentation to the BoD next weekend.  All of the CRB members have been copied on comments and information concerning the issue, so they are pretty much up to speed on what the SM community has to say.  

Jim Wheeler

Chair, CRB

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Jim Wheel, thank you for coming on here to address our concerns, please make this process have more transparancy if thats possible, then just informing about meetings going to take place it would be helpfull to us all to know what has transpired at these meetings, I dont think we need the minutes well im sure someone will say they do, but just and overview or what has transpired and what the thoughts of those in charge.

 

Thanks again

[FTodaro]

As the Chairman of the CRB, I will be at this meeting as a representative of the SCCA SM racers.  Although I own a 1.6, I have not raced if for a few seasons.  I race a full schedule with the ASedan and my Miata has been used by several students, race workers, racers needing finishes to maintain their licenses, etc.  I have already gone to Topeka and inspected the heads.  I, along with another CRB member, also testified at the Runoffs early in the Runoffs week, (Monday as I recall) concerning the head rule.  Whatever comes out of this meeting will be brought before the entire CRB for comment and action before the CRB makes its usual presentation to the BoD next weekend.  All of the CRB members have been copied on comments and information concerning the issue, so they are pretty much up to speed on what the SM community has to say.  

Jim Wheeler

Chair, CRB

Thanks Jim appreciate the comments. Asking about the procedure, in an issue like this, does the CRB make the decision and then report it to the BOD or does the CRB make a recommendation to the BOD who votes up or down?

[MPR22]

what division are we referring to mpr?

 

every competitor that was relegated possition should be invited or they shoudl be allowed to send a representative.  

 

maybe they could find a bigger room to accomdate those 8 people???  

I wasn't clear.  I meant their division of record.  Absolutely those that were penalized should be able to attend, including any representative (engine builder, crew ) they choose.  

 

Felt it would be chaotic to send 50 people to the meeting but X # of divisions with 1 rep each is manageable. 

[LarryKing]

 

Although I own a 1.6, I have not raced if for a few seasons

 

What would it take? Less weight, more torque, a flywheel, a header, nitrous, gimme three steps?

[wheel]

As with all rules, the CRB does the research, through the Advisory Committees, and other sources.  We then vote.  Most of the time we confirm the AC's decisions (although not always).  After the CRB vote, we present our recommendation to the BoD.  They then vote, most of the time confirming our recommendation (although not always).  The CRB can do some things without going to the BoD, like weights, plates and classifying cars.  The rest of the stuff goes through the BoD, who has the final say.  

During the process, the members see the recommendations (in fastback) and voice their opinions through the letter system.  We rarely go against the members' votes.  Certainly in a lopsided vote, we never go against the members' votes.  

This issue is a little bit different, since the time is so limited before everyone starts preparing for early racing in the 2015 season.  So, there will be something very quickly after the meetings next week.  The member input has been coming in since immediately after the Runoffs, both through the letter system and through personal emails and comments on this site.  I have read every comment on every thread here that has anything to do with the Runoffs, the heads and the future of the class.  

wheel

[wheel]

As to my racing the 1.6.  Several years ago I raced both the SM and the AS at all the Nationals in the Midiv.  This was solo, no crew, with a worker towing the SM to the track.  I still race the ASedan solo (I did 8 Majors, 4 Nationals and the Runoffs in 2014).  This included all car prep, loading, unloading, engine changes, etc.  I just don't have the energy, at 69, to race both cars without a crew.  

[Alberto]

How do I get an invite to THAT event? I'll gladly pay my own way.

 

Did you try asking?

 

You seem very knowledgeable and I'd love to have someone who can explain things as simply as you can take part.  I used your very helpful old posts as research into rebuilding my own engine for my car (albeit, I only race regionally).

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Jim wheeler, thank you for taking the time to explain hiwnthings work and why. I think many if not most of us on both sides of this issue really did not know how the club really works.

Also that is a huge undertaking to read each and every post on here. I have much respect for you doing just that what a huge time commitment.

Anyhow thanks again and if you have a chance please update us again after this meeting in Topeka.