From MyLaps:
. total entries in 2006 = 204
. total entries in 2007 = 194
. total entries in 2008 = 156
2008 is a 20% decrease over the average of the previous two years, which is about what we've been seeing at all our events this year. The SIC has NEVER been a highly subscribed event because:
1. You can't just show up and race (it's invitation only)
2. Drivers with no shot at winning their class championship often elect to stay at home
I'm not sure who was missing from the ITA ranks specifically, but it does seem their numbers were down significantly. I know there were 16 GTA drivers qualified to attend, yet only four (five if you count Tom Graham's two entries) chose to make the trip. From my personal standpoint, I had no chance at defending my SARRC title so I chose to save my money and run the ARRC by GRM in November. Some of the GTA drivers never had any intention of running the SIC, and others (hopefully) are of the same mindset as me and will instead come to Road Atlanta.
All that said, the competition was incredibly fierce during most of the races I watched. There were certainly a few runaways, but in many classes there were multiple lead changes throughout the race. It also seems that some were caught out by the increased length this year (20 laps instead of 15) because it seemed like much of the action (both good and bad) occured during the last five laps.
I don't believe the SIC will ever be a 250+ car event, but then I'm not sure the SARRC Committee wants it to be. It's supposed to be the "Best of the Best" (or "North Meets South") with the championship on the line, and it accomplishes that goal very well. Good racing, excellent weather (dry and cool other than a VERY short shower - didn't even get the grass wet - Sunday afternoon), and the numbers will return when the economy recovers.
Butch Kummer
Former SCCA Director of Club Racing (July 2012 - Sept 2014)
2006, 2007, 2010 SARRC GTA Champion
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