I don't like the qualifying race idea.

IMO that is part of what differentiates the IT Fest and the ARRC. IT Fest requries you to be fast early and consistent all weekend. ARRC requires that you be fast - damn fast - when it counts. We have short enough track time, even at 20min as it is, to have to worry about folks on track in other classes 'racing'.

I am cool with the 8 group thing, though it may impact my group. It seems that you are just trying to fit 10# into a 5# bag with the 9 group format.

The event is really good as is IMO. Changes are not a bad idea, but not at the expense of changing the identity of the ARRC.