STL: No National Championship?

[Andy Bettencourt]

I heard that the PTB have voted to not include STL as a 'medal-eligible' class for 2012. Seems as if all that double-dipping by non-STL cars didn't actually 'count' toward real numbers that were to be considered. Still get to run, but not for the jacket.

Looks like they will need boost the ranks the old fashion way...real cars being built.

[Greg Amy]

This was already decided when the class was made National last year. When it was approved as a National class, it was under the agreement that the class had "provisional" status and was not to run for a championship in 2012, but would be entered at the Runoffs as STU cars.

So...nothing has changed.

As far as numbers go, STL is pretty much a shoe-in for 2013. Check the latest National participation numbers: Super Touring Light is something like 5th overall in total participation numbers, year-to-date.

GA

Edit: added link to May Nat'l participation number. STL is fifth. We'll see how it goes once the rest of the country is racing.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Then they must have been considering it for 2012. Seems as if they are looking at 'real' STL cars as the real data. I am not sure why but that is the story from above.

[Greg Amy]

Then they must have been considering it for 2012. Seems as if they are looking at 'real' STL cars as the real data. I am not sure why but that is the story from above.

I haven't heard anything, other than a rumor that some CRB members were requesting National status from the BoD. This was not a STAC-generated initiative. Apparently, it didn't work out.

Personally, I'm really OK with that. I was a big proponent in 2011 with giving STL "provisional" National status so that it could compete in the National program for National numbers. And I'm very much in favor of "sink or swim" for the class (if it don't make the numbers, it don't make the show). But on the other hand, I'm also OK with promoting "double dippers" to make the numbers because, well, what's the difference, right? Numbers is numbers.

I'm not concerned about this recent turn of events (such as it is). We're still on track for promotion of long-term health of the class. - GA

[Andy Bettencourt]

well, what's the difference, right? Numbers is numbers.

I think if you pay your money and you are eligible, you should be counted. You bet.

[Knestis]

Then they must have been considering it for 2012. Seems as if they are looking at 'real' STL cars as the real data. I am not sure why but that is the story from above.

Sorry - dumb question. "Looking at 'real' STL cars...?" They pulled the "not real" ones from the numbers...?

K

[Andy Bettencourt]

Sorry - dumb question. "Looking at 'real' STL cars...?" They pulled the "not real" ones from the numbers...?

K

I guess they are concerned about the amount of SM's bumping the numbers up - meaning that because there are so few real STL cars that when it comes to a National Championship - and those DD's aren't there, you would have an uber-soft field. It is an interesting thought process if you value your gold medals.

But an entry IS an entry.

[Matt93SE]

How many STU cars at runoffs the last couple years were DD-ing SMs?
they just moved to STL this year instead..

an entry is an entry. If people want to pay their bucks and enter the class and race, it should count as an entry. (We still let SRX7s "race", right?)

[Greg Amy]

I guess they are concerned about the amount of SM's bumping the numbers up...

Don't know where you're getting that "info", Andy, but I talked to a BoD member that was there, and double-dippers were not a factor in the discussion. As I wrote above, it has zero to do with Miatas, and everything to do with the original agreement for bringing STL into the National racing program.

Methinks someone is POOMA'ing you.

GA