What size ITA fields expected in 2013?

[jimalley]

Jim, it's not just the size of the field, it's the QUALITY. I'd rather race against the national champ than 5 chumps, if you know what I mean. (not saying the ITA guys are chumps, no no no! LOL)

I agree. I think there is a good chance that there will be a number of well prepared cars in the ITA ranks. The quality or skill of the participants is another question
The larger the field usually means good racing for everyone as there always seems to be someone to race with! Something for everyone!

[JLawton]

Now we just have to worry about the SMs coming in, bolting on 80lbs and kicking our ass's!

[jimalley]

Ok! I must have missed something please explain! Are you telling me that the 99's can now race in ITA.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Ok! I must have missed something please explain! Are you telling me that the 99's can now race in ITA.

No, he is telling you that he can't beat the 1.8l SM's.

[JLawton]

No, he is telling you that he can't beat the 1.8l SM's.

No............. I'm saying most of the Northeast ITA field (including myself) can't beat the SMs............

Ah yes, I remember the good old days of ITA where you wouldn't get in the top three at NHMS unless you were running 1:16s ..............

[Andy Bettencourt]

No............. I'm saying most of the Northeast ITA field (including myself) can't beat the SMs............

Ah yes, I remember the good old days of ITA where you wouldn't get in the top three at NHMS unless you were running 1:16s ..............

But that was when you had a much faster car!

[gran racing]

That was when he had more confidence in himself and the car.

[Andy Bettencourt]

That was when he had more confidence in himself and the car.

No no. Miata's drive themselves. I hear that it's easy to get to the first 95% of their capability!

Seriously, it's great to have those hot-shoe SM guys in the class. They make for true measuring sticks. As the gap between IT and SM closes, it's harder to stay in front. Use them as bogeys to consistent improvement.

Some of those guys race almost every race weekend. They are sharp with excellent equipment. I could tell I was losing ground to them driver-skill-wise at the NARRC. Every time they drop the track record, I feel like I should be too. I wasn't sharp enough that weekend because I had raced twice in two years. Gotta keep on improving to be the best.