How do we attract new racers?

[Greg Amy]

American Endurance Racing AER - 180TW tires

Champ Car Endurance Racing - 180TW tires

24 Hours of Lemons - 190TW tires

NASA PT, SE30, 944 and SM Classes - Significant penalty for 40TW tires/Toyo spec tires/Toyo spec Tires/Mandated Hoosier tires but the price is significantly subsidized and their contingency is good

Why are they so successful despite their lack of organization and structure. What did the SCCA (and MCSCC) miss? What happened while we got so comfy?

<crickets, crickets, crickets, crickets, crickets, crickets...>


(Probably just coincidence)

[kgobey]

Agree... that is part of the story isn't it. But it that it? You feel that it's a one dimensional issue? It's not about the run-what-you-brung, easy to understand rules? The bracket-racing? I agree with you on the Spec and PT tire rules completely, but do you think 944, Spec E30, and SM are only successful due to tire rules?

[Greg Amy]

But it that it? You feel that it's a one dimensional issue?

Absolutely not. But I think the cost aspect - or even the impression of a cost aspect - certainly can be a significant factor.

[kgobey]

Yeah that's it exactly. The notion that "I can be guaranteed a level playing field", combined with the notion that the rules are super easy for a lay-person to understand and build to and a simple formula for legitimacy in licensing are what drives them to these other series.

We can never compete on outright track time, but we can compete on ease of use. But how... ?

[boxedfox]

Brand identity definitely seems to be part of the problem. The very popular classes can be (and are) described in a succinct, attractive way.

If someone asked me to describe Improved Touring racing, I'm not confident that I can give them a short, interesting elevator speech.

[Greg Amy]

If someone asked me to describe Improved Touring racing, I'm not confident that I can give them a short, interesting elevator speech.

Very good point.

[tom91ita]

I've only done LeMons and it was great!

Some of the most interesting cars ever seen on track. Think spreedycop or 5 cylinder radial aircraft engine, etc.

No license but for $$ so some team members that had never raced joined. One now has a SCCA license.

Team environment so that was fun. And some just tried it and said enough and bailed and do track days.

I don't think the typical SCCA racer really exists any more. Most younger folks think something looks interesting and try it and then decide something else looks interesting and moves on.

Sticking with the same car or class for years or decades is not the way of the world any more.

Not good or bad, just different.