I think Greg and Andy summed it up right there and yes, there is quite a bit of disappointment to go around today. There is no way at this point for anyone to know whether Windells car was legal or illegal. We can all speculate and speculate even more, and then speculate some more about this in the next few days but that WILL not change anything. We will never know. The other piece to this is whenever the #24 showed up for an event, the top runners knew that had to be on their A game. Sadly, as Greg indicated, he and the other top runners will never have another opportunity to take a "shot" at the #24 in ITA.
I was not there at Pocono this past weekend (prior personal committments) however, what is clear to me is that the planned witch hunt for the #24 car finally paid off. The years of planning the #24 hunt paid off in a really big way. Probably even better than anyone would have called it as, it was predicted that he (Windell) would withdraw, take the fine and suspension. Windell is no longer a threat in the ITA class and things will go back to "normal"...at least until the next "threat" emerges. I am left to wonder if Richard is next on the radar screen and plans are being made for him as well......but then again, he does not attend as many events and is therefore is usually not a threat for a championship.
Windell's withdrawal from SCCA altogether is not about being legal or illegal. Had he being a back runner finishing an occasional top 5 or so, this would be a non issue as we would be discussing an entirely different event from this past weekend. Feel free to discuss the illegal "EXTERIOR" parts Andy referred to, or the missing water bottle, or the letters Jake indicated he received containing part and part numbers that Windell had installed in his car/motor. This is pure speculation unless of course someone had/has x-ray vision. Part numbers would be extremely difficult and IMO impossible to obtain from a motor which had not being opened. Better yet, let's not forget to speculate about the weekend at Limerock where "someone" happened to pass by the #24 (while the valve cover was off) and by a casual glance only, was able to tell that the head contained "illegal" parts. Keep in mind his car went thru tech each and every time, impound each and everytime and passed. While this is not a cheap shot at the tech officials, EITHER, his car was deemed LEGAL during tech/impound after a race or our tech staff is a bunch of (insert your preference).
It is also unfortunate that Windell was found to be "unsociable". If I know/knew someone was constantly dogging me out, I would not readily smile and laugh with him/her/them. Great job dogging #24 enough to make him quit. Persistence pays of when it 10 against 1. Court was held and decided on in advance.....Kinda like the folks who are found guilty in courts, locked up and 10 years later DNA evidence emerges to prove them innocent.....At the time we were all sure they were guilty as charged. If we want them bad enough, we will find a way to get them....end of story. Believe me, I am just as disappointed to see him go.
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