TeamDI.com Pro IT Race - Lime Rock - May 15

[Greg Amy]

I just want to run the regional but I don't want to get locked out by pro-it and national entrants looking for practice time.

I wouldn't worry about that at all. First, our entries have been historically down the last couple years, so the organizers will jump through hoops to ensure you get on the track (even if it means moving classes around).

Second, it's rare that Pro-IT competitors also enter the Regional (a bone of contention for the organizers).

Third, if you have a National license, you can also enter your IT car in STU.

GA

[dtanthon]

Open -
10-E-1066-S
Joe DeLuca AND Linda Gronlund Pro IT Round 2
5/15/2010

[gran racing]

Ouch! $450 for a national race.

[Andy Bettencourt]

Any entry received after 7-28-09 is late.

Looking at the supps, don't be fooled by the Regional and Pro IT being back to back run groups. The organizers did a good job splitting it up so that there is ample time between the two.

[ner88]

Ouch! $450 for a national race.

Track rent $27,295. per day, plus/plus Ouch!

[ner88]

AND, if it rains and no one shows up, it's still $27,295. per day!

[gran racing]

Jerry, I get all of that and am fully aware that it's not the region's fault but it still doesn't make writing a check for $450 + worker donation any easier. That'll be the highest entry fee I think I've ever paid including double and triple race weekends - and it's for one race. If it weren't for the fact that people will be entering to qualify for the Runoffs, I have to imagine entries would be pretty low.

[mazdagt3]

ah... i see the almighty flatout miata will be making an appearance! good. at least there will be company up front.... the weak sauce that crazy joe brought to the ARRC made it quite boring down there.


rumor has it that joe might actually check stuff on the nissan before heading to lime rock.....we shall see..........


oh and Ben.... looks like you'll have to wait till the next pro IT round for our secret weapon to make its ITR debut!

[THawkbh]

I wouldn't worry about that at all. First, our entries have been historically down the last couple years, so the organizers will jump through hoops to ensure you get on the track (even if it means moving classes around).

Second, it's rare that Pro-IT competitors also enter the Regional (a bone of contention for the organizers).

Third, if you have a National license, you can also enter your IT car in STU.

GA

I don't. This is going to be my last race for my regional license. It's also my first race in my new car. I really don't want to miss this weekend.

[Andy Bettencourt]

So the event is here. The event that I hope the organizers have a plan in place to make sure the IT guys get a crack before National guys double dipping. After all, SM and SSM were included to suppliment the IT entries in the original concept.

Maybe we should change it to the Pro Spec Miata Series and us IT guys get to fill in. LOL. Maybe someone from the NJRB can weigh in with the plan/policy.

[Greg Amy]

Maybe we should change it to the Pro Spec Miata Series and us IT guys get to fill in. LOL.

Andy! Cut it out with the Miata-hating/bashing...!!!!

[Andy Bettencourt]

Andy! Cut it out with the Miata-hating/bashing...!!!!

Except I am serious! The organizers have to follow the money, right? We have 5 IT classes and they bring more cars? Embarrassing.

[Greg Amy]

Except I am serious! The organizers have to follow the money, right? We have 5 IT classes and they bring more cars? Embarrassing.

I just think it's funny as hell: you're finally starting to see the trend that the rest of us have been pointing out for the last several years... We were laughing at the NHMS National that Jerry Rigoli in his '01 SSB Miata could have run five groups that weekend.

On the one hand, Miatas are finally getting to the point where they can prove to the world that they are the saviors of Club Racing; after all, take away Pro-IT, the "all Miata" group, and STU, and how many entries would there be for the LRP National? Twelve? How much would each entry have to cost to make it financially "even"? A ridiculous amount, I'd suggest.

On the other hand, it's getting to the point that Miatae are quickly becoming a barrier to entry for other classes. People like Tim above are having to scramble simply in order to get entry into the events! When you add in low-cost groups to get the entries up, well, you're gonna get the entries up; since Miatae are probably the most profligate make/model in Club Racing today, they're going to fill those low-cost fields pretty quickly.

It's a double-edged sword, good for the region(s), bad for Non-Miatae competitors. But, in the end, as long as the supply of M1s doesn't run out and we're all able to compete, is it so bad that we all get "assimilated"?

[Andy Bettencourt]

I don't have any idea what you are talking about. I can see and have seen everything you see. The difference is that I don't (and never did) see it as a bad thing. You guys are the ones who are coming around from 'damn Miata's' to 'wow, without them we have no event'. My only dissappointment is that we don't have MORE IT participation in a series that was designed for them.

I think YOU are finally coming to grips with the fact that the Miata's are the savior they HAVE BEEN for the past 2-3 years. Right? This event just happens to be obvious.

Miata's aren't the barrier to entry, the rules are. I have said this over and over, from the very FIRST Pro IT race at a National, the organizers needed to have a plan in place for when National SM drivers used that race for extra track time and limit entries for the types of cars that the series was intended for.

Suggestions:

1. First come first served for ITx, SM and SSM.
2. Wait-list any SM that is also registered for the National (of which there are 8 right now) and fill them in on a first come basis if IT can't pull it's weight

If you want to go full-on first-come first-served...change the name! Maybe the Series has morphed given who actually enters and I have ZERO problems with that. The Pro IT website doesn't really tell what the series is all about, just who is eligible so this may all be moot!

[gran racing]

i think they should combine more of the national groups and give us even more qual. time. we're bringing more cars just for one group the way it stands now!

As long the national entry fee were reduced and regional fee increased, have at it! Cause that one 22.5 minute qualifying session on Friday is so appealing to me. LOL If the same people race SSC in the national and regional event (a whooping 0 thus far), I'd rather do the regional all things considered.

Interesting dilemma with all of the Miata cars mixed in the "IT group".

[dominojd]

So the event is here. The event that I hope the organizers have a plan in place to make sure the IT guys get a crack before National guys double dipping. After all, SM and SSM were included to suppliment the IT entries in the original concept.

Maybe we should change it to the Pro Spec Miata Series and us IT guys get to fill in. LOL. Maybe someone from the NJRB can weigh in with the plan/policy.

OMG!!! I sorta agree with Andy. The end must be near. Good thing Cefalo called me and told me reg was open. I would have been really pissed. SM cars and National double dippers 20 cars. what were all the IT guys waiting till last minute? Please tell me we are gonna have a split start.

[Jeremy Billiel]

OMG!!! I sorta agree with Andy. The end must be near. Good thing Cefalo called me and told me reg was open. I would have been really pissed. SM cars and National double dippers 20 cars. what were all the IT guys waiting till last minute? Please tell me we are gonna have a split start.

HOLY CRAP!!! Joe is alive!?