That track you wanted to race on? Sorry, no vacancy.
Some here must actually participate in the CC or Lemons events, even if only as a volunteer. Then they would have a totally different perspective on the attitudes, accomplishment, and pride that these 'club' racers have in their sanction bodies. Chump, and Lemons are considered 'their' club. Remember that ICSCC is not one club, it is a collection of clubs. And the pride of belonging to that is no less with Chump or Lemons, or simply Crap Can racing in general. Those organizations have their very own, well produced and edited web sites with some spin-offs, and forums, blogs, and other 'market oriented' media just like "real" race car organizations.
The fact that they use 'theme' team sports not withstanding. Over the long haul it doesn't lose much time for the aerodynamics of many of these cars/trucks/vans. These people have a lot of fun, and they spend a lot of shop time and their own personal money to maintain that fun. No less than some of our tried and true, dyed in the wool sports car racers do.
Some that look down their nose at those dedicated racing folks may consider it 'chump' change, but it's what they do for fun, trophies and bragging rights. No less than any other member of any other sanction. And EVERY Chump car race benefits a local charity organization. There's some apples, there.
Part of the suliminal philosophy in training is a good ground school to show them the basics (no less retention of the pertinent facts that go out the window when they put the helmet on than any club ground school at least), then they get into their 'crap cans' and find out how much it costs if they start banging doors and fall off the course, and all those other expensive mistakes. All the while doing it in cars that resemble, if not attempt to emulate the common street car. Again, just like any normal Conference club driving school. They just do it with passing allowed in a 'real' race situation right off the bat. How many hours before they would attain an area license in Conference? There's some math.
I have been out on track with these people, working every PIR event, so far, and I'm telling you true facts that when Safety vehicles are out there, we get 100% cooperation and respect from those drivers. Enforced respect, but aside from the occasional tow strap being run over, a true respect for the reasons that the safety team is out there in the way, all the same. And less driver "attitude" than some occasions. And that hasn't changed as the series keeps returning.
I have, will and continue to support both SCCA, and ICSCC events throughout the NW. But also, do not feel that my station is lowered as I will work with these people, and those nearly 80 cars on track whenever I can afford the time and money to do so. (My safety truck meets the theme of crap can, but I'll get it painted one of these days, still it does the job.) But some here should think about that the next time they pass a safety vehicle, attempting to beat them to the apex in order to keep the draft, or from losing those precious few feet behind their nearest competitor (you know who you are).
If one were to read the CC regulations that seem to keep growing and improving every season, without simple speculation, it may be found that the safety rules are very similar, and in many cases directly coincide, with SCCA, ICSCC, and NASA.
Of course, after a couple of decades of observation, I am always pleasantly surprised when I find that a driver has read more than their own class regulations anyway... or even the Supps.
So show a little respect for these folks. A larger and larger percentage of them have already earned ICSCC, SCCA, and NASA licenses. That number is growing. How many of those do you believe may grow away from this clubs' structure and politics as this clubs' members may have grown away from other clubs' structure and politics because they just flat get tired of the BS?
In only two years they have had, and continue to add events all across this United States, in Mexico, and Canada. They are already international, and cover a much larger range than ICSCC, or even SCCA was ever meant to. They are growing, they are learning, they are succeeding. THEY ARE ALREADY AMOUNG US, and they are having that which underscores the REAL essence of racing... FUN.
IT-J(alopy, unker?) It's a place to race. Get on board or watch the ship pass on, with all the best weekends.
Okay, I feel better now.
