Some data first. In 2005,
>at the 8 events, the average number of (National) cars
>entered, at each event, was G5 (2.25), G2 (1.375) and P
>(1.625). So, the average number of 2WD cars entered per event
>was 5.25 with a minumum of 2 at Cog and a maximum of 8 at
>Pikes Peak. Based on this data, I propose that we drop the G5,
>G2 and P classes in ProPicks and institue a new 2WD class
>composed of the former G5/G2/P cars (BTW, I think that RA
>should do this also, but that is another discussion ). For
>those who think that G5 cars will run away with the 2WD class,
>if we had had a 2WD class in 2005, the winners at the 8
>rallies were G5 (5), G2 (1) and P (2)!"
You can never base future class decisions based on past turnout...with wild disregard for the rulebook concerning said cars.
As soon as you do this, everyone's P or G2 car becomes obsolete.
Classes go up and down regularly. Just a few years ago, G5 was on the brink of extinction and then Mopar came along and bolstered it. A certain SCCA high-up convinced Mazda to NOT build a G5 car in 2001 in favor of a G2 car because that "was going to be the top 2wd class next year." Then Dodge came with 2 nickels and a stick of gum (and 1, then 2, then 3 cars) and the class was suddenly ressurrected.
If you wanna combine the NA cars, I could see that. And that is what GroupF supposes to do...and I like it.
Then what of the turbo cars? Canada must've seen some possibilities, as they talk of adding G5. I see some possibilities, too, as nearly all the car companies are building the next generation of muscle car as a four-banger turbo (SRT-4, Cobalt SS (supercharged), Mazdaspeed3, GTI 1.8T, etc.)
There are lots of reasons you saw few 2wd cars running nationals this year. Some recooperating financially, some in perpetual development, etc. I suggest that you will see more next year, as Leon has already said he is running 2wd, I plan on running, and now Mark U has a V8.
Perhaps some of the guys in 2wd are running more for grins than ego and that has kept them from entering the nationals. I don't know.
I am looking forward to seeing what 06 has to offer, though.
And I have learned that when it comes to spending my sponsor's money, I have to get class commitments from sanctioning bodies in writing.