Stephan,
If you run a Group N car, you must buy the parts from the
authorized outlet, because they control the homologation
process. This makes for a controlled supply chain, a monopoly.
This drives up the cost to where most indiviuals can't play.
Cars in group N must meet many regulations that include planned
obsolescence in these classes. After the papers run out, you can't
race them any more. That is a bitter pill for club racers, being
kicked out of thier class and force to go race somewhere else.
People selling the sport, and the parts to run Group N cars
have a decidedly different opinion on this matter. Open class
rules, long live open class.
So the down side is that we might not get WRC here. We are so far
from being able to support WRC cars internally that they would
see them, and then they would be gone again just as fast. Ask yourself what is different after the mess is all cleaned up and the circus has left. Would you get a drive? Would get sponsor
packages. Would you get thier cast off spare parts? Would you get more publicity? I can't figure out a practical benefit for the
club racer. You might be allowed to donate your time to help put
on the event. If that is enough, then push forward. I am more
interested in RUNNING in the top class rather than seeing the
top class change so that all I will ever be allowed to do is
watch or stand by as they run.
If I want to see a WRC event I will travel, because holding my breath
for a US event could make me turn blue.
Sorry to play the downer / realist, but this is where things are
right now. WRC is going to mexico. They have huge crowds that
show up to events. Drive there and you'll know what it's like
to be a rock star. Here your just another roundy rounder or drag
racer or some other dorky race jerk ut on the freeway hauling your
toyz about.
So whadya say, Mexico next year?
p.s. come by the garage and watch frankstein rise from the grave...
School out yet?
[email protected]
paul t-