Keith Carter has it right. My esteemed friend from Beaver Creek doesn't seem to understand the economics/reality of the situation.
There are racers that race at their local tracks, they don't tow far unless they saved up enough and got enough leave from their employer to go to the Runoffs. They obviously have decreased in numbers recently (especially at the Runoffs).
Then.... there are racers that will tow 1/2 way across the country to race against a strong field in a quality event. (See "Rand Series" for more details.) Usually they have more desrectionary income. That's life, get used to it.
Some folks don't mind racing with two other cars in their class in an alphabet soup run group. With this plan that option is still available. Some folks want to run against a big field in a run group that is tailored for speed without scaryass passing. With this plan they now have events for them.
This plan allows for both groups to have their way. Both groups can earn their way to the Runoffs. But, i suspect there will be more Runoffs participation from Majors entries, than the regional level.
Of course, YMMV
I suspect that as Rand and staff reads this news release they see it as a compliment/acknowledgement to a 7 year record of happy folks.
Butch now has to get "customer service" up to Rand's standard. If anyone can do it, he can. Don't leave people locked out of gates at 1 in the afternoon after traveling 1200 miles because it says something in the Supps, etc. etc. That, my friends is the challenge.