Don't like this system, find a different club.
I’m not going to the bank, only giving my two cents.
I’m a FF racer and I’ve read most, not all, of this thread. I believe that some of the points along the way were valid while others (name calling and finger pointing) were elementary.
In the first post of this thread, Dr. Ulrich addressed the proposed rule changes in the September Fastrack and gave us information on the new car being built by Radon Sport, the Rn.10. This was a proactive measure taken to prevent this new car from being outlawed from competition before it even takes a green flag lap.
Radon Sport is trying build a racecar that goes faster while being safer. That is the reason why any new racecar is built. Why isn’t the answer ‘to make money?’ Because the only way to make a million dollars in racing is to spend two.
The proposed rule changes in the September Fastrack make the Radon illegal. This is my reason against CRB #2228. Radon Sport hasn’t devoted substantial resources (financial and other), created numerous business relationships, consulted with SCCA and F2000 Championship Series professionals, to manufacture an illegal car. There seems to be a substantial amount of rule changes proposed by the same individual, Richard Pare. It should be noted that he has an economic interest in the company manufacturing Citation racecars, which would be competitors of Radon Sport. Although this shouldn’t exclude him from proposing rule changes, it does raise concerns about the objectivity of his proposals. Example: see FF/FC 1.D.7.a. What does it matter if my floor pan is “approximately parallel” to the ground or not? Just because Citations, Van Diemens, Swifts, etc are “approximately parallel” to the ground, why does the Radon have to be? Is this truly a necessary rule?
There has also been much debate over the carbon fiber side panels, which are to prevent cockpit protrusions. I can recall a F2000 Championship Series race at LimeRock Park in 2008 (I believe) where the front toe link on a Citation (I believe) chassis broke in a crash and pierced the body panel along with the driver’s ankle. This injury required medical attention and ended his weekend (please correct my foggy memory if necessary). This is proof that the carbon fiber panels are an improvement worth having. The car also uses FIA crash standards in many areas of the car, including roll over. This is above and beyond the safety requirements of the GCR and Radon Sport should be commended for their efforts.
Need more proof that an advancement in safety would benefit drivers? Either look at your HANS device or watch this video, it is only 2m05s. At a minimum, watch the first 20 seconds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ptUrQOMPs
We should embrace new technology (in both materials and processes) as it becomes developed. Pinto vs. Zetec, Kent vs. Fit, that goofy foam neck collar we all used to wear vs HANS device, and now fiberglass vs. carbon fiber.
The Radon Sport Rn.10 should be allowed to compete under race conditions before any rule changes are imposed that would make the Rn.10, or any future car for that matter, illegal. An alternative is to make a ‘competition adjustment’ if necessary. For example: Grand-Am often adds/ deducts ballast or changes the amount of boost a car can run if one particular manufacturer is faster than the others (bmw vs chevy vs porsche vs subaru) to keep the playing field level. They certainly don’t change the rules to outlaw the car prior to its participation in a race.
Thanks for reading my unexpectedly long two cents. There is more I wanted to say, but forgot it along the way. I welcome your replies.
Thanks ApexSpeed
Get your facts straight...
Mr. Devoe,
It has previously been stated previously (and I will confirm to the best of my knowledge) Richard Pare' has no financial interest in Citation Engineering, the manufacturer of the Citation FF, FC and FB chassis. That is an entity owned by Steve Lathrop. As I recall Richard sold his interest in that company in the mid 1990's sometime before I started racing. Richard owns ICP the manufacturer of varous components including the ICP calipers which are found on Van Diemans, RFR's, and Citations.
Richard graciously offered his time to help draft a re-write of the rules. This process started many years ago; long before the Radon was ever thought of. (post 2007 Runoffs)
Instead of bashing people for trying to help our sport (without compensation or so much as a thanks) why don't you roll up your sleeves and get involved? As my father used to say, "If you aren't part of the solution you are part of the problem".
John.
