First off, congrats to Ben Martinez on his 2021 Solo Nationals CM Championship; hopefully he shares video of his runs as he was locked in! Also, hats off to the remaining members of the podium John Ryan (2nd) and Eric Clements (3rd).
Although I do not have numbers for every North America Solo event, CM participation definitely declined in 2021; Champ Tours, ProSolo, and Nationals CM entries were way down compared to previous years. That said, I believe 2021 to be a blip in an otherwise health class; I look forward to 2022 and a return to normal participation levels.
The above noted, even with the record low CM entry of 11 for the 2021 Solo Nationals, the average entry since 2009 (first year in Lincoln) is sitting at 19 with the high being 30 in 2018. Again, I am optimistic that we’ll again see 20+ CM entries at the Solo Nationals sooner rather than later.
While at the Solo Nationals, I spoke to numerous folks about joining CM with several actively pursuing cars. The interest is there and hopefully we will see some new faces shortly. To that end, I am sadden to note that Sue Eckles has placed her 1983 Reynard (ex-Ray Thomas) up for sale. Please let me know if you or someone you know is interested and we’ll put you in touch with Sue; it truly is a “turn key” car.
Finally, I want to discuss tires; via Ron Ver Mulm of R&S Racing (Hoosier Tire Dealer), the R25B 20.5x7.0-13 bias front (#43164) has been discontinued being replaced in the same size but in a new R20 compound (forgive me but I do not have the Hoosier item number for this new tire). I am going to reach out to Jeff Speer Product Manager at Hoosier Racing Tire to discuss this change as well as plans for the R25B 22.5x7.2-13 A2500 bias rear (#43309); that is, if/when this tire will continue and/or move to the R20 compound as well.
FYI: For those not in attendance, both Ben/Jaime and Eric/Mari utilized the R20 front at this years Solo Nationals. Both Ben and Eric noted that the first runs on this compound came during competition as they has JUST come off the production line the previous week! Both also noted that they did not discern a notable difference from the previous R25B compound nor did they make ANY set up changes to accommodate the new tire.
Hard to believe, but Sep/2021 marks 10 years since the SCCA Solo C Modified (CM) FaceBook page was launched! Please share your CM thoughts and well as point interested folks this way.
Take care,
Chris Pruett
(aka “-pru-“)
50 CM
1985 Swift DB1