Astroman

ProCoach

Hope you were grinning when you wrote that, otherwise, what a chicken$#!t thing to say!

The racetrack paddock is one of the most egalitarian places still around. To attempt to polarize based on what kind of car someone drives or races smacks of ignorance. We've seen this before when Cup guys get painted with the same broad brush. Sheesh... smh

winders

Really? Egalitarian?

I think Cory was joking around but his characterization is not completely inaccurate....

ProCoach

Also could be a meritocracy, where good drivers, with sense and courtesy, are looked upon favorably, no matter what car they're driving or what their occupation/politics/social standing...

It's just that I spend 220-plus days a year at the racetrack and recognize that for ALMOST everyone who attends, it's enthusiasm for and joy derived from this sport/hobby that keep them coming back, not some misplaced, narcissistic vanity that requires them to look down their nose at others... It's like Ferrari owner (or Corvettes, or Cup car) bashing, to me.

If someone decides to make this commitment, they should be supported, just as most of them would support other racers and friends. Sheesh...

Cory M

I guess I hit a nerve I'm joking a bit, but there is still plenty of truth in there and it's silly to deny it.

If you are after the typical club racing experience, why would you pay $15k for an 8 race season? Why spend $1875 on entry fees when the guys next to you in the paddock are paying $450 for the same track time? Why buy an exclusive car with its own special run group? Why race at member only tracks like Thermal that are off limits to clubs?

I don't think I said anything negative about the people racing the cars, I certainly didn't mean for it to be interpreted that way. I'm not bashing anyone. If I bought into this series I would expect it to feel special too. I would want every event to be a big deal, otherwise why bother?

Cory M

I'm not looking down my nose at anyone. I raced a 944 spec and loved it. I race on used tires from JB. I have done the time trail instead of race at two PCA events this year just to save a few hundred bucks. If I had any sense I'd still be in a 944 or kart instead of a 911. If I really had any sense I'd quit racing and spend my weekends mountain biking instead of wrenching on old cars.

All I was trying to say is that the Competent races I've been to feel more like "events" than the average west coast PCA race. For the cost of entry, I think the GT4 Clubsport racers out west would expect (and deserve) "events".

winders

Oh, come on, Peter! You know there are all kinds of racers just like there are all kinds of street car owners.

ProCoach

Cool...

ProCoach

Yep, I have learned that!

MSR Racer

This characterization of racers with expensive cars and race shops is terrible. Thank you pro coach for standing up

Cory M

You guys are very sensitive. What is so terrible about expecting to get what you've paid for? I think it would be terrible to spend a bunch of money on this car and series and NOT get something better than the average club race. If you are paying pro prices you should get the pro experience, what's wrong with that? Maybe we should start the Egalitarian Racing League, and just have one big run group and no car classes so we're all equal, everyone gets a trophy.

ProCoach

No, not what I meant. What I meant was not to slime people just because they have a cool, new, powerful car or can afford a shop and a crew to look after them.

We're all equal in the fun we make out of burning up money, whatever we can afford, I hope.

AFA the trophy goes, I'd rather see fewer classes and fewer trophies. Hah!

Lastly, the greatest variable IS the LOOSE NUT BEHIND THE WHEEL, and for that reason, we'll NEVER be equal!

Veloce Raptor

It's the Corvette drivers you have to be wary of

Cory M

I propose and egalitarian meritocracy where we can look down our noses at those with less while simultaneously sliming those with more. I'm so confused...

Nizer

Some of us just want to drive the car without having to jump through all the hoops.

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