Re: Scora opens engine rules
 

It was Alex Coonan who got hurt. Not me (Alex Pettas), I'm fine.

Re: Scora opens engine rules
 

Originally Posted by psullivan:
Tim,

I have no idea really what the conversations were then and now - I'm just not sure it can work - I'm certain you know this a lot better than I do. My original question was really how much cheaper is the steel block over the aluminum block in the long run. As near as I can tell the answer was not a whole lot. If I am correct (and I do realize the competitive advantages issues in terms of weight) then in order for this to work you either have to have (a) numbers on the supply side or (b) there are other rules issues that keep costs low for everyone and makes it affordable. I'm totally ignorant on both points. I can only ASSUME that the decision to change the rules for this race is related to (a) above - i.e. a lack of numbers. So if the series was to continue on a steel block platform there must be an increase in numbers other changes to rules (such as weight rules) to level the playing field. To be honest, why I am interested is that at all forms of racing a balance has to be struck at some level between cost, speed, and competition. This is true at every level (see the BCRA post) and this is an issue that is sure to come to the fore given the issue of car counts at major midget races like Belleville. These issues are always tough - I announced an IRL pro series race at Milwaukee and we had like 11 or 12 cars and stacked four up on the first turn of the first lap - I thought "this series is doomed", But low and behold it really grew numbers wise and became viable. I completely understand how a series like this would appeal to a lot of people who love to race and want to feel as if they can be competitive.

Mr. Sullivan,

I believe it was last year that ASCS had a race at Devil's Bowl where a lot of contingency prizes were awarded. One of those was a complete, new, WESMAR ASCS motor. WESMAR valued to motor, at least for advertisement, at $37,000. This may have been embellished a bit for advertisement, but not much. To give some perspective, the motors I am currently racing with, both of them, I'd gladly take $12,000 for. When you take the wing off the field levels considerably, although not completely "in the bubble". I still just ornery enough to think we can compete, and win, with what we have. We finished two spots away from getting into the field at LPS last night with a motor that, at best, makes 450 HP. And, it was the first time we'd seen LPS since 2004.

The bone of contention here, though, has to do with whether a series has the mettle to stick to their plan even when facing tough times. If I remember correctly, that IRL pro-series stuck to their guns, rule-wise, and didn't change to allowing other, more exotic cars in the field to fill it.

As I replied on another post, I believe I have an idea that may help everyone, but I'm waiting to hear from some folks.

Tim Simmons

Re: Scora opens engine rules
 

I know WHAT you can spend on an engine -- but that's a different issue. It doesn't make one bit of difference what level of racing we are talking about from Karts to Indy - someone is always willing to outspend you. Rules are designed either to accept that, or keep it in check.

Re: Scora opens engine rules
 

Originally Posted by ACP:
It was Alex Coonan who got hurt. Not me (Alex Pettas), I'm fine.

My apologies to both of you. You know what they say - the sex drive is the second thing to go, and I forget what the first thing is.

Tim Simmons

[QUOTE=john3g;125420]

Originally Posted by Tim:

Sam Stockon To many years to count
John Gurley Have been active in the sport since 1972. My earliest memory.
Peggy Carmichael Long time in the racing bizz
Bill Shipman Long time in the bizz and is with the MSCS group
(Rac'n) Jason Adams He is with the MSCS group and is going to help Sunday
Jimmy Jeep Push truucks has confirmed his help.
BoB Ramey a regular SCORA Official
So I hope this answeres your question and if you change your mind and show up there is our staff.:6:

Racin Jason Adams of MSCS will not be helping at Chandler nor any other SCORA sanctioned event. It is a conflict of interest because of his duties with the MSCS!!
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Re: Scora opens engine rules
 

Originally Posted by psullivan:
I know WHAT you can spend on an engine -- but that's a different issue. It doesn't make one bit of difference what level of racing we are talking about from Karts to Indy - someone is always willing to outspend you. Rules are designed either to accept that, or keep it in check.

Agreed.

And it should be remembered that, the more rules you have, the more you're going to need an intelligent organization to police those rules. With the original rules mandated by SCORA the only tech intelligence needed was to be able to read "DT-3" and have a magnet and know that it sticks to a steel block, but not an aluminum block. It's also nice if the tech people have no ties to any particular competitor in the series.

What I've determined through the years is that good equipment is available to almost everyone. Used stuff generally is still good enough to be competitive with. Where most of us low-bucks guys get out-spent is the fact that the better-funded teams have another (or more than one) race-ready car sitting in the shop or hauler. They're willing to be more aggressive because, if they wad one up, they have another for the next week, or race. But, I can't blame them - a good many of them do this for a living and we stand between them and their paychecks. The lower-buck series, however, was built up of us one car-one motor guys. We had a tendency to give a little more room to race, and we genuinely felt bad when something we did caused someone's car to get wadded up. I guess that's gone, again.

Tim Simmons

Re: Scora opens engine rules
 

Tim - not about the issues just a words of thanks for engaging in an excellent dialogue -

Re: Scora opens engine rules
 

Originally Posted by psullivan:
Tim - not about the issues just a words of thanks for engaging in an excellent dialogue -

Thank you, as well, Mr. Sullivan. It's been educational for me. Have a good day.

Tim Simmons

Re: Scora opens engine rules
 

Originally Posted by Tim:
My apologies to both of you. You know what they say - the sex drive is the second thing to go, and I forget what the first thing is.

Tim Simmons

HA! :3:


Why hasn't "#1SPRINTVET" chimed in on this? Seeing that he hasn't replied to 6 pages of replies, leaves room for even more speculation??? Like the one I was told today about how Chase recently blew up their Steel Block motor?? Is this true??? I honestly don't know, and the little bird flew away before I could ask it's name????
Sitting on the sidelines, and just sort of wondering?? :11:

Re: Scora opens engine rules
 

Why hasn't "#1SPRINTVET" chimed in on this? Seeing that he hasn't replied to 6 pages of replies, leaves room for even more speculation??? Like the one I was told today about how Chase recently blew up their Steel Block motor?? Is this true??? I honestly don't know, and the little bird flew away before I could ask it's name????
Sitting on the sidelines, and just sort of wondering??


First off let me give you the right information, Chase hasnt owned a steel motor for 3 years, the motor that he blew up was borrowed. He has had an aluminum motor 4 years now.:6: