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
