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Quite frankly, I don’t really understand what all the fuss is about.  Yes, there are basically two different groups who participate in the NASTE IROC races, the racers and those who are there more to socialize. So what? I don't see why it can't be both. We have tried to break things down into classes with points for the various classes/groups and this has been moderately successful.  It looks to me like Bill’s proposal is to provide more separation between the two groups. I’m not sure I’m in complete agreement with that theory as I like both aspects: the racing and the socializing. Besides the two groups are already largely separated as the more social group does not tend to show up for the more serious racing on Thursdays.

     This is a slot car racing club and to me that should remain the main emphasis on both the weekend IROC races and the Odd Thursday events whether or not one is there to race seriously or to visit.  I wasn’t there in the old days but I’ve been around for the last 7-8 years where we have always used the IROC style on weekends. After learning about some of the early history I understand why an IROC format is used and while it is not my preferred competition model, I look on it as kind of a necessary evil.  The whole point of using the same cars/controller is to level the playing field so the better car builders/cheaters/money spenders (pick your favorite) don’t always win and to give every racer an equal opportunity to perform well.  Why not just break it down into the two groups, the racers and the socializers and leave it at that?   The racers can race for the Points Championship, which I would prefer to keep, and the socializers could race just for fun without the pressure of competition.

      I feel this situation need not be so complicated with qualification, using the top qualifiers cars, points for fast qualifier, moving Points Championship to Odd Thursdays. I like having the IROC and Odd Thursdays separated and prepare for each differently. I like the K.I.S.S. method (I think we all know what this is) and all this just seems overly complicated and to what end? There are still going to be those who are more serious about racing than others and I’m not sure any amount of legislation/rule/format changes is ever going to change this fact.

     In the current IROC format I have used cars I have prepared just for that event and do my best to make them equal so the competition is even and fair. Just like Monte said they are given up for dead when they hit the track and I’m okay with that, but I’ve seen you all race and would prefer not to use individual racers cars for IROC racing as I’m not really comfortable giving up my more serious race cars for dead or for that matter potentially damaging someone else’ pride and joy.  I am also afraid that ramping up the level of competition a notch on Thursdays with points could lead to a loss in the level of camaraderie that currently exists. While I show up to every race with the hope of doing well, I would like to think I have moved beyond getting too upset if I don’t.  After all, I didn’t get the name ‘Chet by doing well.  I’m just not sure the current process is as broken as some make it out to be and if you don’t like it or enjoy it then why choose to participate at all?

Competition by nature is serious but the trick is to not take it too seriously and thereby not making it enjoyable for anyone.