I like the idea of a builders class, I think it would be fun, but it clearly is not for everybody that races at Naste races. I believe you already understand this and that is why you have people who want to run the builders class only running one heat of the IROC races. Why not go one step further and run them as a separate series altogether? You are still going to have to run the same number of heats so it wouldn't be much, if any, more time. The hardcore folks certainly aren't going to mind running an extra heat or two. Mony of the folks at Naste races are not hardcore racers, but more like what I would call "dabblers". I don't think this is a bad thing in any way and I think a builders/owners class could go a long way towards keeping both sides happy.
I think a bigger issue is what scale are we talking? This year the majority of the races are 1/32 scale with a few 1/24 and HO thrown in. Would those interested in building have to build cars for all three scales? It is my understanding that your new track, assuming you finish it, is probably able to race 1/32 and 1/24 as is Jeff's track. For the sake of argument, we decide on using 1/32 as the builders class, doesn't that make it more a tuner's series since most 1/32 cars are RTR to start with? To me, 1/24 cars are more of a builder's class, especially if you use brass/soldered chassis but if we go this route then many of the existing tracks would not be usable as venues.
I'm afraid that I'm creating more questions than anwers, but I do believe it needs to be said. If we pool our resources and our heads I'm sure we can hammer out something, but we need more people involved than just the few regulars that post here on the forum. Maybe some type of meeting at or after the last race is in order?
Regards
Rico