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Post by 396z on Feb 5, 2015 9:48:44 GMT -6
I know you of all people weren't sending a dig at slow cars Dennis. You don't have to be fast to be good. The Sportsman class hasn't always gotten a fair shake though and I think they feel treated like second class citizens at times even though the class is just as competitive as any. I can assure you when I raced that class, my car was as well prepared as any at the track. My motor and trany were fresh at the beginning of each season and I always had a backup. To win a Sportsman race, you have to go just as many rounds against some deadly competitors. The payout is weak and you spent just as many hours earning it as any other class. Sportsman probably brings in more spectators, they eat more concession stand food and several buy parking spots too. Sportsman is the open door to the bracket program and is how the majority of people get into the sport. If anything, Sportsman should be the class that is coveted and catered to rather than ignored and discounted. Sportsman is how you get new people into the sport. But very few conversations include Sportsman. The other classes mostly grow by stealing racers from other tracks.
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Post by racerone on Feb 6, 2015 7:39:28 GMT -6
Sportsman racers have had 2 go to Pomona Dave Gamber and Ted Tiptka. Pro racers 1 got to Pomona Steve Pearson . Super Pro 1 got to Pomona Jason Phillips.
I would hope GMP if they dont change the tier payout would consider paying equally on the getting to ladder based on car count . Still seems to be not equal on rds and ladder .
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Post by 396z on Feb 6, 2015 8:52:42 GMT -6
Don, thanks for rubbing it in my face that I didn't make it to Pomona. :-)
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Post by drphillips309 on Feb 6, 2015 11:48:31 GMT -6
Sportsman racers have had 2 go to Pomona Dave Gamber and Ted Tiptka. Pro racers 1 got to Pomona Steve Pearson . Super Pro 1 got to Pomona Jason Phillips. I would hope GMP if they dont change the tier payout would consider paying equally on the getting to ladder based on car count . Still seems to be not equal on rds and ladder . Here is my thoughts on that . If everyone's goal is to make it to Pomona and to do that you need to win indy why would pro want to practice all year on the 1/4 mile and then when it counts go to indy with the same dialing and finish line technics that worked on the 1/4 mile and wonder why you got smoked early by the guy from let's say Lyons that races 1/8 mile every week? Since about the year 2000 when James made it to the final sportsman has been carring team gateway because they have the advantage of being on the 1/4 mile every week . Superpro guys have done pretty well with since the switch to 1/8 mile in 2002 with 3 ROC winners and a lot of guys making it to the semis and 1/4 finals of the Sunday race but I can't remember since 2001 the last year for 1/4 mile pro at indy any pro guy making it to 8 cars on Sunday or the final of the ROC on Friday? I'm just saying if I was a pro guy I would want the format changed because the past 13 years hasn't worked so good.
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Post by drphillips309 on Feb 6, 2015 11:51:27 GMT -6
I hope my previous post doesn't offend to many people I just call it the way I see it . But if your goal is not to win indy carry on with the 1/4 mile. Sorry rant over.
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Post by 338d on Feb 6, 2015 12:51:51 GMT -6
Jason, I agree on everything you said and even though my big racing goal is not making it to Pomona, I would still like 1/8 pro and I do think it would make a difference going to Indy though if you raced it all season. I have the same wall every year at Indy and that is the round of around 14-16 cars. I have lost in that round 4 out of the last 5 times I have been to Indy. Last year giving back the stripe by .001 in the 1/4's of the ROC was the best I have did in it, but I think last year was the 1st time in a looong time a pro car even won a round in the ROC. No offense as you are right on the money with your thoughts!
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Post by 396z on Feb 6, 2015 13:34:26 GMT -6
I respect everyone's opinion on the Pro 1/8 versus 1/4 mile. It seems a shame to have an incredible 1/4 mile facility and not run 1/4 mile. I personally just like 1/8 mile. For me it's more intense. Everything happens faster, and the racing is closer. Even a turd on 87 octane can repeat for an 1/8 mile. And it was about time Clay won a few rounds in the ROC since he is usually the one in it. :-)
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Post by p518 on Feb 6, 2015 14:28:07 GMT -6
Someone of decision making power at Gateway needs to see these messages and understand the impact of what racing Pro on the 1/8 mile would have on the overall program and possibly, attendance.
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Post by moparsz on Feb 6, 2015 15:04:43 GMT -6
Plus 1/8 mile in pro might get people from benton, sikeston, Havana to run there without having to re gear their car that always runs 1/8. Just make the bonus classes 1/4. Everyone can still run 1/4 and do 1/8 as points
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Post by SENIOR on Feb 6, 2015 15:42:08 GMT -6
Don, thanks for rubbing it in my face that I didn't make it to Pomona. :-) Same story for me.
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Post by p518 on Feb 6, 2015 16:10:40 GMT -6
You are still champions, regardless.
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Post by 396z on Feb 6, 2015 16:16:16 GMT -6
True. Some may have more championships than others, but who's counting anyways...
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Post by 396z on Feb 6, 2015 16:17:42 GMT -6
Man it's always a good day when I get to yank Seniors chain :-)
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Post by rf1 on Feb 6, 2015 17:10:25 GMT -6
I noticed on their schedule that it says 4.50 to 7.75 I hope this was a copy and paste situation as there are several cars faster than 4.50 in the area .
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Post by 358t on Feb 8, 2015 12:23:40 GMT -6
A follow up on Tim's concern... I seen on FB that it indeed was a typo. The low limit is 4.0.
Also looks like the combo race idea is either axed or they are still thinking about it. Looks like no "bonus" classes at all at this time.
Scott
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