On the Issues with Formula Car racing
#37473 from Joshua Justice · No action required · Minutes (2025-02 Fastrack)
Mr. Justice,
Thank you for your letter.
First and foremost there is not a dictator, one person did not make decisions concerning the Super Tour. Do not lay this at the
feet of any one individual. The CRB, BOD, and Staff are all involved and as you might expect there was passionate debate and
varied thoughts and opinions. In the end a decision was made which we all believe was the best for SCCA. If missteps were made
it is our intention to correct them.
Indeed, the problem that we face in the current Road Racing Program is that of run groups. Allocating classes to those run
groups and fitting those groups into an event schedule is no easy feat. As we continue to evaluate the program we will be paying
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particular attention to one of the most valuable commodities, "track time". Each year SCCA and its Regions purchase a finite
number of track minutes. We will be evaluating how we can improve the allocation of cars, classes, and run groups across those
track minutes to improve the on-track experience of all.
Last month the CRB approved a request which eliminates the requirement that an FF or FV driver finish in the top 50% of points
from the Runoffs qualification criteria. This was done due to the inequity that was inadvertently placed on those classes when
they were excluded from the Super Tour. We do not envision a participation issue with either FF or FV such that their Runoffs
invitation will be in peril in the next few years; should that arise however their exclusion from the Super Tour will certainly be
considered. Also, rest assured that there is no intent to eliminate formula or prototype classes from the SCCA. It is those classes
which distinguish this organization from its competitors. What we need to get a better handle on is how to improve participation
in those classes. With the various semi-pro series that also feature these cars the entries are spread thin. This is further
exacerbated by the fact that the cost and time required to service these cars is in many instances far greater than for those in
other classes. Competitors in FF and FC are working independently from SCCA to build participation; you are encouraged to join
in their efforts.
As for the health of FA we will simply have to agree to disagree. FA has put some impressive stats on the board ranking #10
overall with 4.69 average entries for the 2024 Super Tour and Runoffs. FA had 25 entries at June Sprints and 13 entries at
Runoffs.
Finally we will give consideration to your super-class concept. In essence you are suggesting that we not consider the health of
any specific class, but lump all classes of similar ilk into the same run group and hand out awards for all. This promotes
participation over the health of any specific class. Should this concept be applied to Majors, Super Tour, and Runoffs or just
Majors? Should a Runoffs National Championship be awarded regardless of class participation? Does this water down or
diminish the value of a championship?
Again, thank you for your letter.