[Rob Hood]

Not sure who the letter writer is pointing a finger at, but he's definitely pointing a finger...perhaps at NASA?

[rmackintosh]

I have been looking at ITB cars to buy and learn how to drive on them, since many basic driving techniques cross-over (no FWD cars for me).

ITB cars or other IT cars are AN EXCELLENT way to race on the "cheap". The trick is to do some homework and find a car that is competitive, fast, reliable, etc. and you can learn a lot for a little. Ask me how I know! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I'm not convinced the SCCA's classification structure is the best process, but don't know what would be better.  I do like NASA's power-to-weight approach, which appears to help keep costs down.

I agree with you there. SCCA's class structure is FAR from perfect....and I doubt NASA's is either. To be honest with you, I think TODAY NASA has a better class structure. CMC/AI/AIX is REALLY, REALLY cool! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif) The other classes seem cool as well. Just get rid of the HPDE riff-raff that takes up 2/3rds of the paddock, and a few other idiosyncracies and I would be all over it. The problem I see with NASA and the future is all this "user friendliness" is gonna bite them sooner or later. As they keep adding classes to fit this "casual racer" or that one, they will soon get to the SCCA alphabet soup....which is stupid......there are 12-15 classes in my ONE RACE GROUP! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) NASA seems to be heading this direction to make everyone happy.

My advice to NASA.....DO NOT DO THAT.....keep it simple with run groups like you have....CMC/AI/AIX...Porshces.....etc. Don't break it all up so EVERYONE and their brother has a class....keep 7-8 distinct classes and serve them well....

(and put HPDE's on their own SEPARATE weekend away from the real races. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) )

NASA is basically the SCCA of the 80's from what I see....and they seem to be heading down the SAME EXACT PATH....

NASA.....the SCCA of 2015 (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rotf.gif)