Rocky Mountain Divisional?

[cabriniman]

I see that on July 12th and 13th there is a Rocky Mountain Divisional. How does it work? Can my wife and I participate?

[SubaDrew]

I see that on July 12th and 13th there is a Rocky Mountain Divisional. How does it work? Can my wife and I participate?

Both days runs count and you MUST be a scca member to run a divisional. There will be no X, W, or AT class so everyone will run in their scca mandated class (no local class groups).

Other than that it's like a regular auto-x.

[00 SS]

I think Drew meant to say that both days runs count toward one time for the weekend. They add you best time each day to calculate a final time. This means you really need to plan on being there both days. Otherwise, it's a normal autox without any index classes like Drew said. Also, there is no RMsolo summer series points awarded for this event.

I don't know if weekend memberships wil be available for this event or not. I'll ask in the chiefs forum.

[Randy Hickman]

I also seem to recall that no ride-alongs are allowed at divisionals. I could be wrong, but I think that's the case.

[SuperWhiteGT4]

Don't you have to have a current rulebook too?

[Lindsay S. Wilson]

A Divisional event should mirror solo nationals as much as posible. The idea being to prepare drivers for the experience of the big show.

We are very lucky here along the front range that Colorado and Continental Divide Regions jointly run the RMSOLO series to such a high level of competency that over the years many local practices have been incorporated into Solo Nationals. Of course National Office used to be in our back yard and we were a convenient test lab for new ideas. :)

Like Solo Nationals, the 2 days of competition count as 1 event. Your best time each day will be added to get your overall time for the event. This combined time will determine the class positions.

Also, running the Divisional 'qualifies' you to run Solo Nationals. :cool:

As for not counting local classes, as the Rocky Mt. Division Solo Steward, I have the power to waive certian sanction requierments. Allowing local classes is one of those things which is being done at a few Divisional events around the country. So,,,,,, What is the desire of the 'locals' ?
Would you like to run local classes at the Divisonal or just run the National classes (and supplemental classes) as defined in the Solo Rule book? :confused:

Weekend Memberships can be used at a Divisional event fyi. It is up to the host region to offer them, or not.

Wondering,

Lindsay - RMD Solo Steward

[GingerGSR]

Don't you have to have a current rulebook too?

"In your possesion" is the wording I believe. I bought one from Tom Hunsinger. He might still have a couple left. I'll have mine with me.

[GingerGSR]

Would you like to run local classes at the Divisonal or just run the National classes (and supplemental classes) as defined in the Solo Rule book? :confused:

Let the the local classes run...

Makes no difference in SM. There are no SM cars in X , W or AT. ;)

[Randy Hickman]

Would you like to run local classes at the Divisonal or just run the National classes (and supplemental classes) as defined in the Solo Rule book? :confused:

Just speaking for myself, I'd say we'd ought to run only the national classes. (Though the presence of Wenzel/Mannix/Haigler/Pizzato in FSP will certainly have some impact to my personal trophy aspirations...) There are no "Xpert" classes at Nationals - when you go to Topeka, you run against national champion level competitors in your class. I think we'd ought to do that at the divisional as well. I'd like to see the W class included in the divisional, though, since there's a "Ladies" class at Nationals.

Just my 2 cents. I'm certainly willing to go with whatever the "ambient opinion" is.

[GingerGSR]

I'd like to see the W class included in the divisional, though, since there's a "Ladies" class at Nationals.

Isn't there an "L" sub class within each class that the "L's" can run in if they wish, not an "L" class equivilant to our "W" class?

[Randy Hickman]

Isn't there an "L" sub class within each class that the "L's" can run in if they wish, not an "L" class equivilant to our "W" class?

That's true - it's not an exact match. We've structured our W class a bit differently that Nationals have with the L classes, but the intent is still pretty much the same. That's why I'd like it to be included in the regional while I think the other local classes shouldn't be - there's nothing at Nationals that has the same intention as X or AT.

Again, just my 2 cents, and worth every dollar! :D

[cabriniman]

I would love it if the local classes ran! AT is the only class my wife and I can be competitive in with our car.

Please oh please please let the local classes run! :D

[Van]

I would love it if the local classes ran! AT is the only class my wife and I can be competitive in with our car.

Please oh please please let the local classes run! :D

You CAN be competitive in other classes with a little prep. ;)

Looking at last Mondays results, if you combined BS with the 3 guys who ran AT (BS index) and the 1 Xclass BS driver, you still would have trophied 4th of 11. Not too bad.

Van

[Solo2GS]

That's true - it's not an exact match. We've structured our W class a bit differently that Nationals have with the L classes, but the intent is still pretty much the same. That's why I'd like it to be included in the regional while I think the other local classes shouldn't be - there's nothing at Nationals that has the same intention as X or AT.

Again, just my 2 cents, and worth every dollar! :D

I agree with the "W" class being run at divisional. True, Nationals have "L" (SSL, SML, BSL...) but locally there are not enough ladies in any one class to have enough competition, so the "W" class with all the indexing works great for them. Ladies don't have to run the "W" or "L" class as many are just as capable to kick our butts in the regular class! But I think they enjoy the friendly competition amongst each other!

[Built-By-Bones]

IF any companies are offering contingency, and RMSolo only offers a W class NOT the L classes, we are making it impossible for any ladies to be eligible for contingency money.

Granted, the number of ladies running cars that may be eligible for contingency may be neglible, but when Mini offered contingency at Divisional level it was a substantial sum.

Carol won over $1000 in 2004, mostly due to her Divisional win (in GSL) and her season championship. Just a point to consider

[Solo2GS]

Do we need to run the full "National" level sticker package minus the "Tire Rack" banner at our divisional?

[cabriniman]

You CAN be competitive in other classes with a little prep. ;)

Looking at last Mondays results, if you combined BS with the 3 guys who ran AT (BS index) and the 1 Xclass BS driver, you still would have trophied 4th of 11. Not too bad.

Van

I think the only way for me to be truly competitive in my stock class I would have to get racing tires... and learn how to drive a lot better! Maybe after the school this Saturday I'll be faster on my street tires.

I would like to petition the SCCA for a national AT style class. Any ideas on how I could do this? It would be cool for folks racing on the cheap (aka, me) to be able to compete on the national level.

[camoe]

Maybe after the school this Saturday I'll be faster on my street tires.

Forgive me if I hope that you don't...I having a hard enough time with you in AT...;-)

I would like to petition the SCCA for a national AT style class. Any ideas on how I could do this? It would be cool for folks racing on the cheap (aka, me) to be able to compete on the national level.

I doubt it but it never hurts to try

Cheers

[Tom Hunsinger]

More details after this weekend. The plate is a little full right now. Once we get through this weekend then I will start filling in the holes and promoting this event.

[LoCore]

I would recommend running the Divisional event the way we have in the past, which is to follow the usual National rules.

We already have many regional events in which to run our "local rules". I see no reason to turn the Divisional Event into yet another series event.

Operate it per the usual National rules.

My 0.02...

[John Scheier]

Operate it per the usual National rules.

Concur.

[fast_eddie_72]

I would recommend running the Divisional event the way we have in the past, which is to follow the usual National rules.

We already have many regional events in which to run our "local rules". I see no reason to turn the Divisional Event into yet another series event.

Operate it per the usual National rules.

My 0.02...

I don't have any experience with any of this, but I would like to have an opportunity to run an event that is as much like a national event as possible. It would be good experience for anyone considering going to national events in the future.

[Bob Klingler]

A Divisional event should mirror solo nationals as much as possible. The idea being to prepare drivers for the experience of the big show......
....Also, running the Divisional 'qualifies' you to run Solo Nationals.

So let's not turn it into just a 13th regional event. We need to stick with the original objectives Lindsay has stated; this is our one opportunity of the year to have a somewhat different event.

[Randy Hickman]

+1 on running it by National rules. (I'd forgotten that we *do* make the L classes available at Divisionals, so our W drivers have that option if they so choose. Mmmmm...contingency...)

[camoe]

What are the sticker requirements for the divisional?

[Lindsay S. Wilson]

For this Divisional Event there will NOT be any contingency programs.

BUT, next year will be another story! :D

Don't want to thread jack so I won't elaberate hear, will start a new topic.

Lindsay - RMD Solo Steward

IF any companies are offering contingency, and RMSolo only offers a W class NOT the L classes, we are making it impossible for any ladies to be eligible for contingency money.

Granted, the number of ladies running cars that may be eligible for contingency may be neglible, but when Mini offered contingency at Divisional level it was a substantial sum.

Carol won over $1000 in 2004, mostly due to her Divisional win (in GSL) and her season championship. Just a point to consider

[47ford]

I would recommend running the Divisional event the way we have in the past, which is to follow the usual National rules.

We already have many regional events in which to run our "local rules". I see no reason to turn the Divisional Event into yet another series event.

Operate it per the usual National rules.

My 0.02...

+1

[47ford]

AT is the only class my wife and I can be competitive in with our car.

Lets see, GS this year almost everyone is running street tires so far... I know of one guy who as been to two events that has run race tires so far (in GS). Yes he won, but when I had R-compounds last year, he still beat me... Some people are just better drivers than others.

The biggest thing about being competitive is the driver (so I've been told, and I do believe). The school should help for sure. My goal for this season is to get as good on street tires this season as I was on the old Victoracers last season. So give it a try (running in your class) and see how competitive you can be. (Actually running with the class is different than just looking at the standings afterwards, IMHO)

[cabriniman]

Regardless of what is decided my wife and I will be at the event. You never know, maybe next year my wife will let me get new wheels and R compound tiresIt's sure to be a good time! :)

[arniecoleman]

I would recommend running the Divisional event the way we have in the past, which is to follow the usual National rules.

We already have many regional events in which to run our "local rules". I see no reason to turn the Divisional Event into yet another series event.

Operate it per the usual National rules.

My 0.02...

What David said, absolutely!!

We're up to four cents!

[Built-By-Bones]

For this Divisional Event there will NOT be any contingency programs.

BUT, next year will be another story! :D

Don't want to thread jack so I won't elaberate hear, will start a new topic.

Lindsay - RMD Solo Steward

Lindsay

just to be clear, the MiniUSA contingency had nothing to do with the SCCA, and was solely adminstered by Mini. From my understanding the contingency is no longer offered down to the Divisional level, only Tours and Pro's. Perhaps MiniUSA's reluctance to let SCCA administer the funds (and take their cut of proceeds) is part of the reason Mini owners have received the short end of some ruling decisions. I am sure if Mini had gone the Mazda/BMW/VW route of paying SCCA a healthy sum to hand out contingency we could see Mini's competitive in more than one class.

But I believe there are still other manufacturer's who offer contingency to their drivers even at Regional /Divisional level (VWUSA??)

From my perspective, if/when SCCA does offer contingency programs for Divisionals, they definitely need to improve the administation side of things. Their admin in 2005 and 2006 was beyond pathetic, taking months (or longer) to get checks sent out. I was very happy when Kumho and Hoosier started administering their programs themselves.

I am very happy to hear the SCCA reviving the status of Divisionals again.

[Lindsay S. Wilson]

For those that want to run the Divisional event like Solo Nationals; how much of an entry fee are you willing to pay? :confused:

I ask, since the Divisional event last year had just 75 entries. :eek:
Those managing the checkbook have got to wonder if this years Divisional event will cover its' costs?

Of course some things have changed since last year.
Weekend Memberships and mandantory membership for example.

So let's hear some ideas on how to icrease entrys at the Divisional event!

I'll start;

2 for 1 YES! Pay just 1 Weekend Membership fee and run 2 days!:D
One Weekend Membership covers you for BOTH Saturday AND Sunday!
This is the best deal since the double event Memorial Day weekend!:rolleyes:

Lindsay - RMD Solo Stewaard

[Mark C]

As long as this Divisional counts for my entry to Nationals so I dont have to pay the outrageous fee I will be fine with however it is run. I would prefer it to be per the nationals rules. Provided the fee for entry is below the $160 waiver fee for nationals I will pay it.

Not sure how many cents we have now...

-Mark

[Van]

Last year, Divisionals was in the springs and this year it's in Denver. Denver events typically get a significant higher amount of entries. I would assume the same would hold true for a Divisional event?

2 cents.

Van

[Built-By-Bones]

Lindsay,

that is the million dollar question. :D

Last year, when the event was in the Springs, it was more cost effective for me to skip the Divisional and just pay the Nationals waiver fee (I know that is not the intent of the waiver, but that is how it is currently being implemented0

Even with the Divisional in Denver, it would be more cost effective for me to cough up the extra $160 for a waiver, than it would be to pay for a hotel room, entry fee, tires, gas, (or two trips to Denver if I forego the hotel).

Of course i would be missing a great event, that would actually prepare me for Nats, but I am talking strictly from a $$ perspective.

I honestly think the Divisional should be about 25 % more expensive than a local event. The event is run to a higher standard, with slightly different rules than a 2 day local event. Trophies in past years have also been special compared to our local season event trophies, and that has to cost more.

How many of the 75 Divisional attendees in 2007 actually attended Nats (and of that number how many had qualified by attending Tours out of state). I am too lazy to look, but from an objective point of view, it almost appears that RMSolo is doing a lot of work and a lot of expense for a very small, select group of people.

Are we required to run a Divisional each year? or is it something we do just to give our drivers a chance to qualify for Nats in state? I recall we did not run Divisionals in 2005 and 2006 when we had a local Tour stop. (and thus no opportunity for me to win Mini money locally in those years - last bitch I promise - :) )

[fast_eddie_72]

Well, and maybe I just don't understand, but it would be cheaper not to run any events at all. None of our local events provide any opportunity to make money.

[Van]

How many of the 75 Divisional attendees in 2007 actually attended Nats (and of that number how many had qualified by attending Tours out of state). I am too lazy to look, but from an objective point of view, it almost appears that RMSolo is doing a lot of work and a lot of expense for a very small, select group of people.


I counted almost half of the 75 who went to Nats. However, only a handful of those 37 or so went out of state to qualify. Maybe a half dozen. Jesse and I weren't there but only because we were at a Tour that weekend! :)

I'm ok with whatever is decided for Divisionals. I've already been to two tours. ;)

Van

[arniecoleman]

Well, and maybe I just don't understand, but it would be cheaper not to run any events at all. None of our local events provide any opportunity to make money.


:confused:

[fast_eddie_72]

:confused:

Sorry Arnie, I was reference the post above mine.

"Even with the Divisional in Denver, it would be more cost effective for me to cough up the extra $160 for a waiver, than it would be to pay for a hotel room, entry fee, tires, gas, (or two trips to Denver if I forego the hotel).

Of course i would be missing a great event, that would actually prepare me for Nats, but I am talking strictly from a $$ perspective."

My point being that you can't measure it from a strictly $$ perspective. If you did that, you wouldn't race in the first place.

[arniecoleman]

Sorry Arnie, I was reference the post above mine.

"Even with the Divisional in Denver, it would be more cost effective for me to cough up the extra $160 for a waiver, than it would be to pay for a hotel room, entry fee, tires, gas, (or two trips to Denver if I forego the hotel).

Of course i would be missing a great event, that would actually prepare me for Nats, but I am talking strictly from a $$ perspective."

My point being that you can't measure it from a strictly $$ perspective. If you did that, you wouldn't race in the first place.


Oh, sarcasm! I get it now . . . :eek:

[Nick Leone]

So how much is the Divisional going to cost?

[GingerGSR]

It should be $30 each day for regular members. Not sure about the weekenders. If allowed, their weekend membership is good for both days in addition to the $30+$30.

[Tom Hunsinger]

Hang on for a little bit more please. There are a lot of things that go into organizing a div and I still have to sort a few things out. For instance, the trophies have a separate budget for the event. Don't assume anything. Mark is sort of right; it will be around $60 but that is not a given until I get all of the numbers together. In the meantime cash in your IRAs and 401Ks so you will be ready for sure :D

[Tom Hunsinger]

Again, I apologize for the delay. There are so many Ts to cross and Is to dot. I am trying to get a budget together so we have a fair entry that will pay our costs but not overcharge our entrants. Once I get the supplemental regs done we will be ready to go and there are just a couple of things (but important things) left. Thanks for your patience!