BMWCCA Discussion

#1

Carter, have a look at the BMWCCA racer message board as they’re talking about spec e30 and they just don’t seem to get it…or maybe i don’t get it. But I’m certainly having fun. Regards, Robert Patton

#2

Patton wrote:

Where are you looking? I checked but didn’t see anything recent re spec e30.

#3

Steve, you’ll not find the BMWCCA list at a public access area. You have to subscribe to their special interest group which is permitted with a Club Racing license. By the way, Vic’s post kind of said it all-We’re just out for fun , close racing. Good job Vic. Regards, Robert Patton

#4

I have a CR license & (thought I would) have access. I just didn’t see the discussion you’re referring to?

Post edited by: sdais, at: 2005/07/27 12:16

#5

Thanks for the kudos Robert,
There were some good discussions going on today on the BMW SIG…and a lot of misconceptions on their part…but it kept me up too late. I need some sleep…I’ll be dreaming of UNBROKEN Rocker Arms…mmmm…

-Vic

#6

Wow, the answer seem so simple to me… If the BMWCCA would allow a spec class to replace the non-existant KS class they would open up their venues to greater racer participation. What a concept, and as I said before , I’d gladly give up all those hard earned KS points to have some competition out there. Regards, Robert Patton

#7

Robert,

As I said in one my posts, the class lettering does not have anything to do with the racing. If 6 SpecE30 guys show up vs 1 then what’s the difference whether you’re in KS or KP? You’re still racing each other or no one or whoever else is on the track near you. I still don’t see how adding the class changes the racing.

Beyond that, and I think this is very important but I have not posted it to the list yet, realize that right now Tire Rack is the BMW CR main series sponsor by a lot. It would not really be a good idea to promote a new series or class within BMW CR that uses a spec tire that TR does not sell. And a little beyond that, there is some unhappy feelings between TR and Toyo.

BMW CR as a program cannot jeopordize series sponsors in favor of giving racers a new class…especially if they’re going to come and run anyway.

#8

I have not seen the discussion on the CR list (subscribe, but trashcan all the emails automajically), but I am glad that Spec E30 is associated with NASA. The events are well run, and there seems to be less whining. I don’t think the series would have grown, or will continue to grow as quickly if it is associated with BMWCCA CR. However, I do enjoy racing with the BMW CR guys occasionaly and like having the license since it seems to carry more clout than tha NASA one.

I don’t remember the race results from any recent BMW events, but I seem to remember from Roebling last December that our Spec E30 guys did pretty well in KP.

#9

It has been interesting, that’s for sure.

And I’ve had a few private emails expessing interest in Spec E30.

Carter

:slight_smile:

#10

Jack, I overlooked the Toyo/Tire Rack situation.However should CCA see it to try a spec series I’m sure the tire situation could be worked out. Regardless, the CCA has at their doorstep a group of racers (and I maybe taking too many liberties here…) that would participate in their events too.Heck, half of us already participate, albeit not-so-competitively in KP. Looking at the situtation selfishly, I would like for my spec car to be competitive in two series, rather than driving around for points in a KS or dumping the weight and racing in KP. As Elephant Motorsports (and Bimmerworld, RRT, Turner, JTM, etc.) it would be a great feature/ benefit to build a car for a customer where he could be competitive in two series. Think of spec e30 as KP Lite and you can see the cost to build and race the car are so much less. Will the spec series be considered by CCA? I hope so as the they’ve tried a spec thing before (spec Mini) but I’m guessing that it didn’t work because the cost of the car was too much. Spec e30, thanks to Carter’s diligence,NASA’s support and the will of the racers to build and compete, does work. I’m sure the idea has the attention of the right folks at CCA and it would be great for racers, both race groups, car builders, and sponsors to have a crossover series. Just my $.02. Others? Regards, Robert (crossover) Patton

#11

Carter, Favorable?Fact finding? From CCA decision makers? Any thing you can share? Do oyu want me to refrain from the keyboard? See you on Sunday, Robert

#12

Carter, one final note: I saw on the CR SIG that the final date for CR rules clarifications was 8/1. I sent in a "creation of spec e30 request. "Can’t hurt to try, as it would be a benefit to the racers to have two venues where we could race our cars and be competitive. We’ll see what may happen. Regards, Robert Patton

#13

Patton wrote:

Robert
I would say it’s a pipe dream at best. I don’t think the BMWCCA CR rules are perfect. I think they could use a good overhaul. However, CCA is not about to do this in any major form, it would piss off the majority of club racers that are all ready participating. Further, CCA has it’s own identity in that it accommodates all BMW’s

The majority of Spec E30 cars fit in CCA KP class, CCA will let you run your car to your rules just like SCCA ITS cars, and that makes it easy for the tech inspectors to deal with. I don’t see CCA adopting Spec E30 rules for one class adding another layer of tech inspection to a race weekend. They are having enough problems adapting to the scale of what the series has become.

The fact is you have your own series in which you can compete. I don’t see why any other organization needs, or should be expected, to cater to you for you to want to run with them. I prepared my KP cat to CCA rules. I don’t expect NASA, GTS, or SCCA to accommodate my cars classification. No one is putting down Spec E30, it’s clearly a well-conceived idea. However if you want to be more completive in another series. You need to build another car. Because I doubt that either the rules committee in either organization is going to budge.

Personally, I would love the CCA stock classes to be more "spec". However, anytime a spec tire is even mentioned there is the typical push back that comes from the competitors running in cars that the particular tire isn’t available, or not available in the preferred size.

Who knows maybe I’ll turn the KP car into a Spec E30 car???

#14

Sending in my BMWCCA Racing License Application on Monday. Not sure when or if I’ll do any BMWCCA events, but it’ll be nice to have the option when NASA has an off month next year.

I’ll let you guys know if I run into any resistance with my NASA/PCA background.

brain