I’m right outside Raleigh, so I’ve pretty much got my choice of running either Mid Atlantic or Southeast division. One thing about MA was running at VIR, I love that track and it’s close by. I was told as of last year, MA had more participants than SE, but I’ve also heard that participation in MA is dropping. Is SE the largest region as of now? I know there’s several others in NC. If any of you offer up your personal recommendations or experiences, I’d appreciate it.
Convince Me of What Region I Should Run
jhall1957
#2
JeepinMatt wrote:
We’ve been to both. Both are great! Different “feels” but both are fun. We will likely be spliting our track time more based on track location then based on divisions running there.
Mid Atlantic is where I did my Comp School (at VIR, awesome) and first race (not as good, one of the regulars wrecked me first race). Southeast is where we have a ton of fun with EVERY racer. The SE attitudes are much lower key and the racing tends to have less bent metal.
Now, before anyone jumps at me, these are just my opinions. If you don’t agree with them, TOUGH. You can’t edit my post 
mskeen
#4
Unless you plan to run for points in one (and only one) region, why not run events with both?
donstevens
#6
Matt,
I agree with Skeen. Technically I think you are in MA but you can run anywhere you want. I live in FL and have only done one Spec E30 event but it was with SE. The SE guys are a lot of fun and very competitive.
Don
scottmc
#7
I’m in a similar situation.
Live in Greensboro. Love VIR.
Like Jeff, I did my comp school with Mid-Atlantic and have run with both groups. I am not and never will be in the run for any kind of points championship but have chosen to run in the SE only. Nothing against Mid-Atlantic… I normally go up to VIR when they are there just to visit.
The best thing to do (IMO) is to run with both. If you find that you like one region over the other or prefer the schedule and tracks over the other region, you make you decision based on you own experience.
JeepinMatt
#8
Gasman wrote:
:laugh:
I may in fact run both for a little while, but sooner or later I’d prefer to settle down into one region.
Carter
#10
My opinions, as a racer…
I’m in Raleigh and enjoy racing with both Regions.
Yes, the Mid Atlantic is more serious, and the racing is pretty intense, although we teach Comp School students to remove the emotion…which doesn’t always happen. And while the guys are generally friendly and will help each other at the track, they tend to “play it closer to the vest.” We also seem to have more cars closer in lap times and there does seem to be a little more “rubbin.”
In the Southeast, you’ll see larger fields and the racing is more light-hearted, but still good. And the Southeast has had a few serious crashes too, but I think that’s unusual. Plus, the Southeast has longer races/more track time and more tracks on the schedule.
I’m the Mid Atlantic Regional Series Director (as well as the National Series Director) so I have to attend every MA weekend, which I’m glad to do.
But if the budget allows, and Jim will have me, I’d like to race with the Southeast once or twice this year.
Carter
FARTBREF
#11
One important point is that you cannot race in MA without 888’s cause you will be Dq’d for having RA1’s
AL
ukrbmw
#12
I’m in the same delimma. Been reading all the info and now moving to Charlotte, which puts me about 3 and half hours away from most SE tracks.
MA seems to run a lot of races at Summit Point - I’m sure the track rental is cheaper, but it’s 6-7 hours away and the attendance is always poor (less than 10 people from what I could see), SE seems to have more folks attending.
One thing that plays in to SE a lot is the lack of “drama” - I haven’t read any disturbing threads (yes, I’m referring to the Vic Hall thing), plus the accidents or the lack off.
Alex.
JeepinMatt
#13
ukrbmw wrote:
[quote]I’m in the same delimma. Been reading all the info and now moving to Charlotte, which puts me about 3 and half hours away from most SE tracks.
MA seems to run a lot of races at Summit Point - I’m sure the track rental is cheaper, but it’s 6-7 hours away and the attendance is always poor (less than 10 people from what I could see), SE seems to have more folks attending.
One thing that plays in to SE a lot is the lack of “drama” - I haven’t read any disturbing threads (yes, I’m referring to the Vic Hall thing), plus the accidents or the lack off.
Alex.[/quote]
Interesting point. What was the deal with Vic Hall?
ukrbmw
#14
It’s a long story with many point of views, all you have to do is go look in general discussion area.
twilson
#16
I live in Mebane (near Burlington), and run almost exclusively with NASA-SE. I do, however, hit at least 1 VIR race per year with MA since it’s only 35 minutes from the house and VIR kicks ass. SE is great. Where else can you bring a live chicken to the awards dinner and not be kicked out…