NASA vs. SCCA

#1

Hi Guys,
I have been racing on and off with NASA for a couple years and I keep hearing about SCCA , I was wondering if anyone (who knows both organizations pretty well) could give me a non-biased opinion about the differences between the 2 organizations.

#2

Talk to Steve Devinney.

#3

NASA - for profit, nationals at Mid-Ohio and Miller (rotations), more focus on HPDE and TT

SCCA - non profit, national championships at Road America, puts more focus on race classes

Anything other than that is really subjective.

#4

[quote=“Foglght” post=71549]NASA - for profit, nationals at Mid-Ohio and Miller (rotations), more focus on HPDE and TT

SCCA - non profit, national championships at Road America, puts more focus on race classes

Anything other than that is really subjective.[/quote]

That’s non-biased for sure. To the OP, the best thing you can do is go hang out in the paddocks of these groups and drive with the members and see what you think. There’s a seat for every but, as they say.

#5

I’m happy to answer any questions. Here are some thoughts I had a while ago. They still hold true.
Old SE30.com link

Although I’ve owned a SE30 for 5 years, I’ve never raced it with SCCA because I’ve had a competitive SM to run with them.

If you are looking for track time and it’s a decision between running a sub-optimally-prepped SE30 in ITS and no track time, SCCA is grand. If you expect to be competitive, don’t bother. You will likely finish top 5 in ITS because - you guessed it - you will be the 5th entrant.

In general, SCCA is more expensive per minute of track time. There are no chock-full DE groups covering a lot of the cost of track rental.

IMHO, YMMV, etc.

#6

I posted a couple of times on the thread Steve mentioned. Still holds true today. I second what Steve said in the post below. Basically, SCCA is more serious, but remember, the CCR was basically a copy of the GCR.

In either group, the front runners have the same in common: level of prep, and that usually equals money spent.

#7

I enjoy nasa for the extra track time, but sometimes it seems a bit disorganized and mom lecturing type.

SCCA seems like that stubborn grandpa who wants to wander around in his underwear all day still thinking he’s on top of his game.

#8

FINANCE – Richard Ehret
SCCA Inc posted a net operating loss for the year ending December 31, 2012 of $27K. This is the first operating loss recorded since 2002 and was budgeted. The investment accounts appreciated 12% during the year. Positive variances were recorded in Membership, Club Racing and Solo sanctions. Additional expenses incurred were in the Majors pilot program, Majors rollout, and additional mailing expenses for SportsCar Magazine. All variances are well understood by the staff and board.
Ehret reported financial results from the subsidiaries: Pro Racing produced excellent results with a net income of $125K exceeding budget by 27%. Enterprises suffered a net loss in 2012 of $91K, substantially below budget projections.
Ehret discussed 2013 budget and acquiring Majors sponsorship. The 2013 budget projection is for a net operating profit.
Ehret also presented an overview of open or pending legal issues. No action required by the BoD at this time.

#9

I’ve never been dissatisfied with an SCCA official’s decision. I’ve not agreed with some of the rules (fuel testing in SS & Touring) that National has made but those were in the rule book and not off the cuff at the track.

Nasa I’ve seen a lot of inconsistant action & arbitrary decisions.
Perhaps for one thing, the final and sole decision maker in a class should not be a driver in that class. As impartial as they may think they are, it’s not backed up with the actions I’ve seen over the years that I’ve not been directly involved with. Thankfully I’ve not really had any issues personally, other than the somewhat questionable lack of action on getting punted at Nationals last year.

A friend of mine has an expression about the car (& organization) you choose to race with: “warts & all”.