Originally Posted by rice_classic (Post 3458666)

There's reasons and value for competing even if you're not competing for the win - in all competitive endeavors.

Originally Posted by rice_classic (Post 3458666)

Fair. But missed the point which was a difference of scale.

Racing at the front of a SM pack nationally vs mid-pack is both racing, both competing but at massively different scales of financial and time commitment.

The point I'm trying to make is that there's more racers willing to race knowing they won't be at the front then there are who are only willing to race IF they are at the front.

Because of this statistical reality - If there weren't MORE people willing to go racing who knowingly won't be competing to win - THERE WOULD BE NO RACING, especially at the grassroots level. Imagine the Runoffs with 80 entries or an F1 grid with 6 cars - instantly unsustainable.

There's reasons and value for competing even if you're not competing for the win - in all competitive endeavors.

Originally Posted by Ohio Enthusiast (Post 3458701)

Same as there are reasons not to want to compete if you're not gonna stand a chance at winning. It's a matter of personal preference.

Originally Posted by CSG Mike (Post 3458718)

That's why NASA desperately pushes everyone toward racing... try to keep making money.

Right now, the tt/ta/hpde model is taking over.

Personally, I don't do anything without the intention of doing it well.

Originally Posted by rice_classic (Post 3458769)

You have made my point though and why I had previously brought up the importance of finding a car/class that your budget will allow you to be sustainably competitive in. If you have $15k/yr to spend on W2W racing - a class that allows engine swaps and turbos is NOT for you. A Class like T4 absolutely is.

I used to have the mindset that winning is all that matters when I was young and eventually I grew out of it. Wish I had sooner though because I missed out on a lot of "fun" because I was too busy being hyper-competitive. Youth truly is wasted on the young...

I'm faster than I ever have been now, however I've learned to have fun as well and racing is just that much better. Sort of like achieving nirvana.. until I have to go back to work on Monday.



I'm not a fan of how NASA operates their business model for a variety of reasons. TT/TA is likely only taking over NASA because they don't run a very good racing program, but I don't see it elsewhere. HPDE needs to grow because traditionally HPDE is the feeder for racing/motorsports of all types so if that tide rises all our boats will.

But the bold part stands out. Have done much W2W racing? I think you'd enjoy w2w racing more than HPDE, even if you're not winning. Drafting, setting up a pass, out braking, side by side - it's thrilling even if it's for 5th.