ERC Race Series - Euro Saloons & Sports

[ERC]

I'm not aware of any others Roger (bar the one mentioned earlier) but you and I have discussed it!

The rolling age limit is generally accepted as logical but as has been said many, many times before, we already have 1800cc MGBs and V8s, 1300cc Ford Escorts, 2 litres and V8s; 2 litre Capris and 2.6. 3 litre and V8s. So what about the real differences between a 1959, 69, 79, 89 cars? Are they really any more different than the capacities?

I really do not see a totally level playing field whether pre 1977 or not, so unless we see sufficient of either Sports/GTs, post 1977, speed groups and/or any combinations anyone cares to dream up, we are consolidating with a single grid for next season, so now we will upset those who see the speed differential as a problem and we may lose one or two more.

Unlike Dale and one or two others, we cannot and will not justify tiny multiple grids, split by speed, capacity, age, body style etc. as it just isn't viable to create a sand-pit for every interest group.

"You can please some of the people some of the time" and I long ago stopped trying to please "all of the people all of the time" as it is an impossibility. I'll happily accept the flack for changes made since I inherited the series, right back to the very first season when we scrapped the "limited to 4 cylinder cars" but all those changes are generally thought out to take into account the changing conditions, finances, car ages, calendar and so on.

What I do know is that if for example, if we made CoD's compulsory, it would destroy the series overnight!

I personally wasn't too pleased years ago having to change from a grid of saloons and a grid of sports/GTs, to two speed groups and I know that those with smaller cars aren't too happy racing alongside large saloons, but history shows that it was the right decision. I don't make decisions based on self interest, I make decisions based on what I believe is best for the series and if I am wrong, so be it.

Reversing any decision made because it doesn't work is fine as no-one is right all the time, but I do have the luxury of being a one man committee so I believe that what we have works for the vast majority. If sufficient people voice their concerns regarding any aspect of the series, then it is looked at, be that the rules, individual cars or individual drivers. Talking over a beer with mates and grizzling doesn't cut it. People have to be up front if they are dissatisfied with any aspect of the sport but there is no guarantee that anything will be changed, as I'd like to think that I have a reasonable handle of what works - for us. I don't take it personally as this is a series for the drivers not an over inflated ego trip.

Maybe I'll retire at the end of season 20 or maybe I'll carry on, but I'm not indispensable (nor are any of us) and I am sure there are others who'd happily stamp their style on it and that someone may totally change things. It won't be any easier or harder than it is now.