Am 4.5" NASCAR on the G-12 King

**Laura Schmitt** · 04-08-2011, 03:41 PM

Read the rules fellas, if you don't like 'em, then come on over and make a proposal and vote, otherwise sthu.

Thanks in advance.

**brassrodman** · 04-08-2011, 03:43 PM

I'm sure it will be all over everything soon! Sad.

**brassrodman** · 04-08-2011, 03:44 PM

That's the comment of a true professional business person. LOL

**oldweirdherald** · 04-08-2011, 03:49 PM

While Sano Dave F is certainly a top notch driver, I do not think he has either won a USRA Nats event or is a sponsored Pro or mfg (AFAIK) to be inelligible to enter Amatuer if he chooses.

Rande Marshal is certainly a Pro driver in wing cars, but not in Scale, unless you consider him to be a sponsored Pro or mfg (what were those "RPM" decals on his car?)

Ron, however, seems to meet all the requirements of being classified as a Pro, and thus ineligible to enter as an Amateur.

In the PNW, this situation is frequently referred to as "clubbing baby seals".

While I really hate to jump into this or mention this here... the topic is clearly relevant to the race in this thread. I didn't open the can of worms...

I am very curious as to if this was discussed at the Nats or not, and if so, what was the basis of allowing Ron to race as an Amateur.

**brassrodman** · 04-08-2011, 04:05 PM

Isn't there an assumed "spirit" rule? Most would not consider racing in a lower class than their abilities, unless they hadn't raced these type of cars recently. This certainly isn't the case with these guys! Howie, you are too included in this group. Anyone who is flown to international events certainly is not an amateur. John Austin

**oldweirdherald** · 04-08-2011, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by Laura Schmitt

Read the rules fellas, if you don't like 'em, then come on over and make a proposal and vote, otherwise sthu.

Thanks in advance.

Laura, with all due respect... I would normally have the same feelings...

However, I do not believe that any proposals need to be submitted or voted on regarding the driver classes. These rules already exist.

The ones already in place should be being enforced.:

2011 USRA Rule Book

(page 49)

I. Driver Classification Scale Division
A. Eurosport and GT-12
All drivers are encouraged to enter these classes regardless of ranking.
B. Driver Divisions
All classes except Eurosport and Junior will be divided into Amateur and Expert divisions.
1. Amateur Division
a) Racers with average driving or technical ability and newer racers.
b) At the National Championships, Amateur Division racers will use handout motors for all classes.
c) Junior class is for those 14 years of age and younger.
2. Expert Division
a) All drivers with exceptional driving or technical ability.
b) Any driver sponsored by a major manufacturer must race in this Division.
c) Any racer who has won in any Amateur class at the Scale Nationals must race Expert Division in all classes at any future Nats.

If the above rules are to be changed, then somebody would need to submit a proposal and vote on it.

**Forsyth Racing** · 04-08-2011, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by Laura Schmitt

Read the rules fellas, if you don't like 'em, then come on over and make a proposal and vote, otherwise sthu.

Thanks in advance.

2. Expert Division
a) All drivers with exceptional driving or technical ability.
b) Any driver sponsored by a major manufacturer must race in this Division.
c) Any racer who has won in any Amateur class at the Scale Nationals must race Expert Division in all classes at any future Nats.

I think Ron certainly meets all of those guidlines. Not to mention he has won several Pro races at USRA National events in which I have attended. Just doesn't seem fair to the true amatuers.

Jonathan

**Laura Schmitt** · 04-08-2011, 04:07 PM

"seems to meet all the requirements?" please explain. Neither of the racers mentioned above have participated in a USRA National event in the last 5 years. As far as the rules go, that means they qualify. Don't like it? Then propose a rule change and a way to enforce it and decide who is too good to run as an amateur.

and please, spare me the "professional business person" comment John, I think if you actually read the posts here, that really means nothing.

**Chris Radisich** · 04-08-2011, 04:16 PM

There is absolutely no way that Ron should ever be classified as an Amateur, and I am surprised that he would even line up in an Amateur race, even if invited!

Bad karma Ron, sorry.

He is a multi time USRA Nats Champion. I was even in what I think is probably his last USRA Nats win at Portland in LMP.

At least I can now say I was beaten at the R4 by an "Amateur" racer. I wonder how the rest of the guys in that race feel.

Chris.

**Forsyth Racing** · 04-08-2011, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Laura Schmitt

"seems to meet all the requirements?" please explain. Neither of the racers mentioned above have participated in a USRA National event in the last 5 years. As far as the rules go, that means they qualify. Don't like it? Then propose a rule change and a way to enforce it and decide who is too good to run as an amateur.

and please, spare me the "professional business person" comment John, I think if you actually read the posts here, that really means nothing.

Currently the rulebook reads nothing about participating in a USRA event in the last 5 years. That rule was taken out because of Al Rutti in Mineral Ridge I beleive. Hersman is clearly a manufacturer, thus qualifies him as being a sponsored racer. Hey I guess Chicky could show up and race amatuer too, since he hasn't participated in the last 5 years, or hel even the great Vlaimir Horky could come race amatuer, big deal 30 World Championships, never raced a USRA race before lol.

**glueside** · 04-08-2011, 04:17 PM

Don't come done on Laura - they are in partnership with Ron. Do what ever you can to screw the average racer and make your business better.

**rodgers84** · 04-08-2011, 04:20 PM

First of all the 5 year rule is in Div. 1 section of the rule book. It is not mentioned in the Div.2 drivers classification.
It also said any sponsered racer MUST race in the pro class.

**oldweirdherald** · 04-08-2011, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Laura Schmitt

"seems to meet all the requirements?" please explain. Neither of the racers mentioned above have participated in a USRA National event in the last 5 years. As far as the rules go, that means they qualify. Don't like it? Then propose a rule change and a way to enforce it and decide who is too good to run as an amateur.

I think Jonathan explained it. And what Chris said adds to the reasoning. I'm just not finding the 5 year rule you mentioned... I believe Jonathan is correct that it was removed after the Al Rutti thing in Mineral Ridge.

I don't like it - but what I don't like is that the existing rules are not being followed or enforced as already written. I agree that it is a bit too vague and there are many cases where it may be difficult to determine who is "too good" to run as an Amateur... but come on... in this case? It's really a no-brainer.

Ron pulled yet another "Fast One" and got away with it. C'mon Ron... really?

I wonder if he will display that plaque with pride as a constant reminder of his accomplishment.