Am 4.5" NASCAR on the G-12 King

[nswanberg]

Looking at that line up I would have bet on Decoster even with a Large Mouth Hershman in the race.

[Joe Rocket]

MAN now Chick won the class HE sponsored...........................

[R.O.T.]

Joe what does it matter who sponsored classes, me and gugu we just beat the competion that was there today. They weren't am classes. I'm ASSuming you think this is ironick? Where were you today, I wanted to beat the best.

[Ron Hershman]

Like one said...... what about the two who finished 1-2 in AM LMP??? None of you have anything to say about that? The top 2 in LMP AM are in no way shape or form AMATEURS in any sense of what the rule book says.

There are many in the AM classes that are not AM's......... again for many reasons. Some here forget they were once racing in the AM class with factory backing or had exceptional driving skills. Some here also forget how many AM's you "ringered" into the lower classes in the past.

The USRA made the statement on who could run AM and who couldn't a week or so in the USRA forum. They made the call. I entered the race and was allowed to race just as others who are in the same boat as I am.

Again the USRA made the call. If the racers at the race and racing in the class had a problem with it....... then they should have brought it up before the race started........they DIDN'T.

So while you bang your keyboards.....please make a list of who in the race(s) you think also shouldn't have been in the AM race. I am certain none of you will.

There were a few "sponsored" racers racing in the AM classes at this Nats just as there has been at other past Nats in the AM classes.

There was also a few other MFG's racing in the AM classes at this Nats just as there has been at other past Nats in the AM classes.

There were also quite a few drivers with "exceptional driving or technical ability" allowed to race at this race in AM classes as well as others in the past.

In the past....it used to be if you raced AM you couldn't race in Expert at the same race UNLESS you won the AM class you were allowed to move up and race in the Expert class of the AM class you just won in. At last years Nats more than just the AM winner was allowed to move up and race Expert.

There have been guys who raced Expert in the past and allowed to drop back in the Am classes at the next Nats or ones after that.

There have been Expert guys who loaned, built, sponsored guys with equipment racing in the Am classes in the past. Same goes on today.

So while some of you wish to rag on the "current administration" some of you made just as many mistakes while you "ran the show" when it came to making decisions. I could write a book on all of that. But feel free to continue as you are because it makes you feel so good.

The problem that has been going on for a long time is now brought out a bit more in the open and now changes will be made.

[Ron Hershman]

Joe what does it matter who sponsored classes, me and gugu we just beat the competion that was there today. They weren't am classes. I'm ASSuming you think this is ironick? Where were you today, I wanted to beat the best.

Me thinks Joe is making "light" of the situation.

[Slidergreg]

All you need to do now to prove your good intentions were genuine is to vacate the win so the Amateur can get the credit and the win he deserves. You made your point. You made the officials look silly. Now do the right thing. The ball is in your court Ron.

[LoudCat]

The situation with AL Rutti was a little different (a less blatent mistake) because Al had only won one amateur event. I'm pretty sure Hershman has won multiple pro events.

We don't need the rule GuGu proposed. It's effectively already in the rule book as many have pointed out.

I agree with Greg, the pro's who ran in the amateur races should DQ themselves and the true amateurs should all move up.

[fastvince]

Ron's response......blah, blah , blah......

[Joe Rocket]

Joe what does it matter who sponsored classes, me and gugu we just beat the competion that was there today. They weren't am classes. I'm ASSuming you think this is ironick? Where were you today, I wanted to beat the best.

I wasn't able to make it due to my sprint car schedule......

RON,
yes i am....

[glueside]

The air is getting a little hot - oh Ron is running his mouth again.

[La Cucaracha]

I ran amature LMP because I had never even driven on a flat track before Wednesday, and the handout motors made the class affordable for me.
I had a great time and I was glad to race with Rande and some other fast guys.
I was dissapointed that I didn`t get the win I was after but I`m glad I came to race.
It was great to see old friends and make some new people in slot cars.
Thanks again, Mike Fleming

[Fast Freddie]

Ron Hershman is by no means an Amateur. You can say all you want about the rules which do say that drivers with exceptional skill are not to compete in the amateur classes. Rons exceptional skill is highlighted every year in the IRRA events he participates in, and alos by the accolades he receives by those racers who frequently comment on his exceptional driving skill. Just check out the last 4 R-4 results. After all it isn't because he has the fastest motor that only he can rebuild it's because of his exceptional driving skill. As Yoda would say "no amateur he is and know it all we do." What character you showed and always do. Vacate the title. It's the right thing to do.

[Ken Swanson]

Just another glaring example (there are so many) of how the USRA selectively enforces or completely ignores their rules depending on how it benefits those in charge.

Everyone knows that Dave Fiedler is sponsored by JK. Rande most certainly has a connection with Fast Ones and RPM. And Ron? Well, there are too many reasons to list regarding his "amaetur" status.

The amateur classes are by definition for the less experienced racers who do not have the advanced skills and experience of the Pros.

All three of these racers had absolutely no business competing in an amateur class. Plain and simple.

Their choice to enter the amateur events casts a dark shadow on all of their reputations.

The fact that they were allowed to do so speaks volumes as to the lack of integrity of the USRA officials.

There were two very simple choices here. Enforce the rules and sacrifice 3 entry fees, or completely ignore the rules and collect those 3 entry fees.

I guess money talks, huh?

[glueside]

I guess money talks, huh?

Come on Ken - we all know that there is millions of dollars available at the NATS....lol No it is actually the bull **** wins all the time.

[jdracer]

I know of two racers that made this years nats that have never ever raced a nats before, and because one is a track owner and the other is an exceptional driver and builder and painter, they both raced and are racing in the expert classes.......... I applaud them for there integrity and sportsmanship.... those that ran amature knowing they should be in the expert class should be ashamed of themselves and those that allowed them to run as amateurs should also be ashamed..... this puts a black eye on the USRA..... I hope this gets resolved before the next race starts..........