Here's my letter. If you like it and the idea, please send it to: president@scca.com and the board of directors bod@scca.com Pass it on to your friends and other members...and we'll see how it goes.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I, ____________________________ strongly endorse holding the 2009 SCCA National Championships (Runoffs) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While I applaud the work and diligence of the Heartland Park Staff, the track configuration and stature is simply not acceptable for a race of this magnitude.
Indianapolis has many strong assets perfect for the SCCA Runoffs. First, it is one of the oldest and most historic sites in the country and would provide a great deal of prestige to the SCCA. It would be a huge incentive both for the racers and for prospective members, knowing they’ll have a chance to win a National Title at the Brickyard. That alone would greatly increase membership and participation.
Second, it is a neutral site which should not benefit any one particular region. No one would be allowed to test or race on the track during the year. It is a Runoffs only track and configuration.
Third, the road race configuration will not favor one brand of car over another. While there is a long straight, the back side of the course is extremely twisty and requires a car with great handling and brakes. The surface and curbing is obviously FIA certified, which was yet another irritant at the most recent event at HPT.
Fourth, the facilities at Indianapolis are first class with plenty of space, garages, etc. for every type of racer and budget.
Fifth, the location is very good. Although not centered in the states like HPT, it is west and south of the former Runoffs site (Mid Ohio) which would certainly benefit the majority of the SCCA members. The weather should also be very good at that location and time of year.
Sixth, the Speedway has no major events during the last part of September and first part of October and could host the event.
The Speedway’s event coordinator is Libby Neidlinger. She said that they obviously have not done anything like this in the past; however they do rent the track out to certain clubs (Mustang, etc.) so they can take one slow lap around the oval. So there is a precedent set for renting the track. She said she needed a written request to begin the process - sent to:
Libby Neidlinger
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4790 West 16th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46222
In summary, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is clearly one of the biggest names in racing and would provide the SCCA with a world class facility to hold their National Championship Races. It would give the SCCA yet another added boost over NASA and provide its members with the best possible place to decide the national champions.
Signed __________________________________
SCCA # _________________________________
Chris W. Ingle
www.tracktapes.com
2008 White Z51 LS3 #7
2003, 2005-08 SEDIV T1 National Champion
Instructor: Chin/TracQuest, Car Guys, etc.
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