Typically you need to be an outlier in some significant way, or on a repeated basis to warrent a teardown. They are not done in an arbitrary way, like checking weight after a race. The big stick analogy is appropriate. If you're legal, your chances of a teardown are exceedingly small, especially on a regional level.
[Have a seat while iI get on [i]my[/i] "soap box"
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The directors, as a group are inherently conservative because of our mission to keep this a driver's class, not a "part's hangers" class. We don't want uncertainty about what the best parts, set-up, car, etc. is, because it takes away from the purity of the series as a driver's series. Being low cost is also a big part of that - you may be out-driven, but not out-spent! Even the perception/question about a performance advantage can tarnish this. If the "fast guy" has part "X" and I don't, it must make him faster than me, and therefore I need that part. Even though it's almost always not the case, it's very damaging to series moral for this thinking to go on. We all seen it happen (Michael maybe a bit more than the rest of us
) In Spec, that should not be a question, it should only be "how is driving better than I" & how can I learn what he does to make myself a better driver." Any allowed mod, no matter how simple, has the potential to create this sort of division, and needs to have a very clear & deep justification to make for a rules change. As it's clear by now, we take this very seriously.
This driver focus is why we (the series directors) freely share car set-ups, driving tips, data acquisition, and info on car preparation. We want to develop the best skilled, safest and closest racing drivers out there. It makes for great racing, and an exceptional "
Esprit de Corps" This was exemplified to a tee at the National Miller event last year. There was no accusations of cheating, protests, arguments, etc., just a great group of guys helping each other go faster, and having a great time doing it. Norm won because he was the best, fastest driver there, on that day, not because he had any secrets. He helped many of his competitors "find the line" at Miller, and still won, earning everyone's respect. This is the 944 Spec model, the "way it should be"
If developing as a driver in a fun, economical & challenging environment is your goal, 944 Spec is your series. If developing your car to the "next level" is your thing, than a series like GTS or Cup is for you. Not right or wrong, but clearly different!
P.S. BJ, (thread starter) is a model 944 Spec racer, who I've had the pleasure of racing with all year. This thread has turned very philosophical, and should in no way reflect badly on him - he's a stand-up guy. BJ has made some well reasoned points, but like any other rules change request, will face a very tough challenge to be adopted into the rules!
One of BJ's finer moments with us last season - taking off his Rookie sticker
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