[Alphonse]

Hey people we are still a few shy of people signing up to make the Lotus Challenge Series a reality here in Texas. Those who have signed up, talk to your buddies and get the fire lit under their seats.
Anyone who takes the interest can find all the info under the posting titled Texas Lotus Challenge.

With all the track junkies we have in this big state I find it hard to believe we cannot make the 23 sign ups needed. We need about 6 more to make this happen. It would be a real shame to let this opportunity slip by. The California crowd will be laughing at us for a long time to come.

Time is running out! Let's make this happen.

Al 'phonse" B.

 

[...m...]

...al, send me a one-page summary/promotion and i'll make certain to plug it strongly at this weekend's ACBC meeting...i wish i could join you myself, but racing's just too rich for my blood...

 

[petroboy]

...i wish i could join you myself, but racing's just too rich for my blood...

Unfortunately, I have to agree with you. I can't commit to a set number of events, and I'm not interested in the modifications required by the Series.

If and when I make a foray into actual racing, it'll be in a Miata.

Good luck with the head count.

 

[RichS]

Remember that the first season is just time trials. You don't need all the modifications and it's not wheel to wheel.

 

[petroboy]

Remember that the first season is just time trials. You don't need all the modifications and it's not wheel to wheel.

True, but I don't care what my actual lap times are. If I wanted lap times, I could buy a data logger. I don't intend to move into racing with the Lotus, so I don't see much in it for me personally. I do understand the attraction but I don't share it.

I'm not denigrating the idea in any way. There seems to be a feel from these LCS threads that the ones who are interested can't imagine folks not jumping at the opportunity. I've been asked (verbally) a few times if I was interested, and I'm trying to explain my reasoning for not signing up.

 

[Alphonse]

True, but I don't care what my actual lap times are. If I wanted lap times, I could buy a data logger. I don't intend to move into racing with the Lotus, so I don't see much in it for me personally. I do understand the attraction but I don't share it.

I'm not denigrating the idea in any way. There seems to be a feel from these LCS threads that the ones who are interested can't imagine folks not jumping at the opportunity. I've been asked (verbally) a few times if I was interested, and I'm trying to explain my reasoning for not signing up.

Just for clarification, it's not that I cannot imagine folks jumping at the chance, it's just hard for me to understand how so many can spend a lot of time at DE events, talk a lot about their performance on various web sites, and spend a ton on improving their cars for the purpose of running at the track, but when approached with the opportunity to compete, in what-ever form, amongst their fellow Lotus enthusiasts, and actually have a chance at winning something of value for their effort, they balk. Seems a bit contradictory to me.

I don't even have a problem with that in truth, or anything else for that matter, it's just odd that for the large number who do so few are willing to try something a little different.

If you or anyone else choose not to sign up then that's fine and well with me. I stand nothing to gain here and have other opportunities to play on the track should this not come to pass.
Since your reply seemed to be directed at my enthusiasm for this event I thought I would reply directly. Please do not take offense as none is offered, I just want you to be a little clearer on what I am trying to do here.

Al

 

[...m...]

...i agree that LCS is a fantastic opportunity and i'm sure will be an incredibly rewarding experience...

...i'm totally ignorant: what's the cost of participation in something like this?..

1. harness - appx $350 - $600 (I recommend 6 point)
2. harness installation - free (DIY)
3. helmet - $400 - $1000
4. fire extinguisher - $200 - $325
5. event entry fee - not set, but I'd guess around $400

In addition there is a participation fee to cover liabilty insurance and organization expenses.

...modifications, event fees, and maintenance can add up rather quickly, though, and for those of us who find one or two HPDEs per year to already be a financial stretch, it's unfortunately beyond our means...

 

[petroboy]

Just for clarification, it's not that I cannot imagine folks jumping at the chance, it's just hard for me to understand how so many can spend a lot of time at DE events, talk a lot about their performance on various web sites, and spend a ton on improving their cars for the purpose of running at the track, but when approached with the opportunity to compete, in what-ever form, amongst their fellow Lotus enthusiasts, and actually have a chance at winning something of value for their effort, they balk. Seems a bit contradictory to me.

I don't even have a problem with that in truth, or anything else for that matter, it's just odd that for the large number who do so few are willing to try something a little different.

I don't talk a lot about my performance (or lack thereof), lap times, or my personal favorite - theoretical lap times. I do ask a lot of questions because I am interested in improving my skill level, but as I mentioned, I don't really care what my lap times are. And my car is stock N/A. I have no quarrel with you at all, and your comments only seem to prove my point - that a lack of interest in open competition is unfathomable, or perceived as running away from a challenge.

Again, as I said, I think the LCS is a great idea, but it's just not for me. At no point do I have an interest in wheel-to-wheel racing with the Elise - I simply am not willing to afford the risk. The time trials therefore don't attract me, because they're not going to lead to anything.

If you or anyone else choose not to sign up then that's fine and well with me. I stand nothing to gain here and have other opportunities to play on the track should this not come to pass.
Since your reply seemed to be directed at my enthusiasm for this event I thought I would reply directly. Please do not take offense as none is offered, I just want you to be a little clearer on what I am trying to do here.

You weren't who I was referring to, at least until this latest exchange, and I didn't take any offense at all with other enquiries from whatever source. I think enthusiasm for the sport is fantastic, and I fully support it. I, too, was only trying to explain why, at least for me, it's not "contradictory" at all to want to join in HPDEs but not the LCS.