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As racers and fans get steadily older, it is clear that we are not doing a good job of getting enough young people interested in our sport. One step to address this is have a class that actually resembles modern sports cars. I suggest this option for the E-mods or OWM.
I like the idea of the E-mod class. They are an economical way to run a fast racecar that isn't made of junkyard parts. The only problem is that they don't look like anything. The bodies are flat, square and homebuilt; excellent for keeping the costs down, bad for connecting with new fans.
How about this... Make a deal with a fiberglass or plastic body manufacturer, Lightning Lite for example (they are local), or 5 Star, who ever would be interested. Have them mold the bodywork for the back half of a Emod, and have it resemble popular and modern sports cars. I've added pictures of a Nissan 350Z, an Acura and a 2012 Camaro as examples.
Put in a rule that gives a big weight break to any racer who buys and uses this modern body work. Make it an option, not a mandate. If the weight break is big enough, a lot of teams will choose to do it. Assure the body manufacturer that this rule will not change for say 5 years. This way they can make some money back on their investment. If the idea gains traction, then they win lots of new customers (who used to build their own stuff), and our tracks get a better product to sell to new fans.
I like the idea of the E-mod class. They are an economical way to run a fast racecar that isn't made of junkyard parts. The only problem is that they don't look like anything. The bodies are flat, square and homebuilt; excellent for keeping the costs down, bad for connecting with new fans.
How about this... Make a deal with a fiberglass or plastic body manufacturer, Lightning Lite for example (they are local), or 5 Star, who ever would be interested. Have them mold the bodywork for the back half of a Emod, and have it resemble popular and modern sports cars. I've added pictures of a Nissan 350Z, an Acura and a 2012 Camaro as examples.
Put in a rule that gives a big weight break to any racer who buys and uses this modern body work. Make it an option, not a mandate. If the weight break is big enough, a lot of teams will choose to do it. Assure the body manufacturer that this rule will not change for say 5 years. This way they can make some money back on their investment. If the idea gains traction, then they win lots of new customers (who used to build their own stuff), and our tracks get a better product to sell to new fans.
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