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Are large teams good or bad for the sport at our level? I am referring to a situation that is taking place currently at New Smyrna, but the topic applies to any track. Does a big united team discourage others from joining the class? Does it add to the show if that team dominates the class?
The situation at NSS is this: one team brings 4-5 cars a week to run in the Strictly Stock class. The cars are neatly painted and lettered, and they all resemble each other. Several of them are very fast too, and have won racently. Nothing wrong so far.
I don't know any of the drivers or owners. I do know that they sometimes exhibit team driving tactics, and have had problems in tech in 2009.
I have two thoughts on this. First, I don't like team driving. This is an individual sport; every driver for themselves. Left unchecked, team driving will discourage others from racing.
Second, when one team comprises half the field, I believe it does affect the willingness of others to participate. Again, this depends on the behavior of the team, and I don't know these guys. If they are fair, then no problem. If they are thugs, then no one will want to run with them.
There is another side of the coin; if the field of cars at NSS was larger, a 5 car team wouldn't matter as much. After all, it is hard to fault someone for bringing too many cars to the track.
I think a big team can actually add a great deal to the show under the right circumstance. You know what would make it very interesting? Another rival team! Now that would be some compelling theater for the announcer to exploit and for the fans to enjoy. A good old-fashioned rivalry would be good for the show, as long as the racing was clean and competitive, and there were no problems in the pits. No race track needs that.
The situation at NSS is this: one team brings 4-5 cars a week to run in the Strictly Stock class. The cars are neatly painted and lettered, and they all resemble each other. Several of them are very fast too, and have won racently. Nothing wrong so far.
I don't know any of the drivers or owners. I do know that they sometimes exhibit team driving tactics, and have had problems in tech in 2009.
I have two thoughts on this. First, I don't like team driving. This is an individual sport; every driver for themselves. Left unchecked, team driving will discourage others from racing.
Second, when one team comprises half the field, I believe it does affect the willingness of others to participate. Again, this depends on the behavior of the team, and I don't know these guys. If they are fair, then no problem. If they are thugs, then no one will want to run with them.
There is another side of the coin; if the field of cars at NSS was larger, a 5 car team wouldn't matter as much. After all, it is hard to fault someone for bringing too many cars to the track.
I think a big team can actually add a great deal to the show under the right circumstance. You know what would make it very interesting? Another rival team! Now that would be some compelling theater for the announcer to exploit and for the fans to enjoy. A good old-fashioned rivalry would be good for the show, as long as the racing was clean and competitive, and there were no problems in the pits. No race track needs that.
,so maybe it could turn into a rival.... it's like a you mess with one, you mess with all of them type of thing 
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