----- Original Message -----
From: "Rocky Entriken" <rocky@tri.net>
>
> Racing, by definition, is two or more entities competing *at the same time
> on the same course* trying to get to the finish before the other guy....
At risk of arguing with someone who employs words for a living, my copy of
Webster's New World Dictionary, the first definition for "race" is "a
competition of speed in running, skating, riding, etc." No mention of
side-by-side.
----- Original Message -----
From: <pethier@comcast.net>
>
> Sorry, Charlie, but perceptions tend to be reality.
Absolutely! So when an outside observer see a group of cars with numbers on
the sides, piloted by helmeted drivers intent on completing a timed course
as quickly as possible, with awards going to those drivers with the quickest
times, what will they perceive?
Why am I sticking my head over the parapet? If we think these artificial
boundaries will save us from someone intent on doing us legal mischief,
we're fooling only ourselves. A gymkhana is not a contest of speed. An
autocross most certainly is. My insurance company has already figured it
out (without my help): I'm covered for any activity until my pace is timed.
(Strictly speaking, that permits me to do untimed track days, but prohibits
a TSD road rally....)
If we want to really want to distance ourselves from "racing", we'd better
put the clocks away and start finding another way of determining who wins.
If we want to keep the sport as it is, we better start dealing realistically
with how outsiders will define the activity.
Jamie
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