I share your obvious pleasure at unravelling these dilemmas. Much the same as
the dilemma on the track - go for a pass or play safe.
David
JWoesvra@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 08/07/2000 10:17:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> David.Laver@msdw.com writes:
>
> << Interesting debate. We prize above all other cars on the grid those with
> period history running as close to the spec they were at. What if we now
> know they were illegal in period? What if the illegal mod protects original
> components from inevitable breakage?
> >>
>
> As technical director for SVRA I have extensive files on period race cars and
> specifications. Our group 6 in particular has a requirement for each car to
> have documented period history. Many of the files contain documentation on
> specifications that were illegal at the time.
>
> We have a 7/8th size Camaro. We have several acid dipped bodies. We have
> fastback Mustangs running B/P as GT350s in period. We have a Chevy Nova that
> ran a 350 engine even though 302 was the limit. The car was still so slow
> that nobody ever checked! We have Ford rear ends that were under GM bodies
> before that was officially allowed. We have an XKE with a Corvette diff.
>
> These are just a few that I remember without looking them up. The point is,
> racers did many things to their cars, and for many reasons. First, a car had
> to be able to finish, and then perhaps you could probe the limits for speed
> and handling.
>
> Remember, this is historic racing. Don't forget the "historic" part of it. We
> are not here to correct the oversights of many long gone tech inspectors.
>
> Along a similar trail, we should also make it unnecessary to "cheat" when we
> find new solutions to old reliability and safety issues. I would rather err
> on the side of fixing a problem than forcing someone into a predicament that
> requires covert action or going without to satisfy "original" specifications,
> what ever that is in racing.
>
> I have spent the last 25 years debating the value of originality. I have been
> on both sides of nearly every issue. I believe I have directed SVRA to a
> position of stability and sanity concerning rules and regulations. What we
> will let you do we have put in writing and made the documents available to
> anyone who asks for them. Each race organization has reasons for their
> position on these issues. I hope they all have arrived at their at their
> conclusions with as much research and dedication as we have.
>
> Race with your conscience. Don't go where you don't agree with what they are
> doing. I hope you choose our way, but I completely understand if you find
> another way that pleases you.
>
> Jack Woehrle
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