[Shotimes] Camry in Winston Cup 2007

[Donald Mallinson]

Ron, I agree with you on most counts, but I don't understand 
the knock on Vintage racing.  I have been to several events, 
and eventually I want to race an SHO in some vintage events.

Yes, it isn't all out, fender banging in a lot of cases, but 
get the old pro's in cars owned by people rich enough to say 
"Don't worry about wrecking it!" and they mix it up pretty 
well.  The point is to see the old cars and some of the old 
drivers on the track again having at it.  I don't think 
ANYONE has represented "vintage" racing at any level as 
anything other than fun and a chance to see and hear some 
really great stuff run again at 9/10ths.

Most vintage "races" don't even have a set finish time or 
lap, they through the flag at a random point so that they 
can call the race over without having people foolishly 
destroy sometimes priceless or irreplaceable machines.

Most vintage organizations have major rules against banging 
fenders and dangerous driving.  Also, most vintage classes 
do allow passing anywhere, just no banging of fenders.  The 
joy as a spectator or participant is to get the old stuff 
out and have fun again.  I got to see some not-so-old NASCAR 
cars up close and personal at a couple of vintage events.  I 
wouldn't get that chance at most NASCAR events.  Same with 
Ferrari, Lotus etc cars from the past.

Don Mallinson

Ron Nottingham wrote:
> F.1 is now more "follow the leader" than any other sport.  Very little
> passing, even in the back of the pack.  Nascar now has more lead changes
> than any other top tier pro motorsport.  As far as Vintage racing, now there
> are more rules about "how" to race than anything else (no passing on
> corners, can only pass on straights with enough room ,etc). Vintage racing
> is almost an oxymoron, they need to call it a Vintage parade. The best
> racing is the non-pro SCCA events.  Don't worry about watching the leader,
> as he will usually lead from start to finish.  Watch the "other" guys/gals.
> When I go see Trans Am, Grand Am, or ALMS events, I enjoy watching the
> support races better.  Some of those racers in the middle and back of the
> pack give it 210%!!!  They just screw up all the time, and have some cool
> spins and off track forays.
> 
> Ron N. - Dalton, GA