[Shotimes] Re: Rookie Significant Others was: Convention Track event - AWA group

[Donald Mallinson]

Steve,

You said it perfectly.  AS I said, the "ladies" class was 
added at the REQUEST of several women at the last two 
conventions for exactly the reasons you site.  They felt 
intimidated by even the slower men, and as we all should 
know, you cannot get better if you are always worried about 
who may pass you or is on your bumper.

The Ladies class will have different rules:  NO close 
following.  Passing may NOT be allowed, or only if an 
instructor in the car allows it.  We also probably will use 
a pace car, at least for the first one or two sessions.

Contrary to what some may try to imply, this has nothing to 
do with being sexist and EVERYTHING to do with being fair 
and having more fun for more people.  So anyone still 
worried about the class, please come to the event and see 
how it goes, then give SHO Club your thoughts.  We will 
evaluate the results this year, listen to what is said and 
make changes if necessary in future years like we have in 
the past.

Those that participate at the events have a full chance to 
voice their opinion.  We also listen to other thoughts, but 
if you don't participate, you get less influence, I think 
that is only fair.

Steve,  I guess we won't have to add a "Pregnant" class this 
year, but next year, unless you are a busy couple.....I hope 
both of you will be able to participate!  And thanks again 
for your well thought out reply and congrats and best wishes 
to Krista and your future SHO enthusiast!  ;)

Don Mallinson
SHO Club

Steve Tatro wrote:
> I think the difference would be the aggressiveness.  Although neither my
> wife nor I have any track experience, I would no doubt tend to be much more
> aggressive on the track than she would.  I know I wouldn't feel comfortable
> on a track with a bunch of people as timid as is my wife.  I also know
> ('cause I just asked her) that she wouldn't feel comfortable on a track with
> a bunch of novice men tracksters like me!
> 
> She personally would feel more comfortable on a track with nothing but
> novice women drivers.
> 
> There's nothing keeping any woman from entering the appropriate track event.
> This isn't the Masters.  It's all a matter of giving the females an
> experience they're comfortable with.  If you've got a problem with that, too
> bad (my wife's words after reading your email).
> 
> Legally, women could be allowed to enter any event for which they're
> qualified.  Also, if any man really wanted to, he could enter the women's
> novice event.  It's all about people (men and women) feeling comfortable
> with the event they're in.  That's all.
> 
> There's your logic, Ian.  Straight from the brain of a novice woman.
> 
> Later,
> 
> Steve (and Kristi) Tatro
> Red/Black '93 with 165k miles
> Cincinnati, Ohio
> 
> P.S.  My wife probably won't be driving in any class at the convention, as
> she'll be about 8 months pregnant by then ;^)