Amateur Championship
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Since we have a topic regarding Trophies for the NV guys I figured i would open up the dialog regarding the lack of an AM Championship within LRRS. I am posting an email i sent about 3 weeks ago to Tom and Wanda with some of the reasons as to why I think we should have one... so far Wanda let me know they have a few things on their plate and they will talk more about it and get back to me. I hope something comes of it for this year or for the riders coming up through the ranks for next year.
Please feel free to chime in with your thoughts, ideas or suggestions. I am fully aware that some of the EX racers out there think that we AM's are a bunch of nobodies that deserve nothing more than a pad on the back. Some may think this way simply because they themselves never had the chance to compete for a championship as AM's, some might have others, more valid reason, lets hear them.
Also, Ill just throw this out there before someone throws around "sand bagging" I personally did not bump to EX due to a multitude of reasons, financials, personal goals, being able to compete in EX, having finished last seasons with only the 10th fastest AM lap time, having bumped to AM mid season, missing 2 rounds after having a bad crash in T9 with Chris Dinoia and so on. Those are just some of MY reasons and every AM rider has his own reason for not bumping as soon as possible. Please take a second to look at the issue objectively while considering the bigger picture.
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My name is David K (AM 535 with RSP Racing) and I am writing in regards to, or lack there of an Amateur Championship recognition within the LRRS organization. I had the opportunity to speak with Eric Wood during the opening round in regards to this matter and he indicated to me that he is in full support of adopting an AM Championship Award. He also pointed me in your direction to see how we could possibly facilitate this. We spoke about a few general reasons as to why LRRS should adopt this already nationally standard practice amongst all other racing organizations and how it would be beneficial to our racing series as well as to the rider community.
1. At the end of the year WERA, along with nearly every other racing series has a way to recognize the achievements of the Amateur riders. LRRS seems to be the only organization that calculates AM championship points throughout the year without recognizing that those points mean anything other than grid positions.
2.The induction of an AM Championship would increase attendance even if the weather isn’t optimal. Fair weather riders have no incentive to “race” on a cold/rainy weekend under the current system as they have no championship to race for.
3. Learning to race for points and giving the AM’s the opportunity to practice this race craft prior to bumping to the Expert Class is a very valuable skill to poses.
4. Having AM Championships acknowledged would also bring more new faces to the banquet and further help the series grow. It gets rather redundant to see the same hand full of Experts claim the Championships at the end of the year. This gives very little, if any, incentive for a NV or AM rider to attend. With Eric Wood offering his time to help Wanda overcome any logistical hurdles in regards to the banquet and how to go about a quick AM Championship acknowledgement, I am sure it wouldn’t eat too much into the banquet schedule. In addition AM riders wouldn’t need microphone time, maybe an award and a group photo for series promotion.
5. Given that the same hand full of Experts win the EX Championships; most racers within LRRS know that they have little to no chance of ever being acknowledged at the banquet. Giving them the opportunity to race for a meaningful championship against their friends and fellow counterparts is a great way to give back to the rider community. The racer to be is a lot more likely to join the sport if he knows there is a chance he could race for and even win a championship prior to being forced to bump to EX; where the costs to race increase significantly with very little reward for the every day racer.
6. Last year an AM rider was stripped of the Pirelli Diablo Challenge 3rd place championship win simply because he was not an EX; no Amateur racers had ever be recognized for a championship at the banquet up to that point. Subsequently the 3rd place trophy was awarded to the 4th place finisher who met the expert criteria. That 3rd place AM rider was me, and I personally would like to see this change for all future riders coming up through the ranks or looking to join the sport.
7. Lastly, with the points already being calculated within the AM classes; why not introduce an acknowledged championship for the racers that are devoting their time and hard earned money to partake in this series?
Thank you for your time and consideration. If you would like to speak to me by phone feel free to call my cellphone number listed bellow or if you would like to speak in person I can make myself available upon request. I personally feel that this change is something that can greatly benefit our sport, give something back to the majority of the every day racers and in the end bring more racers to the series. If you have any questions please feel free to email or call me.
Again, thank you.
David K
AM #535 – RSP Racing
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Originally Posted by Danz19899
"why tip-toe through life to arrive safely at death?" Tony Campol
