Majors and Runoffs entry fees!!! Christ!!!

[qposner]

I just went to enter the Thunderhill Majors race. $575 with a $130 national entry surcharge??? WTF is this? Insane! Are we paying for the additional track at Thunderhill?

And the Runoffs at $950?? WTF?

[brian]

I'll probably get some flac for this but the statement that there is a $135 surcharge on nationals is misleading. The way the charge is described it leaves the impression that the $135 is in addition to the regional fee but that's not the case. Every entry in every race, pays sanction and insurance fees. That includes the regional races for which SF charges $440. The sanction and insurance fee total $45. There is a $60 surcharge for a majors event and the usual $30 for tow fees. Add those 4 elements and it totals $135. The difference between regionals and the Major at TH is $130. The only real difference is the $60 and $30. Don't forget all the tow fund monies collected during the year are paid back out to the top 3 in each class based on distance from the Runoffs so the upcharge is $60.

The region's response to my question about this "surcharge" is that it wasn't considered in figuring out the Majors entry fee, it was just a coincidence that the difference between regional and national fees was very close to the same. The region claims that after it pays the $90 to national, it has to charge the $40 more since fewer competitors show up at Majors.

Regarding the Runoffs entry fee, Mike Lewis, the treasurer of the club, sent out an email explaining the decision to raise the fees for the Runoffs. If you did not receive it go to SCCA,com and look at the drivers info section in the runoffs announcements.

[Take 'em Out Terran]

I just looked at the schedule for the Thunderhill majors event. So not only have they increased the price of the event, according to the schedule link on motorsportsreg we only have 4 sessions (as opposed to the normal 5). What the heck is that all about?! With no practice session if you have troubles you are screwed for the races. I'm going to be looking forward to the Buttonwillow event at the end of April, at least they give you all the sessions you pay for

[qposner]

I certainly did not mean to imply it was in addition to the $575. I meant it was part of it. Either way this entry fee is insane. Plus, testing is $300 with no half day option. Seems to be the typical SF Region rip off.

I didn't even know there was not a practice. With these fees I cannot afford the test day. Can't believe we don't get a practice session. Vintage FF racing is looking better and better after this year.

Just looked at the schedule. Worse than I thought. ONE qualifying session for two races? WTF?

[dave FF 50-aka "Harm"]

ALL Majors will use the same format for 2014:

"It was previously announced that each race weekend on the 2014 calendar will feature a common format. All will be double race weekends, with Saturday’s race a 20-minute timed sprint race, and Sunday’s race the traditional 45-mile format. Both races will count for full points and receive trophies and commemorative checkered flags, though the full podium ceremonies will only take place for Sunday’s races.

Where conditions allow, the sprint races can be extended to up to 30 minutes, though 20 minutes will remain the baseline. Available run time, including track rules and daylight, the facility and length of anticipated clean-up between sessions will be included in the determining factors."

Your best time in the ONE qualifying session or in the Sprint Race will determine your stating position for the 45 miler. San Francisco has increased the length of the Sprint race to 30 minutes instead of 20 minutes and there will be a Sunday "warm-up" of 10 minutes.

Regarding the $950 entry fee for the Runoffs, that is set by Kansas. They are running the "show".

BTW, if you total up the time on track for the Majors @ THill, it is 100 minutes. Also, Grp 7 will be only FF and FV and maybe a F5 or two.

www.sfrscca.org/images/2014/Calendar/majorthill%20schedrev4_4.pdf

[brian]

Regardless of what you have heard, the half day testing option is still available at Thunderhill. I have confirmed what is said on the web site with Dave Vodden. Fees are $300 for a full day and $199 for a half.

Dave also told me that the region is hoping to have the full track avialable for the June region. That means 5 plus miles per lap.

[bposner60]

By way of comparison a full test day at Pacific Raceways on the Friday before all ICSCC weekends is $150. Hard to believe Seattle is cheaper to rent than Thunderhill.

[brian]

Bob, SF region has nothing to do with the test day. Dave Vodden can answer your question. 530-934-5588 ext.101