Qualifacation

[Bruce]

TOPEKA, Kan. (December 4, 2012) – Sports Car Club of America announced today the qualification criteria for the 50th SCCA National Championship Runoffs®, set for Road America Sept. 16-22, 2013.

The qualification process is largely unchanged from 2012, with paths through the Divisional Points, National Points and now the U.S. Majors Tour. Additionally, as the Runoffs’ Golden Anniversary, all former Champions are invited to participate in the event.

As was the case in 2012, to qualify through either Divisional or National point standings, a driver must finish four SafeRacer National Racing Series races (regular National or U.S. Majors Tour events included), with a minimum of two starts within their Division of Record. Once the participation criteria are met, at least one of the following performance criteria is required:

- Finish in the top three of their class in their Divisional Championship.
- Finish in the top half of the coast-to-coast, National Point Standings within their class during 2012.
- Reach or exceed a minimum number of points for a given class in the National Point Standings (listed below), set by the top half of the 2012 National Point Standings.

Through the U.S. Majors Tour, any driver participating in three different Majors events in the same class (turning a wheel in an official session) will earn an invitation in that class. This criteria was used in 2012 for the Majors pilot program in what has become the Mid-States Conference.

A special invitation will be extended to any past SCCA National Champion to return to the 50th running of the Runoffs, provided that they qualify for a National license. Any past Runoffs National Champion may enter one class at the 2013 Runoffs without meeting the participation or performance criteria.

“Not only will we crown our annual National Champions at the 2013 Runoffs, but we will celebrate 50 years of one of the great motorsports events in America,” SCCA President & CEO Jeff Dahnert said. “As part of that celebration, we invite any of our past Champions to return to battle today’s best amateur racing drivers. You only have one 50th birthday, and we want to make sure that the event be as spectacular as the racing on the track.”

Mid-point of 2012 SafeRacer SCCA National Racing Series point standings, by class:
American Sedan: 36 points
B Spec: (using SSC level): 40 points
C Sports Racing: 38 points
D Sports Racing: 33 points
E Production: 39 points
F Production: 26 points
Formula 500: 36 points
Formula 1000: 43 points
Formula Atlantic: 25 points
Formula Continental: 22 points
Formula Enterprises: 28 points
Formula F: 22 points
Formula Mazda: 32 points
Formula Vee: 32 points
GT-1: 25 points
GT-2: 36 points
GT-3: 38 points
GT-Lite: 34 points
H Production: 31 points
Sports 2000: 24 points
Spec Miata: 10 points
Spec Racer Ford: 13 points
Super Touring Lite: 19 points
Super Touring Under: 20 points
Touring 1: 47 points
Touring 2: 44 points
Touring 3: 45 points
Touring 4 (using SSB level): 50 points

The 2013 SafeRacer SCCA National Racing Series, U.S. Majors Tour and BFGoodrich Tires SCCA Super Tour begins January 4-6, 2013 at Sebring International Raceway.

scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/assets/13-Runoffs-Qualifications2.pdf

[brian]

A key item is: three Majors weekends and you're qualified. There will be two in SOPAC, Cal Speedway and Buttonwillow; and two in NORPAC, Portland and Seattle. TH will be a rational and not elgible to be a Major.

[Bruce]

I just saw the points for the Majors and those for the Nationals will count in the national totals. That means missing a majors event will cost you.

[brian]

If you choose to run for points the 10 pt. bonus from a Majors event is probably important. THere will still be divisional points chases as well. Lot's of choices and a chance to qualify for the 50th aniversary of the Runoffs. It will be special.

[Bruce]

Will the payout for Divisional winners be the same or will it be less than a race weekend cost again? I would suggest that runoff entries be paid, for racers by percentage, according to distance instead. Could this suggestion be forwarded?

[brian]

Bruce, I'm not sur what you man by pay out. If you are referrring to the two fund, it's dependent on contributions via entries during the year and contributions from sponsors when available. We have discussed the tow fund several times and I will forward your idea when we discuss it.

Historically, west coast tow monies are just short of a $1,000. ( much more than most folks get) Not only will that amount not pay for gas to go east, but likely doesn't cover the cost of one extra race to win it. I have always viewed the tow fund secondarily to the prestige of winning the division. It may be time just to reduce the national entry by the tow fund contribution and not do all the work.

[Bruce]

I was suggesting to spread it out to participants, as a way to get more from the west coast. Not sure if it will increase runoff entries, but just a suggestion. Hopefully the schedule will return to the way it was before. Too many missed the dinner or couldn't get any practice.

[brian]

Not sure how you missed dinner. All of them were well passed the last event. If you had to work late to get the car ready, I'm not sure we can schedule meals much later. Track time has been an issue for years. Short of doing the test days, there's not much time left. If you noticed last year we were chasing darkness, a very rare event SF region, with the final sessions. The 2013 schedule will be the full week program with maybe Thursday set aside for special 50th activities.

The tow fund is based on total miles traveled to the runoffs then a mileage amount is applied to everyone's standard mileage to the event. Not sure there's a better, or more fair way to do it.