Introducing The New 2007 Vette Doctors Pro 8 Shootout
11/21/06 - First I would like to welcome back The Vette Doctors as the title sponsor of the 2007 Pro 8 Shootout. As the Corvette Challenge and its two Heads-up class go forward, we evaluate at the end of each season where we can make each class better for all. So I would like to introduce you to the changes for the 2007 Vette Doctors Pro 8 Shootout.
2007 Pro 8 Shootout Changes
We are faced with an opportunity and need to look at our current Corvette only heads-up class, the Pro 8 Shootout. As most of you know, we have discussed making a change to our all-out heads up class on several occasions. Several areas can use some change if we are to continue to be able to carry forward having the Pro 8 Shootout. Over the years, there have been increasing concerns of the ability of the track to hold the cars and this past weekend's accident further reiterated those concerns. NHRA rule changes as to the chassis certification also present a need for a change. In addition, we want to attempt to bring the cars closer together and increase the level of competition of the class to, in turn, help sell the series to potential sponsors to be able to increase payouts.
With this said, Raceway Park and your Corvette Challenge coordinators have come to an agreement on a new direction to the Pro 8 Shootout beginning with the 2007 season.
- The Pro 8 Shootout will become and 8.50 index class (similar to our Pro 10.0 class meaning no participant will be allowed to run quicker than 8.50 ET)
- The Pro 8 Shootout will have a minimum ET in order to qualify for the field. Any driver attempting to qualify will need to run 9.99 or quicker. This will ensure no more than 1.50 ET difference from the top to the bottom of the ladder
- A new points system will be implemented which will award points for attending an event (passing tech gets you 10 pts), qualifying points scaled on how you qualify (not finalized yet) and instead of 1 point increments, we will go to 20 point increments
- Signing up for points will no longer be required which will open up the class to racers who don't want to commit to the points season
- Rules will be revisited. The unpopular hood scoop rule will be altered. Not necessarily opened up to any hood scoop but to allow use of more forward facing scoops (need a week or so to figure this out as we still want the cars to be street appearing so give me input now such as not taller than x inches or no more than x inches from the roof line)
I realize this takes us away from the original intent of the class but if we go all the way back to the beginning, with the Quick 4, we left the original intent a long time ago. Just so we are all on the same page, the original intent was to pair the four quickest Corvette Challenge cars and we were struggling to get in the 10s (http://www.corvettechallenge.info/2002round5.php). I applaud our participants who have thrilled us with low 8 and 7-second passes. You all have provided some great excitement. However, the safety risks matching our cars to our Saturday street tire track, increased chassis certification requiring a full funny car cage under 8.50 and a widened gap in competition, have led to this adjustment to the class. I realize this may be an unpopular decision in the eyes of some of our racers and fans, but I think you will agree this is for the better of the growth of the Pro 8 Shootout.
As a compromise, if you do not want to slow your car to 8.50 but still wish to be a part of the Corvette Challenge, we have gotten the okay to hold "Match Races" at any of our Pro 8 Shootout dates. Match races must be prearranged as we will have to clear this with Raceway Park. Match races will be best two out of three for those that want to go all out, no rules, no points, no prize money other than what the drivers/teams want to put up. One match race per event maximum.
Please feel free to provide feedback. I look forward to a great 2007 season and beyond.
I hope that this provides clear direction as to what you will need to do to prepare for the 2007 Pro 8 Shootout
Pages for rules will be updated hopefully by the end of 2006
Edgar Perez
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