Why do we need a program beyond Nationals?
Several recent trends have clouded the differentiation between Nationals and Regionals. In many cases, Nationals and Regionals are running concurrently as Rationals. The proliferation of Rationals and doubles has increased the number of National races across the country, creating more opportunities to race, but subsequently diluting the car counts, thus offering less competition per race and more difficulty in finding interested sponsors. Majors events are designed to be a considerable draw for all competitors in each event specific classes within a day’s tow to attend. The program also provides flexibility in the structure and management not permitted by the GCR for the current programs.
Why limit classes?
In any racing organization or series, multi-class racing is done out of necessity. In a perfect world, there would only be one class per race group. Outside of the week-long Runoffs, this is not feasible. With the Majors Invitational events targeting two classes per race group, we are doing as much as possible to minimize the effect one class has on another’s race.
How are the classes determined?
The goal is to provide special opportunities for all classes through either the Invitational or Showcase program. Data shows that in National race participation, whether it is across the country or Division/Area specific, the top 10 classes account for 65-70 percent of the total entries. Essentially 1/3 of the classes provide 2/3 of the racers. The Invitationals are designed to be special opportunities for these classes. The Showcase classes will have additional opportunities, likely a Bonus National race at an existing event in the 2012 Pilot program.
Who is in charge of the events?
The events are cooperative efforts between the National office and the host Regions. Each will share in the financial risk and reward for the Invitationals (Super Tour financial model for 2012 is already established). The National office provides an “Event in a box,” with format, schedule, a Chief Steward, classes (for Invitationals), Registration process, etc. The Region handles the arrangements on site with the facility and the operational needs. An Event Manager assigned by the National office will be on site, working closely with the Chief Steward and Race Chair to ensure a successful event.
If I only run Majors, how do I qualify for the Runoffs or go for the Super Sweep award?
There are multiple paths for those running Majors. First, all Majors events in 2012 are recognized as Nationals, meaning points and participation from those events (two races in each Majors Event) count toward Divisional and National point standings. Additionally, if a driver starts at least one race in the same Invitational class at each of three separate Majors events, they will earn an invitation. Finally, winning the Majors Championship in your class will be counted the same as winning your Division with regard to the qualification toward the Super Sweep award.
Which races can I attend?
There are different opportunities for different classes.
Invitational classes (EP, FP, F500, FF, FM, FV, HP, SM, SRF, STU) will score points toward the Majors Championship in the following events:
March 9-11, Texas World Speedway (Lone Star Region), Super Tour
April 14-15, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit (AVRG), Super Tour
May 5-6, Texas Motor Speedway (Texas Region), Invitational
June 16-17, Pueblo Motorsports Park (CDR), Invitational
June 30-July 1, High Plains Raceway (Colorado Region), Super Tour
July 14-15, Heartland Park Topeka (KVRG), Invitational
These classes may be included in the Showcase weekends as well, but these will not count toward the Majors Championship.
Showcase classes (AS, CSR, DSR, FA, FB, FC, FE, GT1, GT2, GT3, GTL, S2, SSB, SSC, STL, STO, T1, T2, T3) will be included in all events except the three Invitational weekends listed above. This includes all three BFGoodrich Tires Super Tour events and there will be special opportunities announced for the “Showcase” events.
March 9-11, Texas World Speedway (Lone Star Region), Super Tour
April 14-15, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit (AVRG), Super Tour
May 5-6, Heartland Park Topeka (KVRG), Showcase Event component
June 30-July 1, High Plains Raceway (Colorado Region), Super Tour
July 21-22, Pikes Peak International (CDR), Showcase Event component