Not quite.
Here’s a video of some of the cars that passed the $500 “acid test”.
A discussion has been started by a Chump Car official over on their website claiming that grumblings about the lack of enforcement (re: the $500 prep rule) are not well founded – actually, I have reason to believe he’s talking about me.
Probably most recently here and previously here.
This is the post:
Contrary to opinions…
Hi Chumps – 3:30am and I’m sitting in the tower, watching the fog role in and out… and I had a moment to respond to an issue that was bouncing around the paddock earlier today.
I’ve read some of the comments about some of the “eligibility” and $500 legality of certain cars here at PIR. Yes, there is an ex-Spec Miata in the race; however, they did swap put all of the “race” suspension for junk, stock suspension, and the powertrain was VERY used and stock. As many of you know, I have have raced in Spec-Miata and I have two Miatas that I have campaigned in LeMons… so I know a POS Miata when I see one. So, upon a very thorough inspection, ChumpCar determined that this car was no different then buying ANY used race car and downgrading it to crap-can standards. We have been watching the lap times and handling of many cars — some that we thought may have been borderline — and no one has been “pulling away.” We have not seen any unfair advantages and, if anything, those cars which were suspect of legality have, in my opinion, underperformed. Bottom line — there will always be a car (or cars) that are suspect of cheating. ChumpCar is not immune from opinions or rumors… and unless you’re the one that is crawling under and through the car to check legality issues, everyone will have to trust the Safety and Technical Inspection Team to do their job.
All the best –
John
The comments that follow in that thread are great – whiners?. Really? That’s the best you’ve got?
No, it isn’t.., you’ve also got (from the forum) – “Additionally, the rules kind of prohibit convertibles. So a hard top might fall under safety.” This can’t possibly be a serious defense.
I think Chump Car is a cool idea (it is different from LeMons) and I’m glad they decided to come to Portland. And, if they say a car is elligible, it is. There is reason to believe, because of comments and writings of officials, that they want us to believe they are “serious” about the $500 car thing. My opinion is that they are not, and I’ve cited specific examples (including the cost of parts on the car) – I’ve got plenty more, if you want to go there. Don’t show me a duck and insist it’s a pig. If it walks, talks and quacks like a duck…
My opinion (and you are welcome to yours) is that they missed the stated target. That’s all. And, if this really is racing, then working over your competitors about the legality of their cars and the officials (when necessary) is part of the process. So get off your high (I’ve been doing this for 2 years and I’m really experienced) horse and get over it.
I believe that “Chump Car” will get it right and they could use help from competitors in understanding what we think “right” is (again, my opinion). If you think they did get it right, tell them so.
I’ll look over at the Chump Car forum occassionally and chime in if the discussion continues (and becomes more interesting, read: smarter), but more people are coming to this blog, so feel free to discuss it here if you like. If you post a comment, an admin will approve it, even if it is contrary to my stated “opinion”.