[cmartin]

I totally agree Doug, who needs the thing anyway?

I sent in the application with 5 check this morning. Needless to say, I'll see you at the track.

[Jim Richards]

I sent in my application for the April SP DE. See you guys there!

[Don Wohlfarth]

I think Potomac does a damn good job with the de program.
All the PCA regions operate because of volunteers. It's real easy to sit on the side lines and moan and complain about why things are run in a particular manner.
Potomac will hold 9 de's this year, 5 at Summit Point/Shenandoah, all on Saturday/Sunday, cost is $180 for the weekend. Potomac will hold 4 away de's, Mid Ohio, Watkins Glen, VIR, Carolina Motorsports Park, all on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, cost is $300 for the weekend.
Potomac has online registration, accepts credit cards, events are on the weekends, and the events are CHEAP.
In the words of that great American, Rick Lee, "Keep honking, I'm reloading."

[APKhaos]

Hey Don,
I think everybody agrees with your points re the Potomac DE program. No question.

It happens that there are an increasing number of Dorkis along with many others who are battling for a limited number of spots in the green run group. While Potomac is first choice, when people can't get in they will look for other regions running at SP - hence Shattenbaum. Its a simple issue of demand outstripping supply.

Good news is the the first wave of Dorkis from last season are knocking on the door of the blue rungroup, so more space should be opening up in green.

[Jim Richards]

Tony covered it perfectly.

[Doug E]

TK nailed it ... demand is currently outstripping supply.

To be honest, I'm considering trying to run with NNJ and Risentoter Regions as they also have events at SP which might just fit my calendar. Us track junkies have to take advantage of having such a great venue like SP right here in our back yard

[bettyc]

One of the side benefits from running with other regions is meeting people from outside Potomac which increases the comfort factor when running a new track outside of Potomac's schedule. Let's face it. You can't run with Potomac if you want to drive Road Atlanta or Lime Rock or (heaven forbid) Road America. Knowing some of the people from the sponsoring regions makes it easier and more fun.

Schattenbaum puts on great events as do most of the surrounding regions. NNJR is fun but they are not as laid back, more like Potomac. And no Don, that's not a slam against Potomac. It's an observation. Each region seems to have it's own personality. They are all great people and let's face it...a bad day at the track beats a good day at the office!

[Rick Lee]

I dunno Betty. I've seen some bad days at the track cost people their cars, uninsured and lots of bucks. No day at my office has ever been that bad. I've have a deal go south now and then at work, but I haven't wadded up my 993 yet or had an oil line burst at redline. I've seen that happen at the track more than once.

But I have to say I'm not such a track addict that I even want to run with other regions. Yeah, I wanna meet new people and see different cars. But there's definitely a comfort level with the Potomac gang. I've worked on some of the cars out there, tech'ed a lot more of them, know most of the drivers and there's just a great level of hangoutability with these guys. And besides, does any other region have a Kurt M. who will drop everything and MacGyver your car back to health right there in the paddock?

[Jim Richards]

I didn't realize this was a referendum on DE's put on by Potomac vs. other PCA regions. I think it's simply as Tony and Doug E stated...for the lower run groups, demand is very high relative to supply (thru the home region), so why not sign up for events hosted by other regions to increase one's track time. It's all good!

[bettyc]

I'm running a higher risk of accident/injury driving the local roads and beltway every day than on the track. I average 30 days a year on track and have insured my car specifically for de/race. So I stand by my previous statement of bad day at track better than good day at work. Maybe it's just my warped personality?