Looking at this Sideways...Brackets Anyone?
My Brother-in-Law was living 15 minutes away from Summit Point. So naturally,having nearby lodging available, I wanted to check it out. In my research, I noted the Washington DC Region had developed (and is executing) a concept of Bracket Racing.
Quote:
...racing based on the lap time potential of the car and driver and not based on rule-bound car preparation that stifles creativity and drives up the cost of racing. It is also the intent of the Sprint Bracket Road Racing {SBRR} series to open the doors to competitors from other race organizations as well as to lower the barriers to entry in to SCCA Road Racing.
It appears they classify "laptime potential" based on actual qualifying times and not the lap records for each particular car. One thing nice, CAR MODIFICATION is virtually "unrestricted," similar to SPO/SPU (that I am currently classed in).
In a quick summary, the Car and Driver are classed in a "Bracket" so if a driver chooses to buy a car that is "too much" they can compete in a lower bracket and work their way up n the brackets as they gain experience. Everyone gets to "run-what-you brung." NOTE: They limit the Brackets to Closed Wheel - but could such an approach also be viable for the Open Wheel classes?
The webpage has a lot of detail including sample brackets listed for Summit Point (Main Course).
I don't mean to suggest this is The ANSWER, but an approach that could be considered by other regions. OK, I get it; you might have a novice in an FA competing with FVee hotshoe, but the spirit is there and would help "fill the Grid." Thoughts? Not my idea, just bringing an alternative to the discussion, and possible solution to current and future conditions. Might even be adapted at a National level? I may have been previously considered and abandoned, but it seemed like a useful enough approach to share.
More details (including 5 page pdf):
https://www.wdcr-scca.org/bracket-racing
Cheers - Jim