(1) After five years of growth, EWC car counts took a big step backwards in 2006. Chicago road construction and gas prices probably had something to do with the low number of people who towed around the lake. However, the total number of entrants was significantly down as well. It looks to me that the Runoffs have become the EWC's primary competitor. With the CENDIV split taking effect in 2007, the number of entries available to Formula Ford drivers in this part of the country doubles. This does not bode well for 2007 EWC car counts. I think its time to rewrite the EWC business plan.
(2) I need some help running the series. There are four major tasks that will require some energy from others...
- business plan
- scheduling
- contingency award program
- driver recruiting
)'ll be in touch with series regulars in the next week looking for those willing to "volunteer" or otherwise contribute some time to the series.
(3) It looks like the end game for SCCA's mismangement of its class structure is just over the horizon. I personally don't want anything to do with "Formula 1600" or some other SCCA solution to a problem of their own making. I want even less to do with the race groups being forced on open wheel classes. Formula Ford has rich history and global footprint unmatched by any other form of racing. Only the best organized racing communities will be able to control their futures...
(4) ...which leads into my fourth and last thought. The 40th birthday party for Formula Ford is the portal to our future. The cooperation and organization required to pull off a successful event of this magniture are the survival tools for the next 40 years. We may eventually retire the Kent, but it should be on our terms not someone else's. We've got a big test coming up and it needs to be taken seriously.
Steve Beeler, de facto EWC commissioner
Lola T-540 HU44
home: (734)416-8865 sbeeler@wowway.com
office: (313)390-1818 sbeeler@ford.com