THSCC Forums

I am carrying over some thoughts of a friend in Triad whose daughter runs in ladies class. Please do not flame me for showing my friend's opinion on this matter.

"It would really hurt those who run in any modified classes, and would discourage participation by our female members. Maybe that is the goal, although I would hope not. In fact, TSCC strives to encourage lady participants. For the price of a few more trophies, the excitement and good will that is generated is more than worth it, and often fosters participation by spouses or female children. It is also just not fair to say that if the ladies don't like it they can run in the open classes.

We need to know if this is just a rumor, something that can be changed, or is already set in stone, so that the ladies can make a decision about whether to run. If it is just a PAX class, as rumored, then I am not sure if my daughter will want to spend her entire last weekend before school starts again, beating her head against the PAX for SM class. She smoked the majority of the male competitors on raw time at our last event in Danville, but with PAX would just not have much chance in a single ladies class at NCAC."

_________________
2010 Honda Fit Sport
Couple of bicycles

Is there any chance we could get his daughters opinion directly, rather than information that is passed through the proud/protective/supportive father filter?

It always cracks me up when the discussion of Ladies class is raised...and 90% of the respondents are men. It happens locally, it happens nationally. No offense to anyone who has an opinion on this, but if the *LADIES* who are actually affected by these decisions are really concerned about individual ladies classes, pax'd ladies classes or NO ladies classes, then it is up to them (us) to speak up and make our voices heard - particularly during the planning stages. (it seems to be a little "after the fact" now....)

For purposes of this discussion, as a female, my preference is to create an atmosphere that encourages as much female participation as possible while still maintaining the integrity of the competition. For that to happen, ladies will need to voice their opinions before and during the planning stages and the powers that be will need to make the best decision for that event within the guidelines of the SCCA (or whatever body of rules is governing the event). I'm not sure there is a clear right or wrong answer....the *right* thing to do is that which helps us accomplish the overall goals for the event. It is up to each individual competitor to determine for themselves if running said event will help them achieve their individual goals.

I agree with Chris. Part of the problem is that most gals don't read or participate in the forum... at least from what I've discussed with girls at AX's. (their loss too, 'cause reading this stuff is a hoot---but I digress---) Guess either the hubbies need to ask their wives to speak up, or we gals who DO read the forum need to get the others involved. That way, down the road a bit, we'd have more imput and the "powers that be" would have a better read on "what women want". Just my $.02 worth.

_________________
SCCA Solo Triad Award Recipient 2014
SCCA HSL National Champion 2012
SCCA DSL National Champion 2013
SCCA DSL National Champion 2014
NCR National Driver of the Year 2012
THSCC Heel of the Year 2011
Former Club Secretary
http://www.petscompanioninn.com

And we normally respond in with the answer that will allow us to brag the most about our significant others (me included!).

I haven't read this entire thread so forgive me if I say the same things other people have said. Jason asked me to comment. I have a crappy DSP pax and I prefer the indexed ladies class. At the NCAC last year I raced against one other person. Sure I had fun racing, but I would rather say I beat 10 people than say I beat 1 person and got first place. Last year at the NCAC there were several ladies classes with only one entry. I don't see much point in bragging about getting first place if you are the only person in the class. Personally I would rather have the competition than a trophy given to me. I am in favor of keeping the indexed ladies class for the NCAC.

_________________
Keep rules to a minimum and enforce the ones you have.

1) Gotcha!
2) I have never run in your wife's class, so I don't know. The Budweiser dress was at the cleaners.
3) No, the one car/class thing isn't great IMHO, especially when club points are tallied. A pax based class is something that I am for should the womenfolk choose not to run open class.

_________________
Has no responsibility whatsoever.

Should we move this thread to the visitor forum (or create a new thread on ladies participation at NCAC), so that it will be open to non-THSCC members for comment?

Sorry, Wes beat me to it.

First let me say this ,I'm not against a ladies PAX class I'm against any PAX class.PAX is designed to give you even results from class to class if and only if,your cars are prepared to the limit of the class rules.This is the reason it favors Stock classes,Stock classes need only add tires and exhaust to be near the limit,other classes have host of mods and Most competitors will never get close to the limits of their class.The two DSPL cars that led PAX and RAW at last years NCAC were mine and Jasons with our wives driving.Both cars are prepared VERY well and near the limits of the class,they would have no problem in the PAX index,But these 2 cars are the exception,not the rule.I would hate to discourage people from running because they get beat handily in the PAX in ladies class ,or run open and have the guys beat them.Suzanne doesnt like the ladies class because of the lack of competition but was hesitant to run open because she was still relatively inexperienced in only her 2nd year.Next year,she wants to run open,and I plan to move to PRO.I think each woman should be given this opportunity,thats why TSCC went to individual classes.As a side note,As TSCC VP, I dont recall being contacted to discuss the NCAC's at all ,Was there some meeting I overlooked

_________________
Anthony Hodges
DSP 72

I can't speak for your car, but I'm pretty familiar with Jason's, and I assure you I've got more $$$ invested in my stock car prep than he does in his DSP prep.

His is hardly prepped well for the class - unless a set of lowering springs and race tires = prepped well. Not even close (and not nearly as expensive as my race tires and custom DA Koni's).

I do see both sides of the argument for Ladies classes, but as pointed out by a few of the ladies, it's the men that are most hung up on the issue.

Richard, if you want to move the relevant (non bitching and secondguessing) posts, that would be cool.

_________________
Has no responsibility whatsoever.

Hmm, your car may be prepared very well, but ours isn't even close. We are currently running on bent, busted shocks and year old tires. Plus there is a lot more that could be done to the car to prep it for DSP, but unfortunately time and money are currently the limitation for us. I don't see that changing any time soon either with a baby in the picture.

_________________
Keep rules to a minimum and enforce the ones you have.

You're pregnant???!!!

How did that happen?

Edit: Grammar > Scott

I'm sure you could find a link via Google that would explain how all that works.

_________________
Not spectacular just decent.
I'm not sure what I'm driving.
Maybe an ITR in DS.
Or half-assed STX prepped 330.