Re: Marcus has a solid group of racers but not a single one travels so maybe they can shed some light on the biggest reasons.
The main reason I don't go to the FSCS races at Fast Eddie's is because, even doing test & tune the day before the races, my cars often haven't been capable of running lap times that the locals can run. I've often seen the same thing at P-1. IOW, non-locals that are good drivers but their cars aren't up to the task. When their cars have been up to the task, these guys have run at, or near, the front. As we all know, if our car isn't capable of keeping up, then it makes for a not-so-fun race. I don't need to win every race -- in fact it doesn't matter what position I finish in, because I'm satisfied as long as I was in the hunt. If I'm in the hunt, I'll get my share of podiums.
When I go to a track that I don't run on very often, I need to arrive with all of my cars equal to everyone else's so I can spend the time practicing. If this is the way it turns out, then I'll start going to Fast Eddie's when the series runs there.
I don't like the heavy traffic on the west side of central florida, and it's more than a two hour drive each way for me, but if I'm virtually guaranteed that I'll have a competitive car in all three races, then I'll put up with the heavy traffic.
I will say pulling that trigger is just as important as car set-up.
The Fastest Hill Climb in the South is a very challenging track. I've always claimed the track feels easy to drive but hard to drive fast going back to FlDiv2 days.
Just because cars are set-up the same doesn't translate to automatic podium finishes. Will Brinkley who won the belt at the Fall Brawl I believe only placed on one podium in 3 races on the hill climb at The Southern Retro Rumble. He uses two of the top chassi builders chassis and can obviously set-up a car. He is a top-tier racer who has won everywhere but enjoyed the challenge of racing on a tough track with competitive racers. Jeff Bonanno who has made mains at big races and has won races at P1(numerous raceways) I believe only made one podium at the Rumble on the hill climb. It's his home track. Not from lack of skill or car set-up. It's just a very competitive track. When the track was in Jacksonville the locals were always fast. One racer named JT was hard to beat. Biscuit and I maybe beat him a handful of times racing there over the years. A few races I knew I had a better car set-up but JT out triggered me. I loved the competition! Now on the road JT struggled a bit but he loved the competition as well.
I know when Biscuit and I raced at P1 flexi state races our cars are not even close to the same set-up as what Dale uses but We all have had podium finishes at P1 though.
That being said I still believe a minimum weight limit with the intention of more durable cars is the best bet. Also with the possibility of the Raceways gluing tracks on the heavy side which tends to let cars use a harder tire which helps tire wear being lessened could help the cause. I love racing at Eds because he does glue on the heavy side and I've been using wr or a hard fish rubber when racing there.
By the way the West coast traffic is horrible but the Orlando area traffic isn't fun either and it is a close podium finish to it. 😎
Test, test, test and go test some more.
You're never fast enough!!! 💯
Preparation leads to separation.
Success is never owned but rented and rent is due everyday.
KELLY RACING 😎