:. Racing .:. 2007 Goals
At the beginning of a racing season, I think it makes sense for me to put some goals down on paper, since it might help me stay a bit focused on an end goal, and hopefully have a more complete season than my rather, ah, "developmental" previous 2 seaons. So, just out of thin air, here are some desires/goals for my 2007 season:
Goal #1: Go Road Racing
I bought this car in winter 2004 with the goal of getting on track. In 2005, I did it with Time Trials, and Bob raced the car this year in 2006. The car has proven it's a reliable road racing car, now I just need to take it out and do it. I am going to try to get my club racing license in 2007, and do at least two events to get my proper regional license.
Goal #2: RMSolo B-Mod Championship (If there is one)
The past two seasons, I've been distracted enough to not make enough events to qualify for a year-end trophy. Of course, neither has anybody else. So, in addition to qualifying to get a season-end trophy, I'd like the 2007 B-Mod championship. It will be tough against Jeff's development and Evan's driving, but to do it would make the accomplishment that much nicer.
That said, the RM region is looking pretty thin as far as autocross venues, so I may not run a SCCA or BMW autocross season. Instead, a mix of Karting, Time Trials, NASA, and Road Racing may do the trick.
Goal #2: Nationals Trophy (If I go)
Depending on the health of B-Mod, and the amount of development I am able to do, If I am able to continue to make the car faster, then I think I stand a good chance to be in the top 1/3 of drivers at Nationals in 2007. Doing a few divisionals or other events there may be enough to help me learn the surface and what I need for setup/jetting, but if nothing else, it will be good to get back to Nationals.
Again, with venues being scarce, doing much driving in SCCA Solo is looking pretty unlikely. Maybe this is the year I'll
graduate to track racing?
Goal #4: RMSolo Top 25 Drivers
If Jeff is really fast, and B-Mod nationals turns out to be really tough, I think I still may be good enough to get myself into the top 20 drivers, if development and driver skill continues to grow, just a bit. In 2004, I set myself a goal to be in the top 50, and was, despite a slow start, and starting off with low points scores, just like I am right now. I think the Radical is now further along than the Corvette was at the start of 2004, I am more knowledgable, and am a better driver than I was 2 years ago. Top 25 is a lofty goal, but I think I can do it!
Again...Solo Contingent...
.6/1/3/5 Year Plan
Supposedly, in management classes, they tell you that you're supposed to have a plan of this type. I'm not sure if I have any particular goals in racing other than to just go have a great time, and not put myself in the poor house. Here are some shots though:
6 Months:
- Do the SCCA Club Racing School
1 year:
- Have my SCCA Regional License
- Convert the Radical to some EFI engine
3 Year:
- Have my SCCA National License (if racing turns out to be financially feasible)
- Have run several races, become an experienced racer.
- Perhaps be evaluating a move to F1000, CSR?
- If finances permit, perhaps evaluate IMSA Lites with a Stohr if there is a TV Package?
I won't even bother trying to come up with 5 year thoughts - WAY too many degrees of freedom!
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