Lof8 wrote:
I'm in Sarasota and would love to get involved. I would like to spectate a few events as my current toy is set up for the road course and too low to drive without damaging on the rally-x course. Starke is just a bit too far for me.
Hey, I'm in Sarasota as well. Do I know you?
Anyway, I've participated in rallycross events here in Florida and will continue to do so as time and commitments permit. Sure, driving a couple or 4 hours to do an event is tough, but I've found it worthwhile to do so. One of the problems is that Florida is so big that it is a challenge to create a support/participant core because folks feel the events are so far away and there is no single state-wide organizing body. This is especially true when there are other forms of motorsports that are both more popular and more convenient, and there are tons of well organized regional groups running events. Unfotunately, folks then inappropriately compare rallycrossing to these. This is creating a vicious downward spiral for rally-x here.
But the real problem is that folks lack proper perspective and appreciation for rally and don't recognize the value, appeal, mindset, commitment, and rewards that are requisite parts of the rally scene and it's people. They truly are unique in so many great ways. So what to do?
Unfortunately, raising interest and visibility, and encouraging folks to get involved, network, and participate is only one of many things tht need to be done. Things like more regional organization and events in order to compete with things like auto-x, drifting, drags, circle track, etc., identifying and securing more event locations and finding good/safe local spots for development/practice, and making folks comfortable and assured with using a dailly driver/unprepared vehicle all need to be considered as well.
I've tried to tackle some of this here on the gulf coast side but it clearly will need a lot more commitment and connections than I've been able to give it. Enthusiasm has proven not to be enough. That is even true for those that have more experience, connections, organization, and establishment locally. Jeff folded TampaRally a couple years ago because of continued lack of support and participation. And now I'm not sure I blame him.
All of that said, you can be sure I'll continue to do my best to help rally stay alive, and I'll be at any event that I can be. In the meantime we'll keep the fire burning and hope others find thir way to the light.
