06-20-2017, 09:47 AM
(This post was last modified: 06-21-2017, 09:05 AM by Al Postiglione.)
Hey Steve..... You started an interesting thread here. Even though I was not in attendance at any of the events you mention briefly here I believe the subject is for all events. I hear what you are saying and I share many of the same concerns you bring up. Anyway, here's my 2 cents.
The problem is one of different mindsets and perspectives.
Not everyone sees Vintage Karting through the same lens. Some are in it for the Nostalgia. Some for the History. For some it's to find, build and restore some pretty amazing and beautiful machines. Others are there to race, period. Frankly, this last group, if that is the only reason for participation, they really belong somewhere else.
For the nonsense to stop all the reasons above have to be appreciated, respected and at the very least understood by everyone involved.
I love racing and the thought of going to a Vintage Karting Event without it definitely paints a picture of something I would never want to see. With that said I think everyone who decides to participates needs to realize that what we do is Racing "BUT"!
What do I mean? What is this "BUT"?
For me, this is what it boils down to:
It's Racing "BUT"
There are, for the most part, a bunch old guys out there that don't heal like they use to.
It's Racing "BUT"
Most of the karts out there are restored and are, to their owners, priceless works of art that can not be replaced.
It's Racing "BUT"
There are no weight restrictions in any classes.
It's Racing "BUT"
Rules regarding modifications and fuel are, except for Yamaha, nonexistent.
It's Racing "BUT"
Some of the competitors haven't driven or raced a kart in 20, 30, or even 40 years.
It's Racing "BUT"
Some of the competitors are really just out there for the fun of being in a kart.
It's Racing "BUT"
Everyone would really like to make the trip home and live to talk about how much fun they had.
I could go on and on but I think I have made my point.
If you win, what did you win? Considering all the "BUT"s, what did you prove?
Racing can be fun. We need to put things into perspective and keep it that way.
If the choice is to break someones neck, destroy their kart, or simply take your foot out of it...... You really need to take your foot out of it! Let's all go to these events, have some fun, gawk at some karts, and go home in one piece (Karts included).
It is Racing "BUT"
......and that's the way I see it,
-Al
The problem is one of different mindsets and perspectives.
Not everyone sees Vintage Karting through the same lens. Some are in it for the Nostalgia. Some for the History. For some it's to find, build and restore some pretty amazing and beautiful machines. Others are there to race, period. Frankly, this last group, if that is the only reason for participation, they really belong somewhere else.
For the nonsense to stop all the reasons above have to be appreciated, respected and at the very least understood by everyone involved.
I love racing and the thought of going to a Vintage Karting Event without it definitely paints a picture of something I would never want to see. With that said I think everyone who decides to participates needs to realize that what we do is Racing "BUT"!
What do I mean? What is this "BUT"?
For me, this is what it boils down to:
It's Racing "BUT"
There are, for the most part, a bunch old guys out there that don't heal like they use to.
It's Racing "BUT"
Most of the karts out there are restored and are, to their owners, priceless works of art that can not be replaced.
It's Racing "BUT"
There are no weight restrictions in any classes.
It's Racing "BUT"
Rules regarding modifications and fuel are, except for Yamaha, nonexistent.
It's Racing "BUT"
Some of the competitors haven't driven or raced a kart in 20, 30, or even 40 years.
It's Racing "BUT"
Some of the competitors are really just out there for the fun of being in a kart.
It's Racing "BUT"
Everyone would really like to make the trip home and live to talk about how much fun they had.
I could go on and on but I think I have made my point.
If you win, what did you win? Considering all the "BUT"s, what did you prove?
Racing can be fun. We need to put things into perspective and keep it that way.
If the choice is to break someones neck, destroy their kart, or simply take your foot out of it...... You really need to take your foot out of it! Let's all go to these events, have some fun, gawk at some karts, and go home in one piece (Karts included).
It is Racing "BUT"
......and that's the way I see it,
-Al