Events for 2008 VRC vrs VCRS maybe both.

[ernysp76]

Col has put a suggested calendar out for 2008, it looks good. I am a bit concerned that VRC can be a bit costly for new competitors particularly after spending summer building cars. Given rallying in Victoria also has the club series might it be possible to run two classes in the Excel series one in the VRC and one in the VCRS. While the format of each is different there is no doubt that encouragement into the series should also be affordable particularly while people learn to drive these chuck able little toys. I know there were several cars on the sidelines this year due to the additional requirements and costs of the VRC.

[Col Vic]

John, does this mean that you are going to handle the negotiations with the VCRS, the Rally Panel, CAMS, the event Organisers, Sponsors etc? Keep a track of who is running in which series, keep point scores etc etc ?

Some facts for you:

The VCRS does not need the Excel Rally Series. They get full feilds at many of their events already. Another 10 cars would mean some would miss out.

The VCRS events are generally a different style of event to the VRC. Other than specially approved event (such as the Derrick at the weekend) they have 50% navigation, some is easy, but how will many of our teams will cope with the navigation of the Nissan Nightmoves ?

Many VCRS events are run at night, often a fair distance from Melbourne, whereas the VRC's(with the exception of Bega) are all within 2 hours of Melbourne.

VRC events are run to a standard, a standard that is close to ARC standard. The VCRS run good events but they are not required (although some do) comply with the same standards applied to VRC, FIV safety, radio's etc. VRC events have a much higher profile for sponsors etc. The VRC have welcomed and supported us, they provide an Excel trophy for each event.

If you want to take the Excel Series away fromthe VRC, go ahead, but you will do it without me.

Col

[ernysp76]

I've already stated that I'm happy with the suggested calendar for 2008. I am just airing a legitimate discussion on broadening the appeal of the series so that people that may not be able to afford the $600 per event in 2008 may also have an opportunity to be part of the greatest initiative in rallying for many years.I guess I'm more wedded to the growth of rallying through the Excel series than the growth of the VRC and I know that the VRC and VCRS are quite different. I'm not suggesting taking anything from anyone, we know the cost of VRC is a deterrent (with one in the series already stating that this is a reason they have not run all rounds of the series). I know that the VRC has been good to the Excel Series but it is also true that the Excel Series is very good for the VRC and when all things are equal, as they are this coming weekend, it seems Excel owners will opt for the the cheaper VCRS event.I would rather see the Excels out in rally's than sitting in sheds because people can't afford to run. Remember the Rally Drive Excel Series VRC events in 2007 cost between $400 and $550 per event probably closer to $600 in 2008 plus the additional one off costs of extra safety equipment (which my team used before it was compulsory) whereas a VCRS is half that. A pointer to the future maybe the GDMR where there are just as many Excels running the VCRS event than there are running in the series, with one willing to forfeit series points just to get a run. It would be foolish not to support them on the principle that we support one series over another. I would go so far as to suggest that first privateer team this weekend regardless of VCRS and VRC be given a special encouragement award quite seperate from the series just to acknowledge their effort in having a Excel in a rally and giving it a go (tell you what I'll make the certificate and throw in a voucher for a two level 2 First Aid Courses with GOTYA First Aid worth about $400+ don't let it be said I'm not willing to put my money where my mouth is).

[Whitey]

John,
I don't think there are enough cars to run two viable series in Victoria.

Maybe Victoria could do what we do in NSW and offer a "short" event which is a couple of stages shorter than the full state round at a reducted entry fee of $300-350 rather than $450-500. Its an event within the event with reduced permit fees etc. Competitors are always free to run in the longer event if they wish.

Although the extra cost of the entry fee needs to be weighed up against the cost of getting to the event, accommodation etc

[ernysp76]

I think Col makes a good point in relation to the additional "extra" costs in running in the VCRS in terms of night events a long way from Melbourne etc. Looks like if we want more Excels to participate in Victoria might need to find some extra dollars from somewhere to help out with entry fees. Being involved in Junior AFL I know the league tie some of the TV rights funds to development of the sport in fact each of the major sports in a Australia has a development program which fosters particpation. The Excel series is a ready made development program..... I can see some bottles of red being drunk at Bega next year so that we can develop a plan to sell the idea to someone who has the dough.

[David Marriner]

Hi Erny,

would it be possible to get a copy of the proposed vic calendar? I'm trying to do some preliminary planning for next year.

cheers,

Dave

[Col Vic]

Hi David,

The Victorian Rally Calender is still a way from being confirmed, there will be changes from the draft that was given to Vic Excels a month ago.

As soon as it is finalised, I will advise everyone.

Col