One last thought on this from me - and as my wife points out, sometimes I'm open minded to a fault.
I've gotten involved up to my eyelids in this sport, so maybe - maybe - I'm not seeing a clear path that an outsider might see.
But let's test this theory.
Might there be interest in this idea if it were set up as a stand-alone event, independent of SCTA-BNI or USFRA?
On these forums, I'll acknowledge the fact that most of us are invested in the status quo.
And as a follower of these boards, I've seen countless build diaries start off with the best intentions, but the cars never materialize.
It's fair to assume that one of the reasons is that they ran out of money.
This spec engine idea is so contrary to what currently happens, that I could see it having an appeal to folks who simply want to get some salt in their diet, but are stymied by the cost of an engine.
With between 500 and 600 entries at Speedweek, I don't know that putting more cars up at the event is the best idea.
But if this spec engine idea was strong enough to stand on its own, it might - again, might -
A. Relieve some pressure on Speedweek by siphoning off a few competitors who are there simply to drive fast on the salt, AND
B. Expose those who might want to move on to the next step with a taste of what this really involves.
I doubt there is room in the current structure for what's being proposed here, but if an independent sanctioning body were willing to step up to the plate, it might succeed - I just don't see it working in the sanctioning structure that already exists.
