Why would the SCTA not be able to layout a course in the same place the Cook course is? First come first serve? Just asking.
Under normal circumstances the "international course" runs through the starting line of traditional course #2 mile 0 then goes right through the SCTA timing tower location between traditional courses 1 and 2 while heading towards the end of SCTA course #1.
This year SCTA attempted to get two long courses but the start of the #1 course was just to poor to stand up. So the pits were moved on top, even a little in front of the old #1 course, almost to the traditional timing tower location and the traditional course #2 became the only long course.
I guess the SCTA could theoretically put their courses anywhere they please but courtesy and respect keeps the different events from screwing up each other. The Speedweek courses get more use/abuse than any other real estate on the salt so sitting them on top of the international course could destroy it for the rest of the season and that would not be cool. Also, the international course has to be smooth, straight and loooong so they dont have a lot of options. The Speedweek courses have to be tough durable all else. They see more use before lunch on day 1 than the international course sees all season. SW would destroy the single international course in a matter of days, screwing the pooch for everyone for the rest of the year. So all the interested parties communicate their needs long before the events so all can get their respective programs done.
Regarding the course, We ran the Long course with our roadster and got a rookie into the 2 club with a pass at 242 mph but when Greg Waters ran the car and said it moved around more than any he has ever had and he probably has a hundred runs in the car on the salt. So that that for what its worth.