| My opinion:
I believe it quite likely at this stage that we will still be on a combined grid for at least some of the meetings next year. In that event I see no reason to change the current formula - send us all out together based on overall qualifying times, no delayed start for one group or the other. I see the logic in a 20 second delayed start for the class B bikes, i wouldn't have an objection to it. Obviously it would be preferable to have two grids, so we need to continue to attract new riders to the series.
The main reason the 583s are so popular is simply because they're cheap - you can race a £1000 bike and be reasonably competitive. 620s require a larger investment, and 695s would be much larger again - plus, if you want to race a 695 Minitwins would suit it perfectly!
695s should not be considered for 2007 or 2008 at least, to give second hand prices time to fall. Most of us racing have very limited budgets and have made an investment in our current bikes, forcing us to start again at a loss would not be in the spirit of the series.
As for track selection, I'm happy with the current lineup in general, wouldn't mind Mallory or Pembury to be included, perhaps at the expense of one of the Cadwell rounds. I enjoyed going to Assen and wouldn't hesitate to go again, it may cost a little more than UK rounds but it's worth it and the cost isn't that hude, £65 ferry crossing plus an extra 500 odd miles driving, lower entries offset the cost a little, and as a Ducati enthusiast it was worth the trip for the bikes and paddock experience alone!
Lastly, Skidlids seems to be getting a pasting here, he has my full support and I for one am very appreciative of the work he puts in to help make the series what it is. It does appear to me that some of the arguments in this thread are simply attempts at points scoring, and don't contribute anything positive at all.  |