[F500] My letter to the BOD and Comp Board

[Gene Bennett]

The subject line says it all.
>
> I have been following the online discussion on the engine situation 
> for the Formula 500 class for about a year now.  Now I see this 
> statement in the March FasTrack under the "Information Only" heading:
>
> F500
> 1. Allow use of the 493 engines and/or
> the RAVE 494. (Breschini, McLeod) The
> consensus of the F500 community is to
> allow the use of the RAVE 494 with
> blocked off RAVE ports and not to allow the
> 493 engine.
>
> I disagree that this is the consensus that I have seen.  I'm not sure 
> that there is a consensus; there are definitely several points of view 
> that are entrenched, depending on with whom you are speaking.  Up 
> front, I am not (yet) a Formula 500 competitor, I've been autocrossing 
> for about 7 years now and feel that it's time I got a race car and 
> start road racing.  Since I believe in open wheel racing, I looked for 
> a class with simple, competitive cars and discovered Formula 500.  I 
> have also discovered that the people are wonderful competitors who are 
> willing to help another team to get a competitive car on the track and 
> not worry if the one they helped beats them.
>
> My opinion is that all three Rotax engines, the current 494, the RAVE 
> 494, and the 493, should be made legal for full competition as soon as 
> possible.  The two 494 engines are not current production while the 
> 493 is, and Rotax has contractual commitments to produce it for at 
> least another 3 or 4 years.  Along with this approval, parts lists 
> should be made part of the class specifications so no one can mix & 
> match some franken-engine that will have an unfair advantage.
>
> The other engine rule change I suggest is that the class standardize 
> on the 38 mm round-slide carburetor for all engines in both Solo and 
> Club Racing.
>
> Sincerely,
> Gene Bennett
> Member # 329286