[Randall Thomas]

Emotions are running high and keyboards seem to magnify them. This will go no where fast, but, I have an idea.

The upcoming Run and Gun has always been the benchmark for replica competition and revered for the shining light they cast onto the replica car world, giving them the sort of validity many other venues might not project.

So my idea is to have a manufacturers class at the upcoming Run and Gun. I have talked with Dean Lampe on this, among other ideas and he liked what he heard, provided there is the participant interest to support it.

The Manufacturers class would entail any replica manufacturer to bring a stock off the shelf street production car and compete in a class just for that. The other competing manufacturers would have the opportunity to look over and inspect each other's car to ensure it was indeed a normally produced production car with no special gimmick or Smokey Yunik type modifications. The cars would be fitting with a standard street tire such as BFG Radial T/A's. The engines and drivers would be the choice of the manufactures since neither can be classified or effectively restricted other than maybe Big block or Small block versions. Then the cars would be set to the pace.

It still would not be the final word, but as close to it as you would get in this world.

Since the location of the Run and Gun is in Hastings, Nebraska, it is right smack dab in the middle of the country and equally spaced for both east and west coasters as well as north and southern border dwellers. In addition, for anyone who has NOT been to Hastings, it is an absolutely wonderful venue, incredible hospitality from the town, and the absolute most fantastic host in the track owner, Mr. George S. Anderson would could possibly find. The "S" stands for School Bus, and if you don't know why, there is no way you'd ever believe me. You will, after you leave though. Oh yes, you will.

I would suspect any manufacturer who truly believe in their product would accept a very fair, honest and more importantly, friendly challenge such as this. This may also be the historic moment to catch both C.burn and MK-4 at the bar shaking dice for the next round... or, someone ringing the bell ringside for the next round. Which ever, it would be well worth the trip in either case all by itself (and that's my humor for the day) :-)

In addition to all that, I wonder how a class for each of the brands would gain interest? An ERA class. A Shelby class. An FFR class maybe. Also, a class just for folks who have never been to a Run and Gun event. And why not a ladies class? Some of those gals are dying to run their hubby's cars but they never get the keys! I know I don;t give mine the keys and it's her car! lol.

What do you think?

Randall