* * *Last year, 2007, Region 9 had 2 regionals. Region 9 Parowan, and
Region 9 in Hobbs that tagged along with the Standard Class Nationals.
You can check the turnout for Hobbs on the SSA webpage. I don't see a
turn out problem for Parowan. Sure, the list was long, but drop off
not only happened in 07, but in 04 and 05. Many groups have come and
gone to Parowan over the years, alot of these folks are not geared to
contests, they do call ahead and some groups book a year in advance.
The soaring season window is short at Parowan. Booking any dates their
is like rolling the dice, just ask the 1-26 crowd. The 1-26ers even
had a National their, along with flyin's.
* * *With fuel costs going up, I really see only folks staying home
closer to their gliderport and posting on the OLC. Hank, for you, you
are looking at a 5,000 mile drive, and a total cost well over $2500
for a Regional event. Auto gas will be $4 or so this summer alone.
Look at the Seniors, only a hand full are coming from west of the
Mississippi. Perry fills up, as Chester did, because its the first
Spring time contest. Everyone, everywhere wants out of the house. At
this time last year we had over 80 on the list for Parowan. Mickie
sent me an email last night, its 30 now. OFF topic question, Hank, is
why are their no regionals for 08 listed on the SSA website?
* * * I now am sure that a handful of out of region folks just want to
make sure they can get into the contest at Parowan. These few folks
needn't worry. *Maybe Hank, you can tell us how many of your rules
committee guys are from Region 9? *It seems ok for you to push the
Region 9 guys and girls out of their regional contest and make them
drive to another out of region contest, at their expense, when their
own regionals do not even come close to filling up. Region 11 Minden
had a total of 12 folks last year, Ely has tried several regionals,
and they were far from full.
* * *Maybe its time, to rethink, Hank, that alot of folks don't go to
contests and they don't want contests from keeping them from great
soaring sites. The seeding list is shrinking, but the OLC has seen a
great rise. Maybe you rules committee guys can come up, in advance,
with an idea to somehow use the OLC flyers points, along with regional
and national performances. and apply them into a National Seeding list
for all Regional entry's, National entry's and US Team positions for
the World Soaring Championships and the Grand Prix of racing.
* * * *Kool.........711. * * Now, Rick, thats outta the box
thinking.............- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Tommy, It's hard to argue with a straight up reality check!
21