Sorry for the obsolete reference. This is what the current US Team website says:
1.5 The Sport Class Nationals are used to select pilots for the Club Class WGC. Pilots who have been a contestant in a previous WGC contest (except club class, World Class, Junior and Feminine events)are not eligible for selection to the US WGC Club Class team.
However, it doesn't alter the point that the petition should be ignored and those concerned with the best interests of the entire US soaring competition community should work within its rule making process. Run for a seat on the committee (no candidate this year), convey your opinions to the RC, suggest questions for the pilot poll, speak out at RC sessions at contests, etc.
And the point remains that the cream-of-the-crop candidates who would make the best showing for the US are effectively out of the running because their gliders have been excluded, and the practical and financial aspects of finding and flying a second glider are realistically reserved for the idle rich.

Karl Striedieck

This petition offers valid feedback. In fact, I don't recall a pilots poll in the past inquiring on this exact topic. I'm interested in finding out if there are enough pilots who want a choice. Throwing out feedback because they may be concerned about results is irresponsible. The RC is proposing a new US racing class. Let's not assume this new class should be set up like other US classes. Taking a different approach may help grow the sport after many years of decline.

This is not about team selection or WGC preparation. Although is does bring up promising possibilities.

I have heard before that guys with $100,000+ gliders are at a disadvantage because they cant afford a $15,000 club class glider. Club Class gliders are not difficult to borrow. If this is a problem then please contact me. I'll help. I suppose if someone was really serious about flying Club Class and being on the US Team they could SELL their $100,000 glider. Then go Club Class.

Sean Franke