I literally cannot believe some of the misconceptions that have been portrayed in this thread. First of all - why try to apportion blame? Cosgrove, it has been pointed out previously, but Bob runs a business. Your point about 'what difference does seven days make?' is utterly ridiculous. The answer is that it makes a really massive difference!! Whether or not this was a factor in the decision I don't know, but you raised the issue so I'm commenting on it.
I also feel really strongly on this issue of the quality and policing of MSA/non MSA. Speaking from experience, MSA racing is absolutely no better than non MSA. Each format has its benefits, for sure. I raced against some top notch drivers in Super 1 this year, which was great. I also raced against the same standard of driver across the country in non MSA races. And the depth of quality was there, without doubt.
On the scrutineering front - again I have to disagree. Sure, in an MSA meeting they will check that you have a million dollar chain guard and no holes in your gloves, but by and large the scrutineering at most non MSA is just as thorough. In fact, at the first round of S1 this year, the first time I came off the track, I was amazed that only the first three were asked to weigh. I was amazed because from all my years of non MSA I was used to the first sixty getting weighed. Anyway.....
My point is that I would hate a newcomer to think that MSA is the only option for 'proper' karting because it isn't, and that's a fact.
When I recieved the email saying that DYKC wouldn't operate any more I was sad but not surprised.
I was sad because I know a lot of people have put a lot of effort into making it work, and to have a regular MSA event is 'nice' for the odd occasion I may want to take part. In the meetings I attended this year the administration was excellent and I was always met with a friendly face at scrutineering and signing on.
I wasn't surprised because history up here has shown that there just isn't the interest from within the region, or likewise enough visitors from outwith.
I'm a 'that's life' type of person and what has happened seems to be essentially inevitable.
Personally, I will continue to enjoy both formats next year, but I know which I prefer. Seems ironic that only 3 or 4 months ago I was on the track at Teesside with 69 other karts at the same time! That ticks ALL the boxes for me.
Amen
SW
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