The one thing I want to make clear is that I don't think anyone is cheating, there could be cheaters somewhere in the field, of regulars or invaders, but that wasn't my point.  Technology makes leaps and bounds every so often, and quite possibly we are in a time where chassis and suspension parts are advancing faster than some can afford, or comprehend.

When ALSRAR was in it's prime the cars were similar, but some were better pieces than others.  No one was cheating, but some had better gear.  In 2004 a new phase of car came out that soon made the ALSTAR car obsolete.  The older car could not get left side weight or the lower weights and soon were parked.  I think we are seeing a similar trend now, and that's why I suggested that it may not be the engine, or transmission etc, but the chassis and suspension.  When the new chassis's were designed back in 2004 it took a few years before left side percentages were increased and overall weight decreased. That's what made the older cars history, and drivers were forced to quit or buy a  newer car.

My suggestion is to get a Crate program working, and handicap the cars accordingly.  Any cars from 2004 to 2010 are clearly on the edge of being out dated.  The best way to save them is give them a break somehow, for two years.  The other way is to penalize the new cars to bring parity and let the older cars, those soon to be obsolete have time to update their cars, hopefully without buying a new one.

If some of these cars on the verge of extinction, meaning they cannot compete with the new configuration cars with the current handicapping system,  are McColl cars, it might be possible for McColl Enterprises to do a refit or update on the older chassis to bring them in line with the current newer cars.  As it is now, the newer cars out handle the older ones quite noticeably.  The fact these cars ate all the Pro Lates, and many of them go to McColls and some of the rest have Junior Hanley making them fast at Flamboro, leans more to that conclusion.

Once everyone has the newer chassis (if they all went and bought a new car or upgraded), good drivers and good set up men would still have the edge.  There is no denying the ability of some drivers and some crew members to bring the best on the track every time. However, even with that edge of set up and driver, it wouldn't be as spread apart competition wise as it is now, and as it is getting.    We need an engine program that will work, and do everything we can to save the older cars.

Also, the word "Limited" should have been dropped two years ago, even more so now.

I have been saying that for a few years "limited" is a terrible name for this class, it infers they are inferior which they clearly are not! please tracks drop the limited monicker.

After the races concluded the 47 was in the tech shed and they were working away at it and after about 1/2 an hour chatting with drivers it was still i the shed when I left, so something was being looked at.

owner is in a no-win spot here. If he finds everything legal, a lot don't believe it anyway and a bunch of guys don't return as they haven't got a chance. people want to know where the extra half second of speed comes from beween weekly Saturday races and the specials
find something illegal? what can he do? McColl car winning a race paid for by Mccoll? Tom Walters is money in the bank for the track. do you say "hey Tom, I have to tell everyone you are a cheater"? then Tom leaves and you don't want that.

• so the car is legal and all stays as is
• or the car is illegal and it is "hushed" so nobody gets offended
• or the car is found illegal and the sponsor and Tom are PO'd

  There is no good outcome for the track here. they got trouble no matter what they do

I don't think that is the case at all. Remember that even if 47 was DQ'd, then it would still be a McColl car winning the race.