For some reason, the IRL decision to move to ethanol is back in the news, perhaps because their season is getting fired up. And for some reason, the press is confused about this move, which is essentially a shift from one alcohol fuel to another, and thus not nearly as momentous as a move from gasoline to ethanol would be. But even so, I think this MSNBC commentary is spot on. In fact, about two weeks ago I had a conversation on exactly this subject with fellow Mohud member Bruce Kosakoski.
Alternative vehicles and fuels are coming, folks. Between hybrid cars, ethanol and bio diesel, things are going to be changing. I think the best thing the SCCA could possibly do is set up pilot programs in some of the Divisions with classes specifically oriented towards the vehicles that are likely to be dominant in only a few short years. They could be set up as divisional specific, regional only classes, and the races could be run as restricted regionals in conjunction with selected National races as a form of showcase.
It's far better if we're ahead of the curve than struggling to catch up.