Jan-
The origins of the BRI trophy go back to an old thread on the previous PCA-SDR forum where the value and accuracy of the BRI was argued extensively. It was agreed by all that an index of times to balance the classes was a hugely complex and difficult endeavor, but could make for some interesting comparisons and ego-saving compensation for the people in the lower classes who would never see themselves on the Top-Ten list of times. Thanks to Carl Scragg's efforts, and some legwork by Chris Benbow and myself in assembling historical data, along with the RTP/PAX concept from SCCA Solo2, we have devised a rather "dull blade" for determining a PCA-SDR handicapping system to normalize the classes, on a completely "unofficial" basis.
I believe it was Curt Anderson who coined the phrase "waxing your dolphin" in that thread-- equating the BRI to (ummm, how do I say this in polite company?) a certain act of self-gratification.
With the addition of new cars and classes, the BRI is going to need another revision for this year to maintain its already questionable relevance.
Here is a pic of the dolphin in its previous incarnation, as rendered by the Hauptman clan, who gave it a "surfie-storm trooper" look, including a "grandpa-tee" shirt with an Iron Cross on it, a symbol which appears on their race cars:
and a couple more of it now (after changing hands and rattling around in the trailer. it lost it's former hat, and has been "peaced-out" a bit under my wife's influence)
FRONT:
BACK:
It doesn't show well in the photos, but it now sports a SF Giants ballcap, worn backwards, and there is a flower coming out of the barrel of the .45 automatic the Hauptmans had taped to its fin, and a button with the symbol for nuclear disarmament on its back, along with a decal from my surf club.
It will be interesting to see how it evolves in the future.
TT