Proposed elimination of SS classes

I strongly oppose the elimination of SS classes (Zone 8 proposed rule change #11).
The comment published with the proposed rule insults SS drivers by implying that SS classes are for Novice drivers and for drivers who are too lazy or ignorant to classify their cars in CC classes. I am not a PCA historian, but I suspect there is a long history of SS classes, based on the concept that Porsche owners should be able to run their cars without any modifications and be competitive with similar cars. The essence of a Porsche is that it is (as purchased) a real “sports” car capable of competition driving. I have no doubt that many autocross drivers participate largely because they have the opportunity to compete directly with cars just like theirs, with no modifications allowed.
One may argue that the CC classes (based on measures of power, weight and modifications) allow for cars of similar potential to compete fairly. There is still an inherent difference between a car which has been heavily modified for a specific type of racing, such as autocross, and a late model stock car which happens to have a similar weight and horsepower. More important, eliminating SS classes simply takes away the opportunity for PCA members to just drive their car to an autocross and compete with cars which really are just like theirs (rather than with cars 10 or 15 years older which, through extensive race-specific modifications end up in the same CC class). Of course, if SS drivers choose to add non-stock suspension enhancements and other modifications to their cars, they are free to compete in the CC classes.
Further, there are many PCA members who truly appreciate the way that Porsches are engineered and factory built, and enjoy competition among Porsches in their natural state. Once cars are forced into CC classes, a driver who wants to win is pressured into modifying his car to stay competitive.
Lastly, the notion that SS classes are for Novice drivers is insulting. One has only to look at the posted race results for various regions to see that many long-time and highly respected drivers compete in SS classes. I have no doubt that the elimination of SS classes will cause a reduction in the number of autocross drivers.
My comments are with respect to autocross. Time trials may justify having CC classes only.
The comment published with the proposed rule insults SS drivers by implying that SS classes are for Novice drivers and for drivers who are too lazy or ignorant to classify their cars in CC classes. I am not a PCA historian, but I suspect there is a long history of SS classes, based on the concept that Porsche owners should be able to run their cars without any modifications and be competitive with similar cars. The essence of a Porsche is that it is (as purchased) a real “sports” car capable of competition driving. I have no doubt that many autocross drivers participate largely because they have the opportunity to compete directly with cars just like theirs, with no modifications allowed.
One may argue that the CC classes (based on measures of power, weight and modifications) allow for cars of similar potential to compete fairly. There is still an inherent difference between a car which has been heavily modified for a specific type of racing, such as autocross, and a late model stock car which happens to have a similar weight and horsepower. More important, eliminating SS classes simply takes away the opportunity for PCA members to just drive their car to an autocross and compete with cars which really are just like theirs (rather than with cars 10 or 15 years older which, through extensive race-specific modifications end up in the same CC class). Of course, if SS drivers choose to add non-stock suspension enhancements and other modifications to their cars, they are free to compete in the CC classes.
Further, there are many PCA members who truly appreciate the way that Porsches are engineered and factory built, and enjoy competition among Porsches in their natural state. Once cars are forced into CC classes, a driver who wants to win is pressured into modifying his car to stay competitive.
Lastly, the notion that SS classes are for Novice drivers is insulting. One has only to look at the posted race results for various regions to see that many long-time and highly respected drivers compete in SS classes. I have no doubt that the elimination of SS classes will cause a reduction in the number of autocross drivers.
My comments are with respect to autocross. Time trials may justify having CC classes only.