Jeff Fuchs

I am one of those cat. 3's that could race master's 40+. Last year I raced 40+ all year. This year it seems like Master's 1/2/3 fields are significantly smaller.

My results are similar in both categories 2007 vs 2008. This year I'm racing Cat. 3's in part because the 40+ 1/2/3 fields are too small to qualify for upgrade points. If I am going to race hard and if I'm fortunate to place well, I'd like it to count toward upgrading. I also want to race in larger fields that are more consistent in size.

I'd like to see Master's racing return to 35+. I like the idea of 1/2/3 and 4/5 fields. I think we'd have larger faster races.

I'd like to see OBRA specify Master's categories. It's not that much different than mandating who gets to race in which category (1,2,3,4, or 5). Having OBRA specify Masters categories would allow racers to plan ahead and build teams around a set category such as Masters 35+ 1/2/3.

Finally, I think it would be helpful if the winning times for each race/category were posted with the results. I think this would help people understand the speed differences between the different categories. Based on 2007 and 2008 races, masters 1/2/3 and cat. 3's race at very similar speeds (the Master's races have been slightly faster).

Cherry Pie 2007 Masters - 22.3 MPH
Cherry Pie 2008 Cat 3 - 22.1 MPH

BB #1 (CW) 2007 Masters 23.1
BB #2 (CCW) 2007 Masters 22.6
BB #3 (CW) 2007 Masters 23.7

BB #2 (CW) 2008 Cat. 3 23.6
BB #3 (CW) 2008 Cat. 3 23.2

-Jeff Fuchs
Hutch's of Bend