Originally Posted by HDDP
I value the opinion of all 6,000 + members of this forum and would like your input on the subject of promoting of the Crossfire in racing events. I've posted a poll to this thread and would like all of you to chime-in as well as responding with your written comments.
I was recently contacted by a DC representative regarding my track activities with the Crossfire and questioned about campaigning the car in SCCA events. He was interested in the potential marketing of a race spec. Crossfire that would "RACE ON SUNDAY, SELL ON MONDAY".
We discussed my minor modifications and the lack of affordable aftermarket performance parts for the car, as well as if the Crossfire could compete on a national level with other cars classed in the SCCA T3 category.
Our discussion was lengthy and in depth and left me with some hope that DC could possibly re-purpose (re-market) the car as a sports racer with additional support from aftermarket performance manufacturers, if the DC marketing department was onboard.
My question to all of my fellow forum members is;
1) Do you feel the car would be more appealing to you if it were raced in SCCA events and broadcast on TV ?
2) Would you be more likely to buy a Crossfire if you thought it was capable of "OUT OF THE BOX" road racing ?
3) If performance / products were readily available for the Crossfire, would you be more likely to purchase the car ?
4) Wouldn't you like to brag your friends, "yeah it beats a Boxter, S2000, M3, Elise, EVO, WRX on a road course ? And I saw it on the SPEED Channel...
We may have an opportunity to show DC that the Crossfire can be a car to be proud of... Let me know your opinion...
Just tell the DC rep to have the new MB 3.5L AMG engine or 5L AMG dropped in the car and then you can do some serious racing. Personally, I doubt if many people care if the XFire can beat a EVO or WRX on a track. The mental image of most of the cars that you list fall in the poor man's category of racing. Sure, some minor HP boost could be popular with some at the margin, but there wouldn't be any buzz for the manufacturer.
If you truly want recognition, then you have to raise the ante. Take on the Vettes, Vipers and even the CTS. Why screw around if you really want a race on Sunday sell on Monday XFire program?