I do have a question for all of the ladies out there who have thought about racing and have not tried it yet. What is the major factor holding you back from giving it a try?
To me, it was the "meatgrinder class" for the most part. A few things:
I know personally a few track day riders of very, very young age who decided to go racing after doing just 2-3 track days, while also crashing during them by going over their heads or trying to keep up. During a track day, I don't feel being in danger when riding with them because I can choose to be on the opposite side of the track at the time, or simply be faster

In a race though, I am afraid that the "fearless youth" will take me out coming into T1, because the brain switch is turned off or they don't have to go to work next Monday...
I don't want to be misunderstood here. I believe in having "talent," but I also believe in experience. Road OR track. The people I had mentioned above had started riding the same season... 0 years, 2,000 street miles, 2 track days, next weekend racing... that's intimidating!!
When i first talked to Jen about this, she said "why do you think i'm racing the hawk? I don't mind being passed by those guys, because they've been racing forever and i trust them." very wise words!!
Second reason for me was the thought "i'm too slow to race," and i didn't believe that there are slower riders racing, until i looked at some results myself. So, instead of doing practices only, I decided that i was going to give it a try. Introduction of women's only class made me think that it was going to be even more fun and it will maybe motivate some other women to give it a try.
Already last year, we had talked about a lady TC team for this season. That could be awesome!!
Another reason that spoke against racing, is that i had experienced more than once during a track day (NOT in "A" but in "I") that some of the men had a serious problem being passed by a woman. It's not a rumor, trust me, and it gets dangerous and it's scary. Gentlemen in "A" are a lot nicer, hopefully not only due to the fact that i can barely pass anyone in "A"

So, I can speak only for myself, but besides the obvious reasons of not wanting to get hurt and not having enough experience, the above are important factors that made me think that I would never race.
Now i'm sitting here and the spring can't come soon enough.

go figure....
(and it's all my friend jeff's fault ::) )