It does not help the discussion to try and turn it into a sidecar verses solo vendetta. If there were only three Pre70 entries the class WOULD have been canned.If that had happened they have the opportunity to run as Pre75, which of course sidecars can't.
The ladies only had three entries so that class was canned. Does that suggest to you there is a bias against female riders. The girls didn't get all paranoid and take it that way.
Reality was every bike class entry numbers exceeded championship minimums well before cut-off except sidecars.
The decision may (?) have been different had anyone from the sidecars communicated with us to suggest they were struggling but given a day or so grace they'd make it. The only communication was EML's on again off again postings on the forum, the last of which being that he was giving up.
There is alot more to do at end of entries than just print a programn, so the decision was not based on printing lead times.
The decision was made by a committee of five, plus management of MQ, with full knowledge of the Steward. The decision was unanimous. If it makes you feel better to blame me for your groups inability to get its act together in spite of two months notice, you are welcome.
I feel genuinely sorry for the two guys who went to great effort and expence to make it happen, but maybe you should look to your peers as why they didn't support you.
One of these sent a polite email asking when an entry refund could be expected, the other chose to bad mouth me personally behind my back to anyone who would listen. I guess it takes all kinds.
The fact of the sidecar entry situation is:-
At close of entry the 18th, three entries were received, with no indication there could be more.
On 24th another was received with insufficient payment.
On 25th another came with no payment, no passenger name, no signature,and sparce detail.
Lessons can be learnt from this, and earlier posts on this thread contain some good advice for the sidecar boys.
For me, it is that if I ever get involved in organising another similar event, there will be no provision or leeway for late entries.
We didn't allow them last year, or the2011 Dirt Track Nats, or the several Masters we've run, and those went well with no arguments.