When I was racing a full season in '02 there were no groups, all racers mixed together with an additional trophy awarded to the fastest 'Old Person'.
I distinctly recall saying to Bobo back then "I'll never be on the podium racing against those guys" (Ernesto Viso, Isra, Newell, Marino, Zimroth, etc.) but by the end of the season I had two overall 3rds and 3 Master wins. My point is racing faster drivers definitely got me up to speed in a hurry, it was sink or swim. There were however, many races that turned into lapping sessions for me, which was
very frustrating.
I think having the Sportsman group is an excellent change (I really wish I had the option back then), but drivers should be forced to move up once their lap times get to within a second or 2 (or 3) of the faster group. It will help them in the long run.
Being a part time racer should not be among the criteria for racing Sportsman. Using the Glen in Sept. as an example, I ended up racing with the Sportsman group because of a car problem in my Expert race. Although it was the most fun I have ever had in an R/T going from 19th to 4th, I was clearly too fast for that group,
and I hadn't raced in 15 months. Sportsman eligibility should be based on lap times, period.
I will leave the question of Expert or not to the powers that be. When I race in '05 I hope there will be an Expert group because that is where my skill level is at the moment, I don't think I would have a chance at a podium, but I have said that before.....
You get faster faster racing faster racers (say that 5 times fast)