Hi Mike
As far as the frame notch, the key thing here you posted, is that you noticed this at a BITD race (Parker). I understand BITD lets class 8 do this in their series. SCORE does not. I am totally against the idea. The only thing that separates a class 8 from a TT, is THE FRAME ! I know the frame hinders rear wheel travel, but every SCORE-legal class 8 has to deal with it. SCORE rules state that "NO part of the original stock frame can be removed". I think that the SCORE rule, help class 8 be different from TT's and thier associated cost. Now in the construction of a NEW class 8, you are allowed to "tilt" the frame upward in the rear, instead of notching, but the original rule of using a complete, whole, un-cut frame still applies. Thanks.