"If someone was cheating it would be immediately obvious and it is testable after the race (the 30 minute protest period). "
Just thought here. With this 30 minute protest period, what happens if the next or even the 2nd race after the 450 race is one that these bikes can be quickly converted to race in a 600 class? Changing the 450 to a 600 during that 30 minute period could be grounds for a DQ. Probably safe to make sure there are least 2 races between this so it doesn't happen. Again, just a thought.
That is a good question. Here are my thoughts on the subject.
1. A 450 running as a 600 is DAMN obvious to anyone who has been on the grid. The sound is different, the pick up off the corner is massively different, speed is different, etc.
Having actually raced a 450 (and a 600) for the past 3 years in multiple clubs (11 race events last year before I got injured) I can say for certain that I can tell you the difference just walking past a 450 vs. a 600. Everyone on the grid can hear the difference. It is NOT subtle.
2. Reaching under the tail to flip a switch
mid-race while hitting markers and focusing on the race? Seriously? Then hitting it a second time before T1, while braking, fighting for position, getting your weight in position for the turn, etc.
Sounds possible and doable to a bench racer or rules lawyer, I would enjoy watching someone try to do that in an actual competition.
3. Even if/when the switch mod is approved by Tech, it will still be a DQ if it is accessible during the race. If a switch is on the bars it should be an automatic DQ imho. The switch should be accessible in the pit, etc. but not mid-race. That is not something that can be changed or hidden even if you are doing back to back races.
4. The mods that are currently legal (disable spark and/or fuel) is not reversible between back to back races. They are not something that can be flipped while on the track. I can switch my bike in about 10 minutes. That will barely let me make the grid if there is one race between. That gives a 450 protest plenty of time to be filed.
At the end of the day this is club racing. There is a lot of trust that the racer is there to compete, not cheat.
The rules are in place to give people guidelines to have a "fair" race.
If someone wants to cheat to win a $5.00 trophy, they are going to cheat, doesn't matter the class. They will over bore, run a super bike in production, etc.
Limiting the people who want to run in a class, have fun and support the club is not the best way to keep the club healthy.
Better to let people run their bikes and let the protest system do what it is intended to do. If you are cheating you will get caught eventually.
If someone comes up with something clever that gives them a huge advantage it can be dealt with via a number of existing rules or it can be banned specifically after it has been shown to give them an unfair advantage.
Trust but verify.