Even though these "ex-pros" are in the classes that the Vet rider has to race (except Vet B/C), there is something cool about being on the gate with a guy that you paid to go watch a few years back. Of course the regular guy has no chance of beating a guy that was a factory rider but it gives you the perspective of what kind of speed it takes to be at the top of our sport. Unfortunately, the more of "them" that show up at race, the more of "us" that can't make it to the show at Loretta Lynn's for the Amatuer championships.
It did give me a great sense of accomplishment last year to stay on the lead lap in the 40 class and not get lapped by the leader, as it's the first time in all my years of Loretta Lynn's that I was able to do that when racing in a straight age class with the ex pro's. So while I'm not running at the front of the class, it did give me something that I considered a win for myself while racing.