a) The USAC ranking points are not the same as upgrade points.
Thanks UMD, this makes perfect sense. I guess I saw "ranking" but read "upgrade" in my head. Dumbass.
b) You don't need/get upgrade points toward cat 5, just 10 mass starts (no TTs).
Do you mean I don't need/get upgrade points toward cat 4? I assume it really is an honor system type deal then after all? I suppose I will know after 10 mass starts if I am ready or not to upgrade to cat 4.
Edit: Oh yeah, sanctioned clinics count toward your starts.
I'm really not in to racing just for the upgrade points but there were a couple very tough events that I finished whereas many guys quit. One in particular I was just very proud to finish. I want my point damit!