Originally Posted by yonderboy

Categories are meant to divide skill levels. Open category races are inherently dangerous, due to the varying skill levels. Qualifying, heats, or rounds all achieve the same purpose.

I don't see why most people assume grass-roots racing will automatically result in some version of internationally-sanctioned, regulated, and soul-sucking racing. The track racing portion of this year's West Side Invite was OBRA-sanctioned, and all the riders didn't turn into "spandos". Hell, some messengers even competed in the Rapha Roller Races. Most of these unsanctioned races already have sponsors--they're only one step from collecting permits and waivers--especially if they're collecting money to run the event.

Racing is a balance of risk versus reward. Keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up.