[Si Coe]

I've been watching this as there has been discussion elsewhere about beginner classes etc.

I think the problem is the name. Calling it 540 or spec or whatever makes it a legitimate class for all, hence your problem now. Calling it Novice doesn't work either - there are some (especially older) drivers who certainly aren't new but can't drive for toffee!

We call ours Fun class. Its a catch all class for cars, drivers, motors etc with no actual limits, but mostly quite slow cars. Nobody tries to spend big money to win, or deliberately enters to pot hunt in something called Fun class. Its mere name suggests the pointlessness in that! People want to move up to the big boys when they can, even if that means bottom of the C because thats a 'real' class.
Ironically racing in fun can be very close, despite the diverse array of drivers and equipment. A good driver with a slow car can make for an interesting race against a faster but sloppier driver.....