I think cars in general are much faster these days then say 15-20 years ago when I was going to the track. It's like the hobby has shrunk, but those that have stayed in it are extremely dedicated and also dedicate lots of cubic dollars to it. If people in your area have let up in either category it follows they won't keep up with the hardcore group.

When I last went to the track a few years ago, I was blown away at the average effort I saw. It's not like you just build a new mill. The whole car has to be considered at the speeds I was seeing, when before the average and slow stuff was pedestrian fodder there to have a good time. Most of those guys have been squeezed out. Probably says something about the economy in general.