127 replies to this topic

[wheel]

I actually think that the demographics may be, in part, because they held it at Road Atlanta and Mid Ohio every year - for a loooong time.

wheel

[DrDomm]

Based on those demographics, I'm surprised it's not held at VIR or MidO every year.

Or Watkins Glen! (My understanding is that the track has declined the opportunity, not SCCA)

As far as a means to qualify, I'm a little surprised that no one has really mentioned speed as a criteria. Everyone talks about points (a function of finishing place and class size), which I admit is the point of racing, but points are harder to score in SM than many other classes. It's easy to be within 1-2% of last year's SM Runoffs champion, and not score a point.

[LarryKing]

Do people locate/relocate based on the Runoffs? I need to get out more.

[dstevens]

So here's the question: Would you be willing or able to come out to Laguna, or another major west coast track?

An issue with Laguna is noise abatement. The SFR runs a muffler package that is track specific. The track is allowed a certain number of days over the restriction though IIRC those are taken by pro races. Outstanding circuit, nice to drive, tough to pass.

[DrDomm]

Do people locate/relocate based on the Runoffs? I need to get out more.

Ha Ha. I think he means that race tracks breed racers, and wherever there are more tracks and important races, there will eventually be more racers. Good point.

[wheel]

"It's easy to be within 1-2% of last year's SM Runoffs champion, and not score a point"

That's why the system was changed. First of all, if you beat other drivers, even if you are not in the top ten, you get points for those cars you beat. And, if you are in the top half of all entrants, (and scored a point) you qualify (assuming you had four finishes)..

wheel

[Mike Collins]

Most weekends are set up to handle 8 (or so) run groups... You need to hold the runoffs at three tracks simotaneously. East, Middle and West Locations. Break the 24 classes up into three different locations of 8 run groups each. Rotate every year. The triple crown winner is who ever wins it at all three track in consecutive years.

Possible locations:
East
(VIR or Watkins or Road Atlanta)
Middle -Fly over
(Road America, Miller, Heartland Park)
West
(Laguna, Thunder Hill, Long Beach

One day practice, 2 q sessions, one race and go home!

[Jim Drago]

Same weekend wouldn't work because of workers.. Also if certain drivers run more than one class, they would miss one event. But splitting the event could work IMO.. two weekends, group one out west year one, group 2 out east, then switch the next year. Allow a few weeks in between in case people are running classes that are in each group

[DrDomm]

That's why the system was changed. First of all, if you beat other drivers, even if you are not in the top ten, you get points for those cars you beat. And, if you are in the top half of all entrants, (and scored a point) you qualify (assuming you had four finishes)..

wheel

I don't know. I finished 10/21 at Lime Rock, 12/19 at Glen, and not last at VIR Double Nat'l races. No points. I'm 222nd. Nothing to brag about, I know. At least I'm listed.

Actually, don't you only get bonus points for beating someone if you got base points? And to get base points you need to be top ??? Should I start a new thread, "How to score points?"

Wheel, who are you? What do you do at SCCA? Just curious.

[Bench Racer]

Wheel, who are you? What do you do at SCCA? Just curious.

Jim Wheeler
19430 W 87Th Ln
Lenexa, KS 66220-2508

IIRC retired

Races SCCA AS & Spec Miata

On the SCCA Club Racing Board

Chairman of the Club Racing Board

[Jim Drago]

Wheel, who are you? What do you do at SCCA? Just curious.

Don't feel bad, we often ask the same question

I think the one flaw that still exists in points system and we working to address.. In the Super tour races, you get points for cars you beat, even when you finish outside the top ten. In the rest of the Nationals you don't get any points outside the top 10. We need to change the points system to that of the Supertour and then invite the top half.

[wheel]

Drago is correct, in that the bonus points (without finishing points) are only awarded for the Super Tour events. Sorry I left that off. The whole mess is too damn complicated and should be simplified, hopefully by next season.
wheel

[Mike Collins]

Drago is correct, in that the bonus points (without finishing points) are only awarded for the Super Tour events. Sorry I left that off. The whole mess is too damn complicated and should be simplified, hopefully by next season.
wheel

Ask a 5th grader to help...The math to figure this out is too complicated for current BoD.

[pat slattery]

How about this format.

Open the runoffs to anyone with a National lis. regardless.
Have 2-3 qualifying sessions. Pick the top 40. Than have a consi race where by the top ten in that race, race there way into the Runoffs race. That would give you the top 50, and give those that don't get into the big show a race and open to everyone. Your only going to get so many, even if you open it up to everyone with a National Lis.

Pat

[screaming monkey]

How about take the top driver from each zip code, multiply the number of points scored with the zip code and divide that by the population of that zip code. Divide that number by pi and screw a chicken to determine the field. If the chicken lays brown eggs, invert the field. Sorry I don't have a formula for the location yet.

[Tom Sager]

Hard to do with so many classes but how about having 4 preliminary runoffs events in 4 parts of the country and have the results of those feed the final championship event. You qualify for the "area runoffs" based on season points and you qualify for the final championship based on results of the area event. The area events can be held in different parts of the country at different times so that more participants have a big meaningful event within a reasonable distance. The final event could move every year or two. We'd have divisional points, area and national champions.

[Jim Boemler]

How about take the top driver from each zip code, multiply the number of points scored with the zip code and divide that by the population of that zip code. Divide that number by pi and screw a chicken to determine the field. If the chicken lays brown eggs, invert the field. Sorry I don't have a formula for the location yet.

Wouldn't work -- too much competition for determining the field.

[Jim Boemler]

An issue with Laguna is noise abatement. The SFR runs a muffler package that is track specific. The track is allowed a certain number of days over the restriction though IIRC those are taken by pro races. Outstanding circuit, nice to drive, tough to pass.

I wasn't proposing Laguna for the Runoffs, merely using a great track for the hypothetical question of whether easterners would attend.

[pat slattery]

Wouldn't work -- too much competition for determining the field.

The Clown and the Chimp have nothing to offer but sarcasam

[Jim Boemler]

The Clown and the Chimp have nothing to offer but sarcasam

Your point???