9 replies to this topic

[MPR22]

What are we going to do about that debacle at the Run-offs. If they are going to arbitrarily start cancelling qualifying sessions then we should not have to spend a week of our lives for their big event.  I may be the only person that feels that way, but I found it ridiculous at the time and a month later I feel the same way. 

 

MPR22

[Jim Drago]

I think most feel the same way, but don't see anyone doing anything about it. 

No contact the entire session they bring in the entire field under black flag. I get put off the track twice in two corners on lap one and they don't even call it in   Some consistency would be nice. 

[MPR22]

I think most feel the same way, but don't see anyone doing anything about it. 
No contact the entire session they bring in the entire field under black flag. I get put off the track twice in two corners on lap one and they don't even call it in   Some consistency would be nice.

Our consistent apathy encourages their bad behavior. Vocal or better yet financial messaging is essential to change.

[TylerQuance]

I sent in a letter the week we got home to the CRB requesting the decision maker is removed from a role of any authority with the SCCA indefinitely.

[Ron Alan]

I think most feel the same way, but don't see anyone doing anything about it. 

No contact the entire session they bring in the entire field under black flag. I get put off the track twice in two corners on lap one and they don't even call it in   Some consistency would be nice. 

I think I read this earlier...their reason was that some or all were scrubbing tires on the green out lap? Assuming this is the case and within the Steward/Race directors authority to enforce(basically a total DICK move but...)...letters to the CRB cant hurt! That said...how about moving forward an effort to improve what happens in a qualifying session?

 

Depending on the weekend, event, track and drivers...SM has more often than not had a gentleman's agreement to go out at a slower pace, staying in line, to allow all cars to get on track. Scrubbing tires certainly occurs though there is no pace car...maybe looked at by Stewards at times but not penalized? 

 

Ideas...

 

1. As a group be allowed to request a pace car(FAST!)

2. As a group be allowed to request double yellow flags until lead car gets to a specific corner. No scrubbing but can keep pace down...then all are dropped!

3. If track is green as cars roll out...IT IS GREEN. Any effort of cars to block(not on pace)will be the drivers who are deemed not cool vs the cars who want to go as hard as they can from wherever they roll out at!

4. Regardless of which scenario occurs above...cars showing up late to grid or who choose to wait in the hot pit...will not be allowed out once the lead car reaches a given point on the 1st lap. Held at end of hot pit until a majority of the field has come around or there is an obvious open space to release without affecting a lot of cars. 

 

As our local NASA series leader I have requested both of the first 2 options. IMO both worked better than the traditional "gentleman agreement"(always a few who know its green). 

 

My guess is this situation will never happen again...especially at the runoffs...they wont cave but maybe only pull individual cars who don't heed the warnings that will surely be given. Again, pick an option above and see if it flies!

[Jim Drago]

I think I read this earlier...their reason was that some or all were scrubbing tires on the green out lap? Assuming this is the case and within the Steward/Race directors authority to enforce(basically a total DICK move but...)...letters to the CRB cant hurt! That said...how about moving forward an effort to improve what happens in a qualifying session?

 

Depending on the weekend, event, track and drivers...SM has more often than not had a gentleman's agreement to go out at a slower pace, staying in line, to allow all cars to get on track. Scrubbing tires certainly occurs though there is no pace car...maybe looked at by Stewards at times but not penalized? 

 

Ideas...

 

1. As a group be allowed to request a pace car(FAST!)

2. As a group be allowed to request double yellow flags until lead car gets to a specific corner. No scrubbing but can keep pace down...then all are dropped!

3. If track is green as cars roll out...IT IS GREEN. Any effort of cars to block(not on pace)will be the drivers who are deemed not cool vs the cars who want to go as hard as they can from wherever they roll out at!

4. Regardless of which scenario occurs above...cars showing up late to grid or who choose to wait in the hot pit...will not be allowed out once the lead car reaches a given point on the 1st lap. Held at end of hot pit until a majority of the field has come around or there is an obvious open space to release without affecting a lot of cars. 

 

As our local NASA series leader I have requested both of the first 2 options. IMO both worked better than the traditional "gentleman agreement"(always a few who know its green). 

 

My guess is this situation will never happen again...especially at the runoffs...they wont cave but maybe only pull individual cars who don't heed the warnings that will surely be given. Again, pick an option above and see if it flies!

 

Nick Leverone had a good idea which you hit on.. 

We all get to where we were for a reason..  session one we are gridded by HST points, each of the following sessions by time. 

 

First lap under yellow, not like anyone will get their lap out of the pits anyway. It will stop all the BS of team mates waiting for each other,  guys in the 20's who feel they should be top five driving through the cars ahead to get in drafting range of leaders..

 

If you want to hook up with a team mate, pull over in pit lane and hook up there. 

 

 

I liked that idea

Jim

[chris haldeman]

My personal opinion is the entire principle of the runoffs is flawed. How a national champion is determined by a single race only is beyond me

[Jim Drago]

My personal opinion is the entire principle of the runoffs is flawed. How a national champion is determined by a single race only is beyond me

I agree , well at least for next year I hate that place

[FTodaro]

As to the issue of scrubbing in qualifying, we had some late regional races at Mid-Ohio this year where we were the first group out and then temp was about 35 degrees. In order to to allow us to get some heat in the tires we asked for and were given two out laps under yellow so that we could scrub the tires for heat and then we got the green to let it rip. It was a safety issue rather than going at it with rock hard tires. It worked well and we were able to spread ourselves out enough to to make the session count. Just an idea, But i agree we generally have an agreement that we stay in line which most of us follow except Kyle.

[DrDomm]

I think the problem arises from the high number of entries (even at a 4 mile track) that Spec Miata brings.  The guys at the front want to protect the clear track ahead of them, and guys like me want to maximize our time on the track.  I'd suggest that we either get more time (since we provide more $$$ for the event), or the clock starts at some point (halfway or S/F line?) other than rolling off pit road.