3 Run groups VS. 4 run groups

[autoxcrx]

OK, we have run with 3 run groups the last couple of times and I don't really like it. We started out yesterday with gr 1 wrk for gr 2, gr 2 wk for gr 3, grp 3 wk for gr 1. Then we had some group 1 complainers that they would have to work after driving without a break and would be tired. So it was reversed, now the poor grp 2 & 3 drivers had to work, then drive tired without a break. Either way you do it, the grp 2 drivers have to work & drive, or drive & work without a break. I realize it may take a little longer to do, but with 4 run groups, everybody gets a break between working & driving, a chance to warm-up your car, a chance to grab a bite to eat, or just a chance to sit down in the shade. I think we should stick with 4 run groups, what do the rest of ya think??

[lagunamiata]

I've run with CCR, SCR and NCR this year. CCR and SCR usually have 4 run groups. NCR has smaller events, 60 cars max. They split into two groups, two sessions in the morning, lunch break, two sessions in the afternoon. There is about 10 minutes between the two sessions, if that much.

From a worker standpoint, I do prefer 4 groups. I think this may be the first time we've had only 3 run groups this year... Although May was a small event, but I don't remember the breakdown.

[C4Shane]

We had 3 in May as well. It does cause some confusion and it seems to drop at least one group into a work/drive or drive/work without a break scenario. That can be a bit of a pain, especially as we try to "roll-in" the workers so there is little or no dead time on course. It is a bit tougher with the 3 run group set up, B/C sometimes the workers you are trying to get on course are still driving or your next group of drivers are working.

Those are just the facts -

[ROADBOY]

Those were long responces where mine will be short and simple.

I vote for 4 run groups.

[damnyankee]

4 groups!!

[sleeper]

Hindsight is 20/20...in my mind there was no question we should have had 4 run groups yesterday:


1.) We had 102 drivers, plenty to support 4 run groups, 20+ course workers per heat is sufficient.

2.) The heat, my god the heat. Four run groups would have allowed two heats of rest for all participants, and allowed less time in the sun for course workers.

3.) Lot size, the 3rd heat was the biggest and the grid started to extend into the paddock area near the dumpsters.


Again, it's always difficult to gauge the number of run groups, but when we have at least 80-100 entrants and the weather is really hot, I think the reasoning for 4 run groups is very strong.

[ROADBOY]

I think with how well our worker stewarts organize the workers with 4 run groups, we should stick with 4 groups. The stewart is able to get the workers on and off the course without stoping the current run group. Therefor we dont have stop and waste time between groups getting workers. No duh time keeps things moving.

With it working that way it could be quicker with 4 groups rather than 3. All we have to do is get the drivers of the next run group to start coming to the grid as the current group is finishing their runs. We've done it that way in the past and it worked very well.

[jbyrd]

sleeper said:

Hindsight is 20/20...in my mind there was no question we should have had 4 run groups yesterday:


1.) We had 102 drivers, plenty to support 4 run groups, 20+ course workers per heat is sufficient.

Actually, for the last run group, so few workers showed up that I was prepared to do a second work assignment in order to get the run group started. Finally in the last minute enough showed up that we were able to make it happen.

Still, I helped with grid.

I agree that 4 groups are better, but sometimes it just doesn't work out to be the best thing, and yesterday was one of those days.

Additionally, we wanted to get the event over as fast as possible because of the weather threats. Kannapolis is not fun in the rain, and can border on being dangerous. With each change of groups, there is a delay in the event, and until we learn to show up on time for our work assignments, the delays will continue to be significant at our events.

This statement is not aimed at those of you are reading this post, but rather it is intended to draw your suggested input. The people who view this board understand and act accordingly.

We really need to work on getting workers in position in a more efficent manner, and for that we need all of your input and suggestions.

Fifteen and twenty minute delays between groups would have made 4 groups tough yesterday, especially considering the concerns of the organizers.

[lagunamiata]

The problem with worker changes yesterday were because we had people either coming off the course and having to turn around and work or workers leaving the course and having to get to cars to run. 4 groups would have eliminated the problem.

Also the PA system was so far from paddock that you couldn't hear announcements... at least I couldn't up where we were parked.

I actually think that having 4 groups REDUCES delays. You don't have to run from your worker assignment to your car for your run.... you don't have to run from your car to the worker steward for your assigment... The worker steward can get group 2 workers over while group 1 is finishing its run and have little transition time.

Just my 2 cents...

[lagunamiata]

Hmm... time for a what went well what didn't thread for Kannapolis...

[autoxcrx]

The main thing I didn't like about the way the 3 group deal worked was that the guys in group 2 & 3 (I was in 3) had to work then run to our cars and do our runs worn out from the heat of working. Had they left it 1 wks for 2, 2 wks for 3, 3 wks for 1, yes the grp 1 & grp 2 drivers would have had to get out and work right after their runs, and us gp 3 drivers would have had to work first, but no one would have had to go straight from working to driving, Everybody would have been fresh for their driving group, and I think that would have made a big differance, in my case anyway, my runs sucked! Anybody know where I DNF'd on my last run, 58 HS white CRX???

[MrsVlad]

I like 4 run groups. Last year the NYR SCCA did it every event.
BUT,, BEWARE,, too many of the folks assigned to work the last run, left early & did not work. I'll not say how many times I've chased cones twice a day so my fellow drivers could play.
My I suggest you assign the known dependable people to work the last heat.

[damnyankee]

My $.02 - LM is correct about the PA, you could not hear it in the paddock area while there were cars running. I don't like the 3 group format for the reasons stated above. I think the group 3 drivers were called late (actually there were only about 5 cars left to run in group 2 when we were called), causing a delay in the group 3 line up.
I think Steven had it right, a couple of events ago....If you don't work, your times don't count. Pretty plain and simple. I too have worked 2 worker assignments because of people leaving. Over all, I had a blast!! And I think it was an enjoyable event. Thanks Steven!!

[jbyrd]

anybody know why we don't us FM 103.3 anymore?

[lagunamiata]

'Cause we got a new PA...

[ROADBOY]

I would like to offer my help with the sound(PA) aspect of things. I have always been involved in audio systems and sound reinforcement. I will make it a point to check the layout of the PA system at future events to be sure people can hear where they need to.