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Post by mattwrx on Mar 8, 2007 9:37:32 GMT -5
On the red flag issue... I've seen MANY times a lack of enthusiasm when waving the flag. It needs to be more than "wiggled" at the car(s) on course. It should be waved around as if you were stranded on an island in the middle of the ocean and you were trying to signal a plane flying overhead! Also, the other flag holders farther up the course should be attentive enough to spring into action in case the driver is already looking ahead past the corner workers (like they're supposed to  ). Only my $0.02.  |
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Post by lagunamiata on Mar 8, 2007 9:38:47 GMT -5
Many clubs have pre-printed numbers and class letters on 8 1/2 x 11 paper available. I added the PDF that contains those number and letters to the Solo page a few weeks ago. It's not complete, as it doesn't have a T or Pro, but it was what I could snag off the 'net (from NCR's site). People can easily print their own. Before having numbers available was shot down because someone would have to manage it. Now that we have a good size core group, it should work better.
We talked about using air horns for worker shift changes, figuring we'd have to make sure nobody is running on course... don't want to scare a driver!!
Part of the problem you describe at NTI (and I've seen other places) is the corner work wasn't making sure the driver could see the flag.
The "best of 9" comes up pretty often. Most of CCR's events are within an hour of Charlotte. SCR's events are spread all over the state. Some people don't want to drive 3 hours across SC to go to an event, thats one reason they allow drops. Why doesn't CCR do it? Beats me...
Scales... the club scales are in the tech trailer at Kershaw. You need a level surface, power and ramps (or a pit) to get cars onto the scales. I expect they will be available at the April TT / Solo at CMP. I drove the Miata across them at the Feb national.
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Post by C4Shane on Mar 8, 2007 13:15:44 GMT -5
The air horn is used very effectively by Triad and a couple of other clubs I have been with to alert workers. They do it while cars are running and I have never heard anyone comment on it as a distraction to the driver - in fact, I would doubt that they would hear it. Generally it is aimed at the Paddock area to alert folks sleeping in their cars to get to work.
Numbers - Anyone can go to the SCCA website and they have the printable fonts for all numbers and class letters - easy download! Print them on paper and use painters tape - the blue stuff - Or, use them as a template to cut magnetic ones using the magnetic vent covers from Lowe's/Home Depot. If you are lazy and have the $$ - you can order numbers from anyone of a hundred places advertised in the back of Sportscar magazine. Just to be convenient, I will send the SCCA number/letter files to Rich to post up on the site. That way you have no excuse for not having readable numbers.
Weights/Scales - CCR does have scales and they are used by club racing. As the scale "operator" at the last event, I can tell you that without a good flat location (the vehicle has to be level and flat - hard to do at most locations) your accuracy would be very suspect. If you are looking to do cross weights (I think that is Volksman's interest) there are some clever ways to build scales using cheap bathroom types and a lever arm - good enuf for the hobbyist. I hope to get setup to do this in my own garage - I had the floor poured perfectly flat, in strict violation of the local codes. But the concrete guy and inspector understood once I explained it to them (and a six pack of cold ones shared all around - LOL).
Points for events - This has been a long part of a long discussion on another thread. Conclusion - CCR has for a LOOONGG time included all points from all events. Just like in real racing participation is rewarded. They do not take the "best of" in other racing series. Some AX clubs do it, but we don't. I have participated in those clubs and can tell you that you often get to the last event or two and you may have 1/2 of your normal field show up because they have already clinched the trophies (makes you wonder if it was worth putting on events). We have an exciting history of bringing our championships down to the last event - look at the number of classes last year that were in doubt up to the final show - pretty neat! Anyways, not making an event can be for a variety of reasons = work, family, car problems, tree on top of house, etc. - this is the reality of life. I have had just about all of those force me to miss an event and that is just the way it is and it is often called "that's racing". Make it so they all count, and you keep the incentive for everyone to compete at their best at every event. I find it interesting that a few folks have raised this issue this year - almost as if they have already made plans to miss a couple events. If you want to debate this further, please read the thread on this topic first, as we really beat this up already.
And, yes Volksman - Vettes are alright - I drive one when not in a Fiesta (which is not all right - it is all wrong).
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Post by prancingdawg on Mar 8, 2007 21:56:54 GMT -5
Yeah, I like making the folks in my class sweat til the last run is made |
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Post by damnyankee on Mar 11, 2007 22:04:25 GMT -5
Something I noticed today.....
Please make sure that all workers understand that the timing van has total control on course readiness. We had a couple of times today when a worker was stating the course was "hot" and the timing system was not ready, which would have resulted in a rerun.
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Post by dstan on Mar 11, 2007 22:36:03 GMT -5
I think we all had different Idea's while working how to call the
hit cones
should it not be +1 for every time it happens and let timing sort it out?
We were not really instructed on How to report over the radios
Like today I reported many DNF's on the last gate from my station (3) It was because I could see them go above the gate
from where I was.
Should I have reported it or should station 5 have done it?
i can tell you station 3 could see most everything on the course
the only problem was i got dizzy from turning round and round
One other question...
We were told if we saw something unsafe to stop the event.
I noticed that there was lots of gravel on the course near the final
Gate and several cars spun out there. Is that considered an obstacle to be avoided or a true hazard ?
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Post by trickbrick on Mar 11, 2007 23:49:10 GMT -5
Technically for calling in cones, you say your station and then the cone count followed by the car class/number. (Then hopefully control will quickly repeat your call to be sure they heard correctly.) And yes, control/timing and scoring is supposed to keep a running tally of the cone counts for each person. (If each station had to call in the total number of cones I think it would get very confusing very quickly.)
As for the calling dnf's, it's technically supposed to be whichever corner it happens by (to avoid confusion), but IMHO, with dnf's it doesn't matter as much, cause if you dnf twice it's still the same result.
Usually in the past if a corner worker noticed something about the course that could be a safety issue, we would either send a runner (if we had enough people) to find the safety steward, or radio in that we see a potential safety issue. That way, start can be held without red flagging people and can minimize confusion. (or, if there's a question of if it really is a hazard, the SS can decide if it's enough to stop the event.) Then, typically the safety steward would come look at the potential hazard and take appropriate action. I have been in situations where the course had to be changed due to asphalt breakage, etc.
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Post by prancingdawg on Mar 12, 2007 10:35:59 GMT -5
We don't stop events for grit on course. If it is a significant spin that requires considerable recovery, notify timing. Timing will notify start not to send another car. The course on Sunday was safe.
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Post by C4Shane on Mar 12, 2007 15:21:49 GMT -5
yup...wud he said. We didn't stop the Big24 when the sprinklers came on and a certain Ford Fiesta on big a** slicks went for a slide.....We just took a picture!!!
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Post by pistonwheels on Mar 19, 2007 18:31:11 GMT -5
However, if the gravel has "appeared" during the day, so that some cars didn't have to avoid it, it would be nice for the worker to ask for a halt to runs and do some quick sweeping. We keep brooms in the club van. I don't think anyone would mind a few minutes to clear gravel - as long as it doesn't involve sweeping the whole course....
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Post by prancingdawg on May 25, 2007 14:50:54 GMT -5
Anudder way to enhance participation: SCANTILLY CLAD WIMMENSES!  |
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Post by trickbrick on May 25, 2007 20:31:52 GMT -5
Haha.... that's funny pdawg . |
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Post by dstan on May 25, 2007 23:05:23 GMT -5
why does no car club get leaf blowers??
and I have run with HSCC, CCR, and TSCC
no one has them that I have seen
is that not the easiest fix??
what $100 what is that??
brooms are so 70's ;D
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Post by lilgunny on May 26, 2007 8:19:48 GMT -5
Mr. Stanford,
You have evidently not been to enough HSCC nite series races to see Art blowing off the course with his leaf blower, he was not at the first event, but usually is at the events "blowing off" the course. I agree a very good idea. We worked and "blew" off the course in Brevard for hours (and you still could not have told we were even there). But then you also have to get somebody to run it.
LilGunny
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Post by damnyankee on May 26, 2007 12:04:38 GMT -5
We have a blower in CCR, just no way to get it there!! ;D
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Post by caSSino on May 26, 2007 19:03:10 GMT -5
We have a blower in CCR, just no way to get it there!! ;D Once I move into the apartment I will be living in this summer I will be more than happy to take posession and be responsiable for delivery of the blower. |
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Post by C4Shane on May 28, 2007 9:14:45 GMT -5
Hmm..someone offered us a leaf blower on wheels - kinda thingy....sounded like a great idea, but I don't know what happened to it.
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Post by autoxdad on May 28, 2007 14:16:52 GMT -5
Hmm..someone offered us a leaf blower on wheels - kinda thingy....sounded like a great idea, but I don't know what happened to it. It was a closed auction, and he got out-bid on it. |
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Post by C4Shane on May 28, 2007 20:00:21 GMT -5
Oh well... that is the way it goes.
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Post by damnyankee on May 28, 2007 20:46:31 GMT -5
No, I have it. But no way to transport it. Won't fit in the Z, and we need more space in the van.
We used at the Autobarn.
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Post by C4Shane on May 28, 2007 20:51:12 GMT -5
yep..that's it...you haz it...kewl.....
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Post by damnyankee on May 28, 2007 20:51:59 GMT -5
You want it?
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Post by damnyankee on May 28, 2007 20:53:00 GMT -5
Was gonna bring it on Thursdat night, so Mike can take it home with him ;D
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Post by prancingdawg on Jun 13, 2007 8:44:00 GMT -5
Autocross improvement thread post number #83 :
I will need a scantilly clad wimen to hold my umbrella for me at the Statesville autocross. Applications accepted here in this thread...
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Post by C4Shane on Jun 13, 2007 12:23:52 GMT -5
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Post by trickbrick on Jun 13, 2007 12:39:28 GMT -5
Interesting. That was a fun read. Hard to believe that girls who have interest in motorsports could stand to not participate.......................
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Post by crash477 on Jun 13, 2007 14:49:19 GMT -5
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Post by volksman on Jul 15, 2007 11:01:50 GMT -5
I want to revisit the points every event thing. But to state first: I do plan to make every event, despite what curves life throws my way. However, said curves may mean the worst, like a death in the family. Comparing Auto-x to regular motorsports as a means to justify an all or none mentality is a bit off base to me. Most other motorsports pay out money, even a little. We don't, we run for trophies. Making the decision between running an event and having to go to work is a bit of an easy one when it means getting fired. All the events are within a short distance of Charlotte. that's great, but CCR represents a whole region, not one city. So to get points in an officialy recognised region of SCCA, I make a long tow, as do others, to the CCR events. I don't care about the drive, it's part of the day for me and a cost I don't mind paying for the fun I have. But the logic that says if the events were spred out, then it would be okay to allow drops, but if the participants are spred out it isn't, doesn't make much sense to me. It favors a few who make every event in each class, and bumps out those who can't. I can't win the championship this year. BOO HOO HOO! No big deal, I'm happy with a semi competitive car and some steady competition. But, if there were two drops allowed, a 7 out of 9 series, MORE people would have a chance to get a championship, not less. The competition would be better, tighter and bring in more people who can make some but not all. There are many among us who have odd hours, work for themselves, or have to fight to get even sundays off. We should be happy to have the competitors we do have and try to keep as many as we can. It's a great group of regulars and core workers, keeping people interested by making it more competitive for all would seem only to stregthen the group. I'll get off my soapbox now, but I had to say it. |
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Post by C4Shane on Jul 15, 2007 18:58:43 GMT -5
Just my humble opinion> If I want to do a championship program where I toss out a couple of events, plenty of other clubs do that already - and they are closer for me than CCR. At the end of the season participation drops a lot when folks have made their events and have locked up championships - or they simply can't gain anything more. It will hurt participation and that is what is apparently being discussed here. We already have active championship battles in just about every popular class every year - and we have some great ones in classes that the SCCA seems to think are dead!
The only thing this would do is to make it more work on the core volunteers who would be there at every event, regardless of whether it meant anything or not. One of the things I like about CCR is that every event counts for something - I guess I really don't understand the interest in changing the long standing CCR points rules. And, I would have won a championship a couple years back had the "drop 2" rule been in effect - but I still didn't agree with it. I think participation should be rewarded -- for some of us, it is no small matter to have a functioning, safe, reliable car out there at every event (I suspect Saabstory racing and Mr. Volksman both enjoy as much time working on the car as running it!).
Finally, and not to shut the door on my E-prepared buddy Greg - because he obviously put a lot of thought into this suggestion, but we really hashed this out in detail over last winter and the arguements were pretty convincing (IMHO) to keep CCR the way it has always been.
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Post by sleeper on Jul 16, 2007 11:59:06 GMT -5
I'm with Shane. It boils down to two things: The "no event drops rule" means higher attendance overall. Many drivers would likely skip two events, if they were allowed to drop events and the season points was already clinched. That's definitely lost revenue for the club.
Also, some key core volunteers are there at every event (Dave, Rich, Tony, Findlans, etc), and I think we should reward by letting every points event count. It's easy to forget that they are also making sacrifices for their attendance.
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