WGI Club Race Enduros
#16
WRONGLY ACCUSED!
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I think PCA was focusing on the number of people who currently don't participate in the enduros and catering to them. They are forgetting the people who come to certain PCA events because of the enduro race.
A 60 minute enduro feels just like a sprint to me.
A 60 minute enduro feels just like a sprint to me.
#17
Rennlist Member
Very disappointing if they move from 90 to 60.
As Todd said, 60 isn't an Enduro, it's a longer Sprint. 90 minutes requires a different kind of skill and strategy and makes for a great balance with the two 30 minute Sprint races on Saturday. Some guys are better at one than the other and that is part of the fun both for a weekend and over the course of a season.
Bad decision in my book. This sounds like squeaky wheel getting some grease, not an actual demand from the broader group.
As Todd said, 60 isn't an Enduro, it's a longer Sprint. 90 minutes requires a different kind of skill and strategy and makes for a great balance with the two 30 minute Sprint races on Saturday. Some guys are better at one than the other and that is part of the fun both for a weekend and over the course of a season.
Bad decision in my book. This sounds like squeaky wheel getting some grease, not an actual demand from the broader group.
#20
Rennlist Member
I agree with most every post here.
60 minutes doesn't feel like an enduro. 90 minutes does. It adds complexity and strategy, which I enjoy.
I wait all winter for the weather to change and the race season to start. For us northerners, The Clash at the Glen is usually very early in the race season. THEN, one worries about leaving the track as early as possible on Sunday? I don't get it. If you are concerned about departing early, you don't have to run the enduro. It is optional. Rotating the last enduro run group on Sunday is a fair idea.
60 minutes doesn't feel like an enduro. 90 minutes does. It adds complexity and strategy, which I enjoy.
I wait all winter for the weather to change and the race season to start. For us northerners, The Clash at the Glen is usually very early in the race season. THEN, one worries about leaving the track as early as possible on Sunday? I don't get it. If you are concerned about departing early, you don't have to run the enduro. It is optional. Rotating the last enduro run group on Sunday is a fair idea.
#21
WRONGLY ACCUSED!
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
+1
Whenever I see that my run group is last on a Sunday I say "gee, that sucks" and then I move on.
60+ laps in one race at LRP would be pretty long.
Whenever I see that my run group is last on a Sunday I say "gee, that sucks" and then I move on.
60+ laps in one race at LRP would be pretty long.
#22
Drifting
60 or 90, all enduros require a mandatory 5 minute pit stop even if you dont need fuel.
The problem is attendance. Too many guys bail on the late in the day Sunday 90 minute enduros. Since so few cars run them I too bailed on Sunday at VIR and Summit this year. I'd stay if everyone else did.
The 60 is a mistake. Should have gone with more sprints.
The problem is attendance. Too many guys bail on the late in the day Sunday 90 minute enduros. Since so few cars run them I too bailed on Sunday at VIR and Summit this year. I'd stay if everyone else did.
The 60 is a mistake. Should have gone with more sprints.
#24
I'm in....
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
#25
Rennlist Member
As someone who flew into all 6 races that I ran this year and will do the same next season, it's not about wanting to get home. For me, it's about work. Between a full time job and a family, I have to move heaven and hell to be gone Friday - Sunday as is. If I can't make the late flight Sunday, then I'm screwed for Monday and will reconsider if the race is worth it at all.
That said, I don't necessarily agree that enduros should be shortened to 60 minutes. Until now, I've just chosen not to run the enduro if it's scheduled late. But, I'm also not paying for an enduro that I won't be running, which is a problem for the hosting region.
Personally, I think there are other options, such as running a more efficient schedule. I don't need a 3rd practice session - I need a true qualifying session that goes green from the start. I also don't need a fun race/practice starts, which are very poorly attended (the ones I've seen). For that matter, I really don't need warm up sessions the morning of the enduro either - or maybe do a single mixed run group warm up. These are all just my opinions, of course. Everyone's situation is different.
That said, I don't necessarily agree that enduros should be shortened to 60 minutes. Until now, I've just chosen not to run the enduro if it's scheduled late. But, I'm also not paying for an enduro that I won't be running, which is a problem for the hosting region.
Personally, I think there are other options, such as running a more efficient schedule. I don't need a 3rd practice session - I need a true qualifying session that goes green from the start. I also don't need a fun race/practice starts, which are very poorly attended (the ones I've seen). For that matter, I really don't need warm up sessions the morning of the enduro either - or maybe do a single mixed run group warm up. These are all just my opinions, of course. Everyone's situation is different.
#26
Perfect Angel
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
As someone who flew into all 6 races that I ran this year and will do the same next season, it's not about wanting to get home. For me, it's about work. Between a full time job and a family, I have to move heaven and hell to be gone Friday - Sunday as is. If I can't make the late flight Sunday, then I'm screwed for Monday and will reconsider if the race is worth it at all.
That said, I don't necessarily agree that enduros should be shortened to 60 minutes. Until now, I've just chosen not to run the enduro if it's scheduled late. But, I'm also not paying for an enduro that I won't be running, which is a problem for the hosting region.
Personally, I think there are other options, such as running a more efficient schedule. I don't need a 3rd practice session - I need a true qualifying session that goes green from the start. I also don't need a fun race/practice starts, which are very poorly attended (the ones I've seen). For that matter, I really don't need warm up sessions the morning of the enduro either - or maybe do a single mixed run group warm up. These are all just my opinions, of course. Everyone's situation is different.
That said, I don't necessarily agree that enduros should be shortened to 60 minutes. Until now, I've just chosen not to run the enduro if it's scheduled late. But, I'm also not paying for an enduro that I won't be running, which is a problem for the hosting region.
Personally, I think there are other options, such as running a more efficient schedule. I don't need a 3rd practice session - I need a true qualifying session that goes green from the start. I also don't need a fun race/practice starts, which are very poorly attended (the ones I've seen). For that matter, I really don't need warm up sessions the morning of the enduro either - or maybe do a single mixed run group warm up. These are all just my opinions, of course. Everyone's situation is different.
Your travel burdens are the same as every other racer in the paddock as well as the volunteers that put the event on and have to stay until the very last minute.
Must be nice to fly in for an arrive and drive. I tow. I tow for two days to get to Daytona and two days back. WG is a 7 hour drive that usually doesn't start until quite late in the afternoon.
I also have to take time off and since I'm self employed nothing happens when I'm not there. No staff to watch the store when I'm racing. I also have a wife and daughter. I missed VIR this year because of my daughter's sweet 16 party.
Your travel and logistical woes are no different than anyone else's.
BTW, if a race is too far away for me to get to and back from I don't go. That's true for everyone. I see very few Californians showing up at VIR and precious few folks from DE are racing in Colorado.
And the practice races are necessary for the rookie candidates to complete their racing school requirements.
Maybe Sprint 1 could count for rookie school and do a real qualifying friday afternoon. Some regions do. They did a real quarry at Daytona but Daytona only had two race groups. Maybe the schedule could be looked at but one of the best things about PCA is the track time. Relative to other clubs PCA is an astonishing deal with hours of track time vs an SCCA or NASA weekend.
#27
WRONGLY ACCUSED!
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
As someone who flew into all 6 races that I ran this year and will do the same next season, it's not about wanting to get home. For me, it's about work. Between a full time job and a family, I have to move heaven and hell to be gone Friday - Sunday as is. If I can't make the late flight Sunday, then I'm screwed for Monday and will reconsider if the race is worth it at all.
That said, I don't necessarily agree that enduros should be shortened to 60 minutes. Until now, I've just chosen not to run the enduro if it's scheduled late. But, I'm also not paying for an enduro that I won't be running, which is a problem for the hosting region.
Personally, I think there are other options, such as running a more efficient schedule. I don't need a 3rd practice session - I need a true qualifying session that goes green from the start. I also don't need a fun race/practice starts, which are very poorly attended (the ones I've seen). For that matter, I really don't need warm up sessions the morning of the enduro either - or maybe do a single mixed run group warm up. These are all just my opinions, of course. Everyone's situation is different.
That said, I don't necessarily agree that enduros should be shortened to 60 minutes. Until now, I've just chosen not to run the enduro if it's scheduled late. But, I'm also not paying for an enduro that I won't be running, which is a problem for the hosting region.
Personally, I think there are other options, such as running a more efficient schedule. I don't need a 3rd practice session - I need a true qualifying session that goes green from the start. I also don't need a fun race/practice starts, which are very poorly attended (the ones I've seen). For that matter, I really don't need warm up sessions the morning of the enduro either - or maybe do a single mixed run group warm up. These are all just my opinions, of course. Everyone's situation is different.
I'm in the same boat with you - I own my own business so not only am I paying to be at the track, I am not making money at the same time. Racing is doubly expensive!
That being said, if I make the effort to get to the track I want the experience to be as enjoyable as possible and that means a real 90 minute enduro.
#28
Rennlist Member
I'm not trying to be a dick here but,
Your travel burdens are the same as every other racer in the paddock as well as the volunteers that put the event on and have to stay until the very last minute.
Must be nice to fly in for an arrive and drive. I tow. I tow for two days to get to Daytona and two days back. WG is a 7 hour drive that usually doesn't start until quite late in the afternoon.
I also have to take time off and since I'm self employed nothing happens when I'm not there. No staff to watch the store when I'm racing. I also have a wife and daughter. I missed VIR this year because of my daughter's sweet 16 party.
Your travel and logistical woes are no different than anyone else's.
BTW, if a race is too far away for me to get to and back from I don't go. That's true for everyone. I see very few Californians showing up at VIR and precious few folks from DE are racing in Colorado.
And the practice races are necessary for the rookie candidates to complete their racing school requirements.
Maybe Sprint 1 could count for rookie school and do a real qualifying friday afternoon. Some regions do. They did a real quarry at Daytona but Daytona only had two race groups. Maybe the schedule could be looked at but one of the best things about PCA is the track time. Relative to other clubs PCA is an astonishing deal with hours of track time vs an SCCA or NASA weekend.
Your travel burdens are the same as every other racer in the paddock as well as the volunteers that put the event on and have to stay until the very last minute.
Must be nice to fly in for an arrive and drive. I tow. I tow for two days to get to Daytona and two days back. WG is a 7 hour drive that usually doesn't start until quite late in the afternoon.
I also have to take time off and since I'm self employed nothing happens when I'm not there. No staff to watch the store when I'm racing. I also have a wife and daughter. I missed VIR this year because of my daughter's sweet 16 party.
Your travel and logistical woes are no different than anyone else's.
BTW, if a race is too far away for me to get to and back from I don't go. That's true for everyone. I see very few Californians showing up at VIR and precious few folks from DE are racing in Colorado.
And the practice races are necessary for the rookie candidates to complete their racing school requirements.
Maybe Sprint 1 could count for rookie school and do a real qualifying friday afternoon. Some regions do. They did a real quarry at Daytona but Daytona only had two race groups. Maybe the schedule could be looked at but one of the best things about PCA is the track time. Relative to other clubs PCA is an astonishing deal with hours of track time vs an SCCA or NASA weekend.
My point was explaining why I've chosen to skip some enduros due to the same travel challenges. I'd love it if we could keep 90 minute enduros while also encouraging more attendance (and getting everyone out of there as early as reasonable on a Sunday). Given the risky financials involved for most club races, a priority should be put on participation including the extra fees for the enduro. No, I don't think we should cut into DE time. But there might be ways to support more race time (not just track time). Other organizations have managed to figure out the rookie school without fun races. If you have 3 race groups, each running a 25 minute fun race - cancelling those would net back 90 minutes once you include transition time. Same with the Sunday warm ups, particularly in those places that have restricted hours to run engines in the morning. Combining those warm ups could allow for earlier enduro starts, depending on the circumstances.
Just trying to find solutions here, not looking for sympathy for an 'arrive and drive' guy.