Originally Posted by MarkM

Streak, did you mean this or are you just trying to keep the thread going?

This entire thread has been devoted to helping define the difference between defending and blocking. The argument is premised on the fact that they are different.

Until your comment, it appeared pretty universal that defending is OK, blocking is not, but there is some grey areas in the definition.

Are you saying we should never alter our line when someone is behind us, or should we get out of the way?

Originally Posted by Streak

Whoopsie!

I did not mean that. I meant defending does NOT equal ahole!

Made it to page 9 though!

Originally Posted by J richard

Yea but I'm still confused, does defending not equal an "a$$hole" or "a hole"?

big difference...

Originally Posted by flatsics

I have been racing with PCA since 2004 and I have never once heard or read that the rule was that you can not defend your position.

That statement by the steward does not agree with what was written in the Club Racing News

I don't have a problem with PCA enforcing rules.
The rules should be clearly defined and easily found and made available to the racers.

Your race should not be ruined by a black flag for blocking, that punishment should be handed out after post race analysis/video review.

The only exception to that should be dangerous blocking, weaving across the track or driving people off the track.


From 11.3 CRN:

To maintain fair competition,
the lead car must be aware that a car
behind could have had a faster exit
speed out of the last corner onto the
straight. Watching the mirrors is part
of the common sense awareness. We
do not follow the “one move rule”
which would give the lead car one
move to block a passing attempt.
Blocking occurs when you make a
move that changes your line and is
solely intended to impede an overtaking
car. You have an option to
use a defensive line but if you choose
that line, you must stay on that
line. Changing that line to prevent
passing is blocking. This normally
occurs entering or exiting the corner,
but blocking is also prohibited on
straights.
For example, driver P1 comes out
of a corner onto a straight and takes
a mid-track line. Because the driver
behind (P2) has set up her car to exit
the last corner with more speed, she
gains track position and closes the
distance to P1 from behind. P2 now
moves right to start a pass, but P1
has not checked the mirrors or has
decided to protect the position with
a move to the right. This is blocking!
To avoid contact P2 has to
drive off track.
Blocking is not fair competition.
It is unsafe, unpredictable,
frustrating, and often causes
racers to make difficult moves to
avoid contact or car damage.



I am all for limiting blocking, and changing the current mindset of how some PCA racers race. There are some real idiots out there when it comes to "defending/blocking".
There is way too much overzealous defending of one's position currently in PCA racing. I am not talking about what went down in the video specifically, but that is part of it.

Where I personally see a lot of it is while coming through traffic(lapping).
Not only do I get blocked and chopped a lot coming through traffic( which isn't that big of problem I can deal with it ) What I see all the time, is racers defending and blocking each other like it's the last lap of the 12 hours of Sebring. It also happens all the time at the starts of races. Higher class cars that get around you at the start(but qualified slower than you) and then "defend" block the hell out of you and force you to make a very aggressive pass to get around them.

Too many people have adopted this strategy as their only way to keep the car behind them. They always drive on the wrong side of the track, slam the door shut and never give anyone a clean line to the inside for an out braking maneuver. You know the type I am talking about,we all do.

What people are doing is denying themselves the opportunity to learn real racecraft. Figure out why that car behind you is faster and learn from it.

I am not saying I have never driven on the wrong side of the track or defended my position. There is a time and a place for it. It just should not be the only tactic you know to keep in front of the car behind you.

Originally Posted by FredC

Shooting marbles on te following car's headlights and windscreen is a good way to defend too... ;-)

Originally Posted by FredC

Shooting marbles on te following car's headlights and windscreen is a good way to defend too... ;-)

Originally Posted by gums

If anything comes from this whole debate, it's this.
There should be a way to warn a driver of his tactics without ruining his race.

Originally Posted by magnetic1

Warn him of what?! He didnt do anything wrong.

Originally Posted by paradisenb

Had he received a warning that his tactics were being viewed as blocking he might have changed his approach and not have had his race ruined.

Originally Posted by Tim L

Could someone explain what is considered blocking in PCA Club Racing? This past weekend the 12 car in front of me was black flagged for blocking, I just don't see it.

http://youtu.be/-tEQypQUTFc

Tim Lynn

Originally Posted by good hands

Here is a fantastic video that was posted here a while back. Blocking or defensive line ?

http://vimeo.com/5810776