Sebring updates
02-06-2013, 04:05 PM
#106
Nordschleife Master
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The PCA licensing system, along with it's rookie weekend/introduction period, is designed to smooth the transition from advanced driver to "club racer". I'll never forget being asked to treat the guy in the car next to me as one with whom I trailered up with, one with whom I was going to have beers and dinner, or one with whom I just spent all night repairing a suspension.
Time and time again, here in this forum, posters imply that something is going wrong in the "red" group; a few have suggested that perhaps attitude suffers, that the red mist may grow a bit thick, that the cars are too fast, that licenses might be handed out a bit too easily or any number of factors play a role in a growing number of incidents.
I wonder how this could be resolved.
Time and time again, here in this forum, posters imply that something is going wrong in the "red" group; a few have suggested that perhaps attitude suffers, that the red mist may grow a bit thick, that the cars are too fast, that licenses might be handed out a bit too easily or any number of factors play a role in a growing number of incidents.
I wonder how this could be resolved.
02-06-2013, 05:43 PM
#110
Rennlist
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-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
02-06-2013, 05:51 PM
#111
Instructor
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I really feel bad for Alex being 2 cars in 2 yrs and I understand his thoughts on Sebring. I really like the idea of having to get out an meet the guy next to me. It might change the thoughts of "going for it" when those types of moves are not needed.
02-06-2013, 06:10 PM
#113
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02-06-2013, 06:12 PM
#114
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Agreed. Someone should touch base with Bryan or Vickie and see what can be done. Easy to integrate if it's important. I think we all agree that it is and it works.
02-06-2013, 06:50 PM
#116
[quote=M_Weining;10201940]
+100 I think this a great idea! I am going to start doing this at all PCA races. I have many times called over a grid worker to go and tell another driver for me something, but it would be 100 times better to walk over meet, talk to the guys racing around me myself.
How many times have we all walked around the paddock looking to talk with another driver and not found them.
Love the grid idea.
How many times have we all walked around the paddock looking to talk with another driver and not found them.
Love the grid idea.
02-06-2013, 07:03 PM
#118
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02-06-2013, 07:04 PM
#119
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Someone once said, cold tires and hot brains are not a good combination. If you are not on the first row, let them sort themselves out and get them coming out of T5. They will kill momentum trying to go 4 wide through T1.
My teacher at Skippy School. A certain fellow called Mr. Elford ....
My teacher at Skippy School. A certain fellow called Mr. Elford ....
02-06-2013, 08:08 PM
#120
Burning Brakes
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Every event has its own personality. Some are laid back and feel like a bunch of locals getting together for an annual BBQ. Others, and Sebring in particular, are intense from flag to flag. This sets the tone for the weekend and is an indicator of the amount of carnage we see.
Others have noted that Sebring has additional factors that amplify the anxiety: it's a fast track, first race of the year, new cars, new racers, on and on. Given this I think Sebring will always have more incidents than other races.
As far as the solutions like single file, split starts, and others, these are band-aides and don't address the real issue. They may minimize the impact for when things do happen, but they water down the experience when they don't.
In reality it comes down to getting the drivers' attention and having them take it seriously. A lecture at a lunch meeting isn't effective. Spending focused time with the other drivers on and off track can help drive these issues home. Here are a couple of ideas that can get the drivers more engaged without sacrificing the racing.
First, we could require everyone to take the practice starts at their first race of the year. This could knock the rust off, and give a preview of how folks will respond in the real race. This is something you don't experience enough. We practice the proper line endlessly, but rarely practice starts.
Second, meeting the drivers without helmets as already mentioned. Close the grid 10 minutes before the start of the race, have a 5 minute meeting behind the pace car, and let everyone go to their cars at the 5 minute warning.
Just a couple of crazy ideas...
Others have noted that Sebring has additional factors that amplify the anxiety: it's a fast track, first race of the year, new cars, new racers, on and on. Given this I think Sebring will always have more incidents than other races.
As far as the solutions like single file, split starts, and others, these are band-aides and don't address the real issue. They may minimize the impact for when things do happen, but they water down the experience when they don't.
In reality it comes down to getting the drivers' attention and having them take it seriously. A lecture at a lunch meeting isn't effective. Spending focused time with the other drivers on and off track can help drive these issues home. Here are a couple of ideas that can get the drivers more engaged without sacrificing the racing.
First, we could require everyone to take the practice starts at their first race of the year. This could knock the rust off, and give a preview of how folks will respond in the real race. This is something you don't experience enough. We practice the proper line endlessly, but rarely practice starts.
Second, meeting the drivers without helmets as already mentioned. Close the grid 10 minutes before the start of the race, have a 5 minute meeting behind the pace car, and let everyone go to their cars at the 5 minute warning.
Just a couple of crazy ideas...