Do COM participants flag at events?

[breakaway500]

Just wondering if we work the course when not running,or do the tracks supply help,or is every event handled differently?
Thanks.

[offcamber09]

We used to work the corners- something I actually enjoyed when it wasn't crappy out. The club now hires corner workers.

[breakaway500]

I enjoy working the track as well.I have learned a great deal watching others

[BrakeL8r]

I really miss not working the corners.

[brucesallen]

Hmmmm. The Board recently discussed this issue and assumed that the members would not want to go back to working corners. Not to mention that we get a lot better workkers when they are regulars who are trained.

I is cheaper.

[chaos4NH]

We used to work the corners- something I actually enjoyed when it wasn't crappy out. The club now hires corner workers.

That's one of the keys, Scott. "when it wasn't crappy out". The paid guys are there when you need them, not when the weather is nice.

[offcamber09]

That's one of the keys, Scott. "when it wasn't crappy out". The paid guys are there when you need them, not when the weather is nice.

Agreed- also I wasn't instructing when we last worked corners. That would be a bit much on a school day.

[MiataSteve]

Working and driving....its always better not work the corners. I agree it can be a good learning tool. What do we think about having the students work with the "hired" workers for one session?

[CT Miata]

What do we think about having the students work with the "hired" workers for one session?

This is standard practice in SCCA- newly licensed drivers are required to work one or more of the specialties such as Grid or Flagging and Communication. One COM/SCCA driver who worked on station with me at an NER regional observed that there is more to F&C than it appears from the sidelines and that "you guys don't miss a thing!". This would be good training and makes it less likely that newbies will miss a flag.

[chaos4NH]

Having stood in 100* sun picking up cones at Fort Devens for 5 hours to earn my two 68 second runs, I can say the SCCA way doesn't excite me!

[breakaway500]

Devens Autocross can be fun with the right groups. SVTOA,NESHOC and SCMC events allow 8-10 runs usually and split run groups,so NO 5hr. shifts.

SCCA seems like a big hassle for minimal return.

[TroyV]

True, we run a loose group, and limit the car count to under 50 and only have two shifts. Autox doesn't get you a lot of seat time compared to track events, but 9 or 10 runs at 2 minutes per in a day isn't bad if autox seat time is what you're after.

The SCCA way doesn't excite me either. I have no doubt there are great drivers over there, but to me SCCA stands for Super Crappy Crappy Autocross.

....just kidding......well.....maybe not.

[breakaway500]

That is the beauty of Autocross; the course design is 100% up to management.

You get people who enjoy driving and the course is long and challenging.

You get organizers that look at the logistics and you get a parking lot/runway full of cones.

I am so glad I discovered autocross with a group of drivers.

[WillM]

What do we think about having the students work with the "hired" workers for one session?

This is standard practice in SCCA- newly licensed drivers are required to work one or more of the specialties such as Grid or Flagging and Communication. One COM/SCCA driver who worked on station with me at an NER regional observed that there is more to F&C than it appears from the sidelines and that "you guys don't miss a thing!". This would be good training and makes it less likely that newbies will miss a flag.

Both ideas have merit. I learned a lot from the days when we had to flag at NHIS. There are several things you can pick up from the perspective of a flagging station.

1. Knowledge of where the corner workers are and the importance of checking them.
2. Watching faster cars and the line.
3. A better understanding of all the moving parts that make a track day happen (and safe).
4. An appreciation for workers, officials, and crew.
5. A sense of "giving back" to the club.

Perhaps before earning their license, students should be required to fulfill a couple of work requirements such as flagging or volunteering at tech, control, timing, etc. Work assignments could be "signed off"on the inside back cover of driver log books.

[chaos4NH]

What do we think about having the students work with the "hired" workers for one session?

This is standard practice in SCCA- newly licensed drivers are required to work one or more of the specialties such as Grid or Flagging and Communication. One COM/SCCA driver who worked on station with me at an NER regional observed that there is more to F&C than it appears from the sidelines and that "you guys don't miss a thing!". This would be good training and makes it less likely that newbies will miss a flag.

Both ideas have merit. I learned a lot from the days when we had to flag at NHIS. There are several things you can pick up from the perspective of a flagging station.

1. Knowledge of where the corner workers are and the importance of checking them.
2. Watching faster cars and the line.
3. A better understanding of all the moving parts that make a track day happen (and safe).
4. An appreciation for workers, officials, and crew.
5. A sense of "giving back" to the club.

Perhaps before earning their license, students should be required to fulfill a couple of work requirements such as flagging or volunteering at tech, control, timing, etc. Work assignments could be "signed off"on the inside back cover of driver log books.

We should discuss, I agree. Any further input by members here on the forum will be appreciated. I will present your ideas and thoughts at the next BOD.