Car classes and time trial run groups

[breakaway500]

Why couldn't the top 4 cars in a class be together in the same run group for time trials? It would be difficult to do more than that at tracks as short as NHMS, but the remaining people in that class could run in the very next group. This would eliminate the "lady luck" factor for those in the same class competing at different times of the day.We all know track conditions can change dramatically during the course of a time trial event window,with rain and oil downs a significant factor to the competitors ability to be on a level playing field. This class grouping would not be much different than how TT grouping is currently done now,only classification would be a factor. The dial in time that you hand in would be used to place you in your run group.Fastest time handed in would be first out,and so on. If need be,the release times could be altered for a car that is a few seconds slower than the car in front,as to keep catches to a minimum. I know large classes could not all be in the same run group,but at least the top three or 4 cars could be released together and be on track competing under the same track conditions. It would also be difficult in classes where there are large differences in lap times,like FP,but it still could be done for classes where the top competitors are relatively close in lap times. Just a thought. We all know how it sucks to be competing under different track conditions than your other class members. This would help level the playing field at least in each class,in the spirit of fair competition.

[bhoss]

For the most part we do try to group the top 4 to 5 cars in each class together (especially at NHMS). The exceptions to this are 1) when there is a large variance between the estimated time for the top 4 to 5 cars 2) when there are a large number of first time time trialers 3) when we have a large time trial group and a very long track.

At Monticello I tried to group the classes the best that I could but there were a lot of large variances in the estimated times that made this difficult. We did not have much time to spare and could not afford any unnecessary catches to slow us up. I grouped mainly by estimated time and this seemed to work well as we had very few catches at Monticello considering the number of cars, the number of students and the weather. As it was we barley squeeked in before the track closed. If we had scheduled strictly by class I am certain that we would have had more catches and probably would not have completed the time trial in the time allowed - thus invalidating everyone's time.

There is not much we can do about the weather (See Sam if you have any complaints on the weather) - if you time trial long enough with the club you will probably catch a bad break with the weather a time or two - I know that I have - hopefully it all averages out in the end.

[breakaway500]

I know logistically it is impossible to run all participants in a class together, which would be ideal. I was not aware that currently,classes were taken into consideration when forming time trial groups. It seemed like they were grouped more on lap times alone,from my limited observations. I know you guys (and gals) have your hands full in operations and the last thing you need is more things to do,never mind having to prepare your own cars etc to run as well. I guess if it ain't broke,don't fix it...

[91rs13]

Bill,
To speed up the time it took to run the Time Trial at Monticello you could start the next group after the last car takes the checker flag at Station #9 (90 onto main straight) or #10.
Sam was concerned about a car running the checker and screwing up the next group, so we did not send the next group until last car hit the pits. A Black Flag for the last car at Stations #11 and #12 should keep that from happening ( although no one ran the checkered during TT's )

[WillM]

Hi DJ,

Thanks for all of your help at the event!! This was a very busy event for all of our volunteers, and thanks to the hard work of guys like you, the event was a huge success!

I know there was some discussion about letting the next group out as soon as the last car was checkered, but there were concerns raised about cars blowing the checker. Honestly, I cannot remember a car ever blowing the checker during a TT, so it must be a rare occurance. Do you remember how John made a big deal about NOT missing both checkers at the time trial meeting? That was a result of the discussion.

Perhaps something for us to try next year. Maybe we can even accomodate bigger time trial run groups. Keep in mind that this was our first event at Monticello and that there were differences in weather between day 1 and day 2. Being conservative was a good decision this time around.

Ultimately, the decision was/is Bill's.

[91rs13]

No problem working Will, I like being at the track even when the car does not.

I understand the concerns about releasing cars--especially if someone runs the checkered as it totally screws the next group. I think it might be worth a shot at working at release points before the car comes in ( perhaps Pit in signal ie Arm out window with fist) as car passes the later stations so we know they are aware they are done.

Or transponders.

[eastcoastbumps]

Honestly, I cannot remember a car ever blowing the checker during a TT, so it must be a rare occurance.

I remember when a checker wasn't waved at the end of a session. At least thats my side of the story...