points?

[jrottn]

just a few thoughts on the points system
I think a new scoring system based on less than the number of total events would be better all around
if we counted maybe 6 out of 8 events ?
to make it to every event in the season is possible but unrealistic for alot of people
if the system counted your best 6 finishes it would allow more people to contest their class championship
not only would there be better competition but I think it would encourage more people to try to go to away events so that they could post 6 times for the year
people that could attend all events would be able to make up for a bad day by being able to factor out their worst scores
I also think that there needs to be some sort of bonus point system for the amount of cars you run against
A first place with no other cars should not score the same as one with 10 cars in the class
Just throwing out some ideas
Thoughts?

[ctkag]

Well, for the overall Driver's Championship, the points are weighted based on the number of cars in the class. I'm not sure that makes sense within each class. Why penalize someone just because the competition decides to stay home?

I do think the 6 out of 8 finishes (or even just allowing one dropped score) may be worth considering as being a way to even it up for those who cannot make an event for a particular reason or have a mechanical problem.

[brucesallen]

The Board has considered and rejected in the past the idea of dropping some number of events from the championship total. We need to encourage and reward people to come to all away events where we usually lose money.

[boltonite]

We need to encourage and reward people to come to all away events where we usually lose money.

Then the board might consider a "bonus factor" for away events. BMW club racing uses a bonus factor as a means to encourage participation at select events, using a 1.5X multiple on finishing position points only (1st = 15 instead of 10, for example), plus points based on the # of class competitors you finish ahead of as well as points for just participating - similar to what COMSCC does.
ff[/code]

[RyanC]

The Board has considered and rejected in the past the idea of dropping some number of events from the championship total. We need to encourage and reward people to come to all away events where we usually lose money.

From the results we've seen the past few years, maybe it's time to get a tastier carrot?

[BrakeL8r]

We need to encourage and reward people to come to all away events where we usually lose money.

Then the board might consider a "bonus factor" for away events. BMW club racing uses a bonus factor as a means to encourage participation at select events, using a 1.5X multiple on finishing position points only (1st = 15 instead of 10, for example), plus points based on the # of class competitors you finish ahead of as well as points for just participating - similar to what COMSCC does.
ff[/code]

Maybe I don't fully understand your proposal Fred. If I do, then how does that take into account that what is considered 'home' for some people is considered 'away' for others? I.e., there has been several posters on other threads that have said they don't attend NHHIS because it is too far away. I'm assuming these are our Canadian members and New York members. A bonus system that was based on 1.5x for all NHIS events (for example) would be unfair to them.

--Michael
ST4 Miata #176

[boltonite]

There is a need for the club to bolster attendance at away events to remain solvent, keep fees as low as possible, and keep a variety of tracks on the roster. Some tracks are a lot more expensive than others, so a low turnout at these tracks is that much more costly. I've seen other car clubs (that have a competitive series) encourage attendance by offering bonus points at select events. There is no rationale for doing so other than to create an incentive to boost attendance. The BMWCCA charges more for Watkins Glen events, and the SCCA charges more for Lime Rock (compared to NHIS), so that is another option. I think the issue was (is) how to bolster attendance and a competitive series, and whether you can do both without effectively requiring 100% attendance to win a championship. Bonus points (and top N events points system) is just a suggestion to address those issues.
FF

[brucesallen]

I've seen other car clubs (that have a competitive series) encourage attendance by offering bonus points at select events. FF

I LIKE it!

[Seven]

The Board has considered and rejected in the past the idea of dropping some number of events from the championship total. We need to encourage and reward people to come to all away events where we usually lose money.

From the results we've seen the past few years, maybe it's time to get a tastier carrot?

I would argue that the existing methodology may, in some instances act to DISCOURAGE away participation. One bad day, mechanical, or missed event is all it takes to knock someone out of the points race for many of the classes. Therefore, if they no longer are in contention the proverbial carrot goes away.

As most of us are unable to adjust their entire life around the COM event calendar the best of "x" method would increase the likelihood that more folks would be in the hunt for class champ, thereby encouraging them to give more thought about attending that last LRP event in the snow!

I, for one, will NOT waste a substantial portion of my track resources on 4 NHIS events. By resources, of course I mean time & $$$... pads & tires aren't cheap! Therefore, the "best of" method allows folks like myself to choose to forego 1 or more NHIS events (I will anyways) w/o jeopardizing my changes at class champ. This, in turn will do 2 things, 1) free up some space for all of those unlucky soles clawing for a chance to run @ NHIS but are unable as the events always sell-out; and 2) give me the added oomph I may need to pull the trigger on attending all away events.

[WillM]

I've seen other car clubs (that have a competitive series) encourage attendance by offering bonus points at select events. FF

I LIKE it!

Hmmm...I also like it. Some clubs offer a multi-track bonus. Go to an event at 3 different tracks, get an extra xxx points. From what I've seen, the value of the points is slightly higher than a first-place finish.

[BrakeL8r]

So, is someone going to turn this discussion into an actual rules change proposal for consideration this Wednesday at the annual rules meeting?

--Michael
ST4 Miata #176

[Mark Swinehart]

The deadline for proposed rule submittals is tonight - according to the front page of the COMSCC web site.