Staggered grid - yes. Staggered start - no.
Take for example my first race on Wednesday. I left the grid position 6, so starting 6 seconds after (I think) Neil. With a lap time of around 11-12 seconds, and after a couple of minor errors (getting caught up in someone else's accident), within 2-3 laps I had been caught and "lapped" by Neil.
Race over for me then.
I know it's against the clock, but with Neil now physically in front of my car there's no way I can push at 100% for fear of making an error and ruining his race.
The hall is just not big enough to utilise this type of format. Yes it works over the winter series when you have 4 goes at qualifying, but on a Wednesday night there just isn't the opportunity to make amends should you have a bad race. Proof of the point - I qualified 6th in the B final.
I know plenty of people just want to go back to the 3 rounds format where you each get a go at the front, middle and back rows. It worked for 20+ years, so I think it's time to take a serious look at the changes that have been made and if they are necessary. The driver grading is good I accept and has taken the headache from Alan when booking in which can only be a plus point.
As an aside - nice to see a few new faces helping out at the end of the night. Still one of two regular posters to this thread that still seem to be averse to doing their bit though........time to name names?
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