Firstly I have to say I agree with Keith on the tarmac thing. Kkidderminster is still my favourite track in the country (not been to RHR but believe it's meant to be great, maybe next year) but when I look at the layout first thing in the morning my eye is always drawn to the tarmac section with the thought of "how will that be on tires today". In recent visits they guys laying down the track have really worked at limiting the impact of the tarmac on the tires and tire wear has been fine. I do remember the days where you HAD to put a new set of BB minipins on EVERY run and could feel the car getting loose at 4mins, no desire to go back there!!!
Ok, so I voted for yes mainly as I have raised this a few times over the years myself.
Will it effect the A / B finals, no .. those guys could beat most of us with the box an optima came in even if it had been left out in the rain since 1986!
Where the difference is most felt is lower down the order. It is perfectly possible for 2 drivers of equal ability, the same equipment and hangover levels to be separated by 20 places in the overall standings say one in the E the other in the G simply due to one being able to put a set of new rubber on each run and the other not.
Nationals are SOOOOO close throughout the field, even more so than when I used to do the whole season every year that it can and does make a difference.
I can see both points of view, Alex is right in what he says ... lets face it Lee Martin and Ellis would be there or there abouts no matter what they ran and if you think your knocking on that particular door then a set of boots isn't a lot to pay to have it opened.
Now, many of use set much more subtle targets like trying to make a final after the 2nd leg of the A .... no matter if we had a new set of tires, fresh motor and brand new car for each and every run would we ever be chasing Neil Cragg round nose to bumper but if the guy next to use has a healthier bank balance we'll not be chasing him either.
So I believe it is a good idea, would make no difference to the title fight and maybe attract more people to give nationals a go.
Hell I even think it should be like that at regionals too. Lets be honest now, how many of you would put brand new tires on every run at regionals anyway? The top boys will be using national cast offs and still making the A on ability.
Just my 2ps worth
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