Wow, everyone has been busy! Jim, your keyboard must be worn out
Thanks for making me part of 'The Elite'!! And apologies for adding that viscous loop at the bottom of the straight, it got me too while I tried (and failed) to steam past Gary on the last lap (resulting in a Massa esq collision)
Some comments and thoughts should anyone like to listen:
First Corner Pile Ups
To answer Colin, we tried staggered starts a few years back and the concessus was that they were much unloved as they took out the true spirit of racing, i.e. why bother passing someone if I can just sit behind and win.....
I think the issue is the starting grid, we had gotten much better at starting a sensible distance apart but recently it has gone back to a free for all, to solve this why don't the marshalls of each heat take responsibility for the grid, set people 1.5 metres apart or so, that should help (I think it may have been worse last week as we started on the straight in each heat, which isn't normal.
Track Layouts
Mark got some good layouts laminated so we should use these if we are stuck, I agree with points raised, why don't we keep a track layout for one month then it allows more people to help with the track and not feel like they are getting in the way.
Also if we drag all of the track to one side of the hall it is much easier to come up with a layout (i.e. when you can see the floor).
I think having a gap along the straight helped with marshalling, why dont we try this each week and save the 30m dash up the straight marshalling.
Splitting Heats
As Mike says, no disrespect to the novice drivers (as we all started here - albeit some 15yrs ago
), it is the mix of ability rather than no's that is our issue to contend with. We had some really close races which turned into a bit of a let down due to tangles and car breakages. As Paul says he found it less fun having to always be thinking about jumping out of peoples way rather than just improving how quick he can get around the track.
We need to have some dialog during the booking in to work out whats best for both classes each week, I think due to the varying numbers this only would work if we do this each week e.g. one week we have 8 experienced drivers, no need to split, next week we have 5 new drivers - again no need to split, week after we have a mix of both - split the heats.
I know people dont want to loose a round if possible, but I'd rather have closer racing (I'm still convinced we can still manage 5 rounds of 4 heats anyway!!)
Again on the reverse grid, this only works with similar abilities (i.e. with split heats if needed), but I think it's given some really good racing and makes it more challenging for those who qualify at the front. I remember Mel winning (or nearly) the A - Final a few weeks back, holding off the faster guys behind, surely challenging and good racing for all.
Anyway, looking forward to next week!!