There's been some good points made by everyone in this thread and I agree with most.
The phrase 'driving standard' could be interpreted as skill level but what everyone is referring to is best described as 'racing etiquette'.
In 1:1 racing it is the leading cars responsibility to make a clean pass with a back marker. I don't think this approach is feasible at mansfield, the track is generally too technical. Everyone needs to be clear on this. Does the slower car move off the racing line or stay on it? Any differences in opinion will result in a collision.
Being aware of who is the lead car can be quite difficult with so many similar looking buggies on the track, is white paint on offer? Lol.
I've only been racing 2wd buggy for 3 months and in that time I've improved to the point of making the A final a few times and, in my experience, racing at the top is best described as 'brutal'. I've never had to replace so many parts in such a short amount of time. Mainly steering components and hubs from being 'broadsided' by late brakers. Okay I admit my 13.5t motor isn't the fastest out there but my buggy is set up to carry corner speed as opposed to 'point and shoot'.
I thoroughly enjoy the experience at mansfield but I'm getting earache off the wife for spending so much on replacement parts
Maybe we need a 'racing etiquette' guide for the club? A list of rules everyone agrees on.
Track awareness is not something that comes natural to a lot of people, how about a commentator to let everyone know when leaders are catching the back of the pack and to make everyone aware of incidents on the track?
One final point, the A final last week, massive pile up on the first corner, as usual I hold back a little to avoid it. Drove around it, only for the marshal to drop a buggy on top of mine. I kill the throttle, Buggy on top revving it nuts off, flinging mine sideways. Marshals sort out everyone else first puts me back on the track last, 35 second first lap for me! And a bent shock tower leading to some strange 'on throttle' steering characteristics, that's racing for you
Definitely the worst race I've ever had in 2wd buggy.