Quote:
Originally Posted by longsufferinggirlfriend
Forgive me for being thick but i thought the format was decided at the agm? if the numbers were unforeseen at that point, why make the decision?
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There are different elements to all this. For the purpose of clarity, i will stick to the basics.
Format 3+3 was voted in by the drivers for the drivers 3 years ago. And there are well founded reasons behind this - but let's stick to fundamentals for now.
A perfect storm brewed and Colin can be forgiven for not seeing it coming.
Storm 1:
Colin was approached with a rule breach 5 days before an event.
Colin checks the rules as it is a "grey" area.
Colin seeks clarification from the Section Chairman
Section advise him to go 4 qualy's.
Storm 2:
Meeting is held on a Mid-East supported track. Which have much higher attendance. The gates didn't come down and the numbers were high.
Storm 3:
History: The EoE region is notoriously difficult to bring together. Something we have been working very hard on. It has a history of "them and us" with regards to the Section body and conflicting approaches.
One of any of the above and there would have been a moderate breeze, but all 3 were going to upset quite a few people - depending on what group you fell into.
So back to your question. The format is fine, BUT there were things that could have been done to protect it. However, with just 5 days to go before an event Colin was pushed into a very difficult position.
Before anyone thinks this is biased - I vehemently oppose what happened the way it happened and despair at the results of what happened.
BUT
I understand why it happened and understand that Colin was not acting with selfish interest or for personal gain. He was in a tight spot, forced upon him and with very little time to respond. He had to make a call and did. AGAIN not for selfish interest or personal gain but to try and do the right thing.
So, what Colin has done is listened to the masses:
1 - He has kept the fundamentals of what was agreed at the AGM 3 years ago.
2 - He's ensuring that the section have no reason to pull the validity of the series and/or F-Grades.
AND..
3 - ...to ensure that we don't get an overbook, has pulled the open class, made the support class flexible so the days don't run too long.
In short, cloud seeded all three storms.