EPR Winter Series - Massed Starts?

[MattADH]

For our winter series, we are considering having massed starts instead of the usual staggered system.
Our thoughts behind this is that it is we don't race enough and learn racecraft, qualifying can be spiced up a little and marshals should be more attentive as they observe a group of cars passing through their section rather than one every second or so.

What are people's thoughts...

[Lee Martin]

YES YES

[super__dan]

We did it for the finals (all on 1 line) for the final at last Batley club meeting, well funny but mack sure there are a couple of marshals near by

[David Church]

I am happy to start this way. Why not eh????

[MattADH]

We would have two lines (front and back) and during qualifying, you would have two front row starts and two from the rear.

It would be nice to hear from people who are for and against the idea so that we can achieve a balanced opinion before we make a decision...

[Big E]

I used to hate the mass line start because I always seemed to get a bad one but it still made it more fun so yeah lets go for it.

It's not like in round by round people let you go any way so lets make the whole thing one big race fest

[frogger]

More race orientated driving is much better. I need all the practise I can get!

[abray]

More racing definitely!

[MattADH]

I can see that a few drivers have voted 'No' for massed starts and I would be interested to know the reasons why.

Of course, I appreciate that there may be some younger/junior/less expreienced drivers who may be a little worried about it but when I started racing, this was how qualifying was carried out at club racing and at our inter-club series called the South of Watford League.

Very soon after I began, all the race meetings started to adopt the staggered start method and mass starts is something that I miss.

Your feedback would be appreciated...

[Nick Goodall]

Mass starts were always cool, and at least if you have 2 rows you limit the danger a bit more, plus EPO has a good first corner for this - nothing worse then a long straight followed by a hairpin for getting taken out on the first corner

[MattADH]

I am still interested to here from some of the EPR regulars like Trekker, DC and Niggs to name just a few...

Will post some more details about the series next week when will know more...

[David Church]

Originally Posted by David Church

I am happy to start this way. Why not eh????

You must not have seen this??? hahahaha

I think it will be good. More racing. We seem to spend so much time qualifying, and not much time racing, except for regionals of course.
So more head to head I think will help improve driving, and the 2 front row starts and 2 back row is a good idea.
I voyed YES, lets have it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[trekkerkk]

from what i remember from along time ago
we used to do mass starts,
then we went to staggered starts as people got more complex timing equipment,
everybody really prefered the staggered starts to the mass starts,
looking at how people have voted its going to be massed starts so should make for some intersting manouvers,
also better for the spectators,

trekkker

[MikePimlott]

I think this would be good final start practice, for when a regional comes round.

[KevLee]

I'm planning on my first visit this Sunday, whats the decision? I like the sound of mass starts, it brings back good memories of 1400 scrs and 15 turn motors........ they were the days!

What tyres work, the normal choice of schu greens or yellows?

[MattADH]

We are going to have massed starts with two lines. You get two qualifiers off the front and two off the rear.
Unless we are blessed with good weather, I think it will be Round By Round qualifying but never say never!!!!!

Tyre wise, it is a Schumacher Minispike control tyre series although we are going to test some 'alternative options' for the future.

Usually it is Greens in the winter (damp/wet) and Yellows when its dry.