|
|
Post by paulskirocks on Jun 12, 2009 10:02:27 GMT -5
Unfortunately, consideration is not everyone's strong point, and even then it is subjective. Am I being considerate by making a stink about this issue? I believe I am, in my own way, being very considerate of fun AND safety. I suggest to whomever is actually in charge of NFRA rules to look at this situation a little deeper, such as consulting with NCK and other groups that mix classes. The direction being taken so far goes against everything I have been taught about mixing classes, racing, safety, and basic sportsmanship. I also suggest that if NFRA is going to stand strong on it's current game, we make it understood to the potential WFs how it is: There is a very good chance, if you are racing WF, even if you are fairly quick, that you will get passed by one or more F200 drivers before turn one, even if they are gridded behind you. There is a very good chance that the slower F200 driver will indeed block you and your WF, and you may not have the horsepower to make a safe pass. There is a good chance, because of policy, that the slower F200 driver(s) in front of your WF will not acknowledge your presence and/or let you by. There is a good chance that as the slower F200 drivers improve, but are still off WF pace, that passing will become increasingly difficult in your WF. Play at your own risk of frustration.  I heard there might be some WFs coming up from Santa Maria for the At-water race. These guys are used to racing in separate classes. I suggest filling them in, and also getting their input on this issue. Thank you all for your time. Happy Racing |
|
|
|
Post by Steve Bryant on Jun 12, 2009 10:05:42 GMT -5
Paul, Just because you are capable of running a faster lap time on a clear track does not mean anyone should pull over and let you by. If you were the leader of the race and were coming up to lap a driver that driver should make it as easy a possible for you to get around once the blue flag is shown. That could include the driver pointing in the direction that you should pass. It does not mean slow down. It is still up to you to make the pass.
|
|
|
|
Post by paulskirocks on Jun 12, 2009 10:10:23 GMT -5
Paul, Just because you are capable of running a faster lap time on a clear track does not mean anyone should pull over and let you by. If you were the leader of the race and were coming up to lap a driver that driver should make it as easy a possible for you to get around once the blue flag is shown. That could include the driver pointing in the direction that you should pass. It does not mean slow down. It is still up to you to make the pass. That is your opinion. It's not mine, and it may not be the opinion of other drivers as well. Also, I am not talking about coming up on a lapped driver. Anyways, I believe I made my point in a rational, non combative way, and at this point there is nothing more to do but let everyone tell me I'm wrong. Thanks for your input. Happy Racing |
|
|
|
Post by paulskirocks on Jun 12, 2009 11:05:18 GMT -5
Her ya go... I hooked up my camera so you can get a live shot of paulski!  ;D |
|
|
|
Post by norcalacr on Jun 12, 2009 11:33:08 GMT -5
Some background:
Before mixing classes, the NFRA members talked at length about the pros and cons. We specifically dealt with this situation - karts from different classes racing for position. As a con, an inter-class battle could impact class results. As a pro, it increases the likelihood that there is some one to race with up and down the grid. There is no money at stake here and we are in this for fun. So we decided the pros outweighed the cons.
It's obvious we have not clearly communicated our intent. At NFRA the intent is that you race the other drivers on the grid, regardless of class. NFRA records finishes by class so end of year awards are by class. I am sorry for the misunderstanding. I will propose some language for the rule set so racers know what to expect.
|
|
|
|
Post by paulskirocks on Jun 12, 2009 11:42:08 GMT -5
norcalacr, I understand. I had to at least try... However, at this point, I concede. As long as everyone is happy and SAFE, then I am, too. My personal solution is to race F200!
Also, I realize I took my on track situation personally. Maybe it wasn't meant to be personal. I just come from a different point of view. That was then. Now, I accept it as it is, because I voiced my feelings, and that is all I can ask of myself. So, I hope everyone realizes that at this point, I have no personal issue with ANYONE here. I'm sure some will have issue with me, but I understand that I can rub people the wrong way. So, I apologize for taking things personally, and I apologize for getting personal.
Thanks again for your time!
Happy Racing
|
|
|
|
Post by ron90 on Jun 12, 2009 12:09:28 GMT -5
That "live shot" of you is great. I couldn;t stop laughing. I can truly visualize you doing that, because I have found myself in the same position.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brad Wunder on Jun 12, 2009 12:31:25 GMT -5
Anyone have any used 55s I can experiment with to see how they work. The 44s are to much and I want to drift some more. Ron, I thought I had you covered on this. My failing memory told me I had a set of 55s and 44s. I went through my Burris tires last night to pull the 55s and I have 3/4 of a set (2 rears and 1 front). LOL So, if you want to run 3 55s and 1 44 I've still got you covered. d'oh! To make matters worse, I was going to lend Paulski my 44s for the Reno race and discovered while I have my 3 race old 44 rears, I only have one 44 front. Double d'oh! Some background: Before mixing classes, the NFRA members talked at length about the pros and cons. We specifically dealt with this situation - karts from different classes racing for position. As a con, an inter-class battle could impact class results. As a pro, it increases the likelihood that there is some one to race with up and down the grid. There is no money at stake here and we are in this for fun. So we decided the pros outweighed the cons. Another point regarding the background of why we are doing this. We have to keep in mind that we have NO control on how the tracks handle the classes on race day in terms of whether we all race together, grid by qualifying time, whatever. Some tracks, like PC, will put us all on the track regardless of any performance differences between classes. Other tracks may be more accommodating but there is no guarantee. Regarding WFs...Having done some mock racing at Davis between WFs and F200s I have to say I am not worried at ALL about a F200 passing me (especially if they start behind me) before turn one at the start of the race. Next time by, when we've both entered the straight at race speed, I EXPECT them to be able to pass me when I'm at 7100 and they are pushing 9K going into T1. I'm OK with that. Back to the slower/faster F200/WF question. IF I'm faster than a F200 and they pull over to let me by I would be disappointed. I'm out there to race. As Scott said, on of the reasons we agreed to this ALMSesque format was it would increase the likelihood that you would have the opportunity to race SOMEONE, even if they aren't in your class. As I've said elsewhere, I knew that getting a WF would put me at a disadvantage relative to the F200s. I'm totally OK with that. If I had a choice between running by myself in the lead a good bit of the time or having a hard fought battle with Brad the entire race, I'd pick the battle with Mr. Hendrickson every time. Don't worry about the SM WF guys. They WANT to run with the F200s as they think they have something for them. Cory is a MUCH better driver than I am and he is going to give the F200s fits. And I LOVE the shot of you by your computer. Somehow that is the mental picture I had. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by paulskirocks on Jun 12, 2009 12:40:53 GMT -5
Cool. As long as everyone understands. I am usually the last to understand.
As far as tires, I am going to break down and buy a new set of 55s on Monday (pay day), so feel free to donate your used tires to anyone who needs them. I have decided to always have NEW tires on race day...
Happy Racing!
|
|
|
|
Post by Brad Wunder on Jun 12, 2009 12:45:44 GMT -5
Are you planning on running those 55s at Reno? And you are going to run new tires EVERY race? Holy cow. I wish I had YOUR money!
|
|
|
|
Post by paulskirocks on Jun 12, 2009 12:49:58 GMT -5
Are you planning on running those 55s at Reno? And you are going to run new tires EVERY race? Holy cow. I wish I had YOUR money! I am going to try and get to Reno, because it sounds fun. Will I be at a disadvantage running 55s instead of YHCs if I run the Animal? MY MONEY??!! Heck, I have to wait till Monday til I get paid! OK, maybe not every race, but I have 5 races and 7 or 8 practice days on the same set of YHCs, and I'm here to tell you that YHCs are only good for 2 or 3 races... Plus, if I run the Animal, I know you will have fresh tires, and that really helps in qualifying, so I have no choice in the matter if I want to out qualify you! |
|
|
|
Post by Brad Wunder on Jun 12, 2009 13:07:26 GMT -5
I won't have fresh tires. By then they will already have 3 races on them plus practice. Whether you have an advantage or disadvantge I THINK will depend on what is going on with the weather. If it is pretty hot I'd think 55s would be better than YHCs. If it is cooler then YHCs might be better. So I have no choice in the matter if I want to out qualify you! Ahh maybe a better choice, if you want to do that, is get a TaG? LMAO, sorry I couldn't resist. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by paulskirocks on Jun 12, 2009 13:20:28 GMT -5
You mean as in a WF TAG? I am still going to get one at the end of this year (only 3 more truck payments left!), and I am still going to attempt to race it with you at some point next year, mixed classes or not, as I will know what to expect.
But, for now, I'll just run my Weak and Underpowered Animal or F200. The thing is that I have never driven the F200, so I don't know if it will be sorted out or not by Reno. Or, for that matter, I don't know if I will be sorted out...
I am definitely planning on making the PC Gold Rush with the F200 so I can discover how badly Dave, Paul, Scott, and the rest of the F200 field are going to whip up on me...
|
|
|
|
Post by Brad Wunder on Jun 12, 2009 14:02:50 GMT -5
Ah, no, I was thinking you might need something more along the lines of a PRD.  |
|
|
|
Post by paulskirocks on Jun 12, 2009 14:07:45 GMT -5
I know what you're up to! And, it's working!
|
|
