5 car races

[james baggie]

Is there much point in running a race with 5 cars for 30mins when two retire after the first 2 laps?

[brickkicker]

Some body was a donington on Sunday

[MagnetON]

Had a 5 car start at Kirkistown on Saturday, 1 finished! Must have been a lonely podium!

[Tango n Crash]

----------------------------------------
Some body was a donington on Sunday
---------------------------------------
Or was that today.
But wasn't it exciting when the leader actually overtook the third place car!
OK perhaps not.
But the rest of the meeting was good, barring the wet start.

[Stevespurr]

I was there the first place car over took the third car infront of us!!!!!!!!!!

But both days did finish on time in fact Sunday finished early!!!!!!!!

[neil50]

Not only does it seem pointless, but it is very easy for the marshalls to "switch off" with so few cars running. I had previously been involved with the e-type that came off big style at post 19, adrenalin was pumping for that but felt like going home for the last race. I know i wasn't the only one. surely races with that few competitors could be "bolted" onto another race! I understand that the drivers pay their entry fee to race (i would want to race if i were driving) but surely some forward planning could have avoided this un-necessary and quite frankly, embarrasing race (if you can call it that). It still wont stop me marshalling at meetings but makes me question the thoughts of the organisors. on a final note...have the pantera's ever finished a race, as marshalls i spoke to said that they were always breaking down!

[Woolley]

I've long proposesd that no race should run for more laps than the number of cars involved. Races with so few entries are a total waste of everyone's time, including the drivers. OK, if all 5 were together the whole race, but they never are.

[Steve Tarrant]

I agree with the principles expressed here, but I think in this case it should be remembered the race in question is for an FIA championship, not a club or national event.

How would you feel if you'd flown all the way from the other side of Europe, for a championship you have paid for and supported, just to be told your anticipated 30 minute race is now reduced to a 5 lap sprint! That's one way of killing off possible future competitors.

I can only presume enough competitors registered with the FIA at the start of the season for the championship to be sanctioned and allowed to start because any organisation, including the FIA, must surely recognise the pointlessness of running races with so few cars involved.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

Steve

[Andrew Hornsey]

Don't know what race you are talking about, but I know that in kart sprint races, whilst it is not encouraged, small grids have been amalgamated to allow a better race.

I understand the FIA race situation, but with national series it is the way to go. Join grids up, giving more spectacle and less meetings a year. Two bonuses - its easier to spread the number of marshals about, and also more paying public will come to see that sort of event

[Steve Tarrant]

Andrew, it was the Pre '77 Grand Touring Cars, last race on the programme.

And as a kart CoC, I have done the same for small grids. All I was getting across was that this was an FIA event, not an MSA sanctioned meeting.

Cheers

Steve

[neilwaynesmith]

It's my (unofficial) understanding that the drivers offered to merge with the Pre '66 lot and written acceptance was tabled and signed by the drivers concerned however, this was vetoed by the MSA officials against the wishes of the BRSCC organisers.

I also understand that the sort-of amalgamation between the Pre '77's and the Pre '66's in the first race was due to an FIA cock-up which saw both races turn up at assembly insisting that they were first out . Because time was rolling on, this was allowed. It was also allowed for the last race with the Pre '66's having a bit of a jolly but, after keeping us waiting for 30 mins , none of them turned up hence only 5 cars.

BTW doesn't anyone else find it ironic that the yellow Pantera set the fastest lap on it's ONLY flying lap?

[johnw]

Originally posted by Woolley
I've long proposed that no race should run for more laps than the number of cars involved.

Right on Woolley. If you also add that the race should run for no less laps than starters, we'd get twice the usual distance

[Steve Tarrant]

Originally posted by johnw
Right on Woolley. If you also add that the race should run for no less laps than starters, we'd get twice the usual distance

You're not bragging about how good your championship is now, are you?????

Steve

PS Hope you still have lots left when you come down to Thruxton in October!!!!!!

[mark_l]

I believe there is a regulation in the blue book that states, something along the lines of, "if no car under its own power passes the start/finish line in 5 minutes, then the chequered flag is to be displayed" REG J5.5 (2003 blue book)

[Sheila M]

Originally posted by mark_l
I believe there is a regulation in the blue book that states, something along the lines of, "if no car under its own power passes the start/finish line in 5 minutes, then the chequered flag is to be displayed" REG J5.5 (2003 blue book)

There probably is but the Blue Book doesn't count if it's an international event - you need the Yellow Book for that!

[johnw]

Originally posted by Steve Tarrant
You're not bragging about how good your championship is now, are you?????

Bragging, Moi?
Just an observation Steve.

PS Hope you still have lots left when you come down to Thruxton in October!!!!!! [/QUOTE]
We're intending to have more, but appreciate your concern.

[Chigley]

We're intending to have more, but appreciate your concern.

That's if they don't annihilate each other trying to work out the start procedure at Pembrey. Where's the green lights.

[johnw]

Electricity has not reached Pembrey, so no worries. Anyway we now have audible warnng devices to communicate with!

[mark_l]

Originally posted by johnw
Electricity has not reached Pembrey, so no worries. Anyway we now have audible warnng devices to communicate with!

To start a race they just blow the candle out

[johnw]

Candle! Have the BARC been investing again?

[mark_l]

it was part of the circuit upgrade over the winter. However the budget couldn't stretch to a full box of matches, so if you are a smoker, keep away from the BARC officials, they will be trying to scrounge a light.

[The Gate Keeper]

At least us at Post 12 had the joy of watching the poor bloke with his Omega stuck in the mud!

[johnw]

Mad Mark
You travelled from Hull to Pembrey to marshal!!!!
You must be madder than us.

Thanks to all the marshals over the weekend, particularly the observer at Hatchets who had me black flagged, believing that my car was about to fall apart.

It was (just) unbelievable brake warping that caused the problem, but with no spares available, had to live with it I'm afraid. I appreciated the concern though.
John (BMW no 21)

[The Gate Keeper]

I'm may be mad, but not that MAD JohnW.

I was talking about the thrilling 5 car race at Donington on Bank Holiday Monday that quickly became a three car snooze!

I have never been to Pembrey, but one day I may make the trip.

Mark

[johnw]

M M
Ooops!
Make sure you leave a couple of days to travel there. Quicker to get to Jerez I think.
Cheers
John