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| | | | | My only track experience is Watkins Glen, so this pertains only to that track. I suggest switching to a three-run-group format instead of the four-run-group format currently used. I have experienced both at WGI with Boston and Phoenix CMR. Phoenix made the switch from four to three a few years ago to unanimous approval. Under the three format, groups 1 (instructors and experts) and 2 (advanced) get 40-45 minutes per session, group 3 (beginners) gets 25 minutes. The big advantage to the longer session is that drivers are not rushing to get out as soon as possible and therefore are more relaxed. With four run groups and 20-25 minute sessions, drivers are lining up on the grid immediately behind the group ahead of them in order to maximize track time. There are always 2-6 cars parked on the grid for the waiting group before the last car has even entered the track for the group ahead of them. That tells me there are going to be some anxious drivers on the track. 20-25 minutes is not enough track time after deducting a warm up lap to get the tires (and me) warm. I'm just getting into a groove when the checkered flag comes out! With a 40-45 minute session drivers do not stay out for the entire session. Some go out immediately, some wait 5 minutes, some 10-15, so all the drivers are not on the track at the same time. |
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| | There have been events where we've put groups 0 and 1 together. This is usually also done on the last session of the event (because there are lots of people already packing up). I think this idea has merit, depending upon track size. The Glen and Tremblant can easily hold lots and lots of cars. NHMS less so, and Lime Rock event, well not so many. I looked over the Phoenix CMR info as I wasn't familiar with their events. It's not clear if intermediate drivers gets instructors. For Boston, most (i.e. more than half) the group 2 students still have instructors, I'd guess. There is a logistical issue with instructors. If you admit, say, 30 students each in 1, 2, and 3, then you need at least 60 instructors, otherwise an instructor could be in the car 100% of the time if he/she gets both a 2 and a 3 student. I'm not sure that Boston could reliabily get 60 instructors for the Glen, given how far it is. This isn't to say that this isn't a good idea, though. Every organization has its niche, and the Boston Chapter events tend to be aimed more at education. Another smaller issue for BMWCCA events is that every student needs at least one instructional session for every event. This is a national requirement. It is also very helpful in establishing this as a school for insurance purposes (although you may still not be covered, esp. with Massachusetts insurance). This can be handled by splitting 0 and 1 for the first session or two of an event. One question about the Phoenix CMR events: do the novices get more sessions so that they get equal track time, or do they simply get less time for their money? I will say one thing about longer sessions, though. I personally start to get fatigued after about 30 minutes. On open lapping days, I tend to pit after about 30 minutes. Longer sessions to give you a bit more flexibility in not having to rush out, I suppose. Also, I get much faster pad wear with longer sessions because the pads are starting to melt. I lighter car might not have this problem. I know that racers consider the 1 hour "enduro" much harder on the car than 2 30-minutes sprints. There has been discussion among the driving events organizers about some sort of longer combined "enduro" for advanced students. You posting is timely and helpful. |
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| | Dan you bring some interesting points; however, I agree that at WGI it would be better to have longer runs at the track. Eduardo |
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