How did you like the run groups on Sunday?

[kilgojr]

So I know that many of the ALSCCA group that ventured to the TVR event on Sunday had an incredible time and got to experience a very different view of how to run an Autox event (second gear redline or third gear going into a slalom freaked out some of the ALSCCA group). And I know that we can not have a big flowing course with our current site, so we will just have to keep going to Milton Frank for "national course practice" until we get a new site.

But I am wondering, how did you feel about the run group assignments and work/run with a break to watch/eat?

Now, keep in mind that there were 73 entrants and it is much easier to have a work one, run one, break one event layout as we experienced on Sunday. If we continue to have only 40 to 50 participants at our events we will not even consider this an option.

[TouringBubble]

I like having a break to watch others drive, but the people spectating first kind of get shafted out of a lunch break. That's the only downside I see.

I will also say I liked Mike's way to do worker assignments. It's extra work on the front end, but you know who was driving and anyone trying to weasel out of work is known and marked down. This should increase accountability and help keep worker stations full staffed.

I also liked their computers and trailer.

[engled]

We used to have a standing rule that when we reached 75 (it may have been less) drivers we split in to three groups. I much prefer it over the way we have been doing it but it's a little hard to do with only 42 drivers.

[ExplosEvo]

I liked the design, but I didnt realize that the break was our lunch break. We were on break first, so I guess it just didnt click. Otherwise it was good. Plenty of people to chase cones.

[rodhx]

Yeah, the only problem yesterday is they didn't explain how the three group thing was going to work. The setup is fine if we have enough folks to man the work stations.

[EvoLady]

Three run groups is good if you get enough people and also explain. I think for those chilling first a packed lunch that can be eaten on station while things are getting setup for that run group would work best. I really don't mind how we do it now, gives you a chance to think about the course and give it another shot.

[Cholewa]

I liked it, but I think if we implement it, the 2 driver cars should have the chance to split their runs, so you aren't hot lapping the car for an hour.

That and doing it all in one go is kind of meh in my opinion. I realize thats how it works at a national event, but I like having 3 in the morning, working (watching what other people do on course) and then running 3 again after you're rested. It just seems like the down time between morning and afternoon really helps bring out more from a driver.


I will say this though, the turnaround time was horrible. From last car off, to first car on, it took FOREVER. BUT, the workers did hustle up there which was nice to see.

I always liked doing 3 run groups, since it gave you a chance to ride with others, but getting all of your runs at once is kind of a bummer.

[TouringBubble]

Yeah, some cars don't like the hot lapping ... they blow off IC pipes and such. =(

[slowautoxr]

I don't like the hot lapping either. It is a hazard though of having just enough to have 3 run groups. What you can do if hot lapping is a problem is to ask to move the 2nd driver to another run group.

[Erv]

SCCA mandates two driver cars get a 5 min cool down period.

as for sara's suggestion unless work assignments are given before the event I don't see it being an option because not everyone is going to know when they work.

I really like 3 off 3 off, the only real benefit of three sets of groups is whoever runs first can leave early if need be.

As for the turn around time, I am fairly sure that course could have easily ran three cars at once, but, again that would equate to even worse hot lapping on the two driver cars.

[bimmertech]

I really prefer our "split three" opposed to five straight. The workers are on course too long baking in the sun for five runs; especially if you are working last and you get stuck with the fun runs. I think the ultimate would be to get 80 drivers, three groups, and run the split three.

[rodhx]

It was probably the same for all three run groups, but I know us two driver cars took a beating in the 3rd run group. When Ben or I got back to grid we typically had only 3 cars in line ahead of us before it was time to go again. Since I have to ride with Ben I never had a chance to take my helmet off once it went on for our first run.

The same issue happens a lot at our place too, but with the larger turnout I was looking forward to a more leisurely changeover.

[engled]

I really prefer our "split three" opposed to five straight. The workers are on course too long baking in the sun for five runs; especially if you are working last and you get stuck with the fun runs. I think the ultimate would be to get 80 drivers, three groups, and run the split three.

Casey, you should never feel like you are stuck working fun runs. If you don't plan on running any and don't want to shag cones for those that do, walk of the course. I know I do.

[engled]

I still think the best format is three runs for each group, lunch and then as many fun runs as you can stand.

[zukitek]

If you /us old timers remember the days when ALSCCA had 80+ drivers each event ...we used to do exactly what TVR did yesterday on about the same size if not bigger course with 7-8 work stations .

Me and Matt were among those who were off first so it was a little early to eat lunch but since Matt is diabetic we didnt have the option of just skipping lunch but that is all on us for not planning ahead and bringing food with us .

As a frequent 2 driver car team...I did not have any less time in between me and Matts runs than a smaller turn out /2 group autox.

It does require 70 + drivers to do a 3 group event comfortably on that size course in my experience .

RR