Event format

[engled]

Pretty simple, which do you like better untill we can get our numbers back up enough to split in to three groups.

[Cholewa]

I like 3 work lunch, 3 work lunch. Standing out there for 6 runs of 30 cars is a pain. This allows everyone to get some shade, water, food, rest, without having to be standing in one place for hours.

[kilgojr]

+1 on that

[dr_phatcity]

We ran split groups at points #3 where I was the event chair. It does work much better, especially with the heat index rising. The only hang-up is the worker assignments must be given out for everyone at the drivers meeting.

Quick worker changes are important, but having enough workers is WAAAYYYY more important.

-Jamie

[TouringBubble]

I like the format with the heats broken up, but worker signups for the second group have been a pain due to lack of planning. Go with this format, but have EVERYONE sign up for their work assignments at the beginning of the day.

Also, have the worker chief available at the trailer during changeover to remind people of their assignments or answer questions if needed. T&S and the announcer do not know who needs to work where.

[MWenning]

IMO this run 3, swap, break for lunch and repeat in the afternoon is very good. The reasons have been stated but let me add it gives you time to adjust for the afternoon runs. Hopefully, the numbers will come back as the economy improves.
Gramps

[jimkana]

Hey, I like the 3&3 format. It moves really fast and you don't get as fatigued while chasing cones. However, I don't know if it scales well when you double the number of participants.

What I did not appreciate was the calling off the fun runs at the last event. I was sitting in a friends Z4 and was ready to wring it out when we got the call! That's just not right!

Seriously, It was a beautiful day and we were done at 1:30. An insanely perfect scenario for a nice long fun run session. I remember the days 5 years ago when we'd run 120 participants for 5 runs, be done at 4pm and still do fun runs. I appreciate there are some folks who don't want to do fun runs, but surely we can work out a solution where we can do those. At $2 a pop, it is pure profit for the club since we already have the site and insurance for the day. Should we have a sign up list for all those who want to fun run and prepay $5 at the beginning of the day. Something like that might make it work and guarantee people to stick around and clean up at the end of the day.

[engled]

Eric has nailed it, we need to do fun runs! There is no since in ending an event at 1:30 if people still want to run and are willing to pay extra. I would figure since we are not willing to lower our entry fee the extra money from fun runs would be welcomed.

[aufoxy]

I know! I was about to drive the RX-8 when the day was called and cones were being stacked, I was so upset!!

[JohnW8]

I don't know why more runs aren't done. 8-10 could be done with the current attendance.

It's only tires...they'll make more.

These events can be adjusted on the fly. If it looks like a short day talk to the event chair and ask for more runs.

[Cholewa]

I don't see that happening for some reason.

I think the previous suggestion (in another thread) about starting later, would be well received. Considering first car is off at aprox 10, and we have been packing up by 1:30... WITH an hour lunch break... So break down: each run group (last event) was roughly 35 minutes. We could easily start at 1pm or later, and finish before 5, while there's plenty plenty plenty of sunlight. The sun don't go down till 8:30.. I don't know why we're starting at 9am with the turnout we've had.

[engled]

I don't see that happening for some reason.

I think the previous suggestion (in another thread) about starting later, would be well received. Considering first car is off at aprox 10, and we have been packing up by 1:30... WITH an hour lunch break... So break down: each run group (last event) was roughly 35 minutes. We could easily start at 1pm or later, and finish before 5, while there's plenty plenty plenty of sunlight. The sun don't go down till 8:30.. I don't know why we're starting at 9am with the turnout we've had.

I do like this idea but I'm not the one that would be setting up the course in the heat of the day.

[aufoxy]

It sounds like a good idea, but there are some people who have long drives (to atlanta, huntsville, auburn...) and I know right now it gets dark really late, but eventually it will start getting dark at 6:00 again...

[rodhx]

My original thought was to adjust the time only for the summer months to possibly take advantage of the long days. As the days get shorter the start time would get earlier.

The biggest question in my mind is whether the later summer starts would attract some participant for which church is a conflict, like it can be for me. I have no idea how to answer that question though. Perhaps a poll would draw input from folks who visit the forum but do not participate in the events, but that is still a limited sample.

I'm doing my best to bring the numbers up...going from first timer to hopeful regular to indoctrinating my to-be 16 year old to plotting how to get my wife to drive. That particular growth plan stalls however until son #2 hits 15

[JohnW8]

I personally like the early start overall. There are things that have to be done after the event that are much easier in daylight than the dark. Raise your hand if you've been the person to return the truck to it's resting spot. It's MUCH easier in the daylight. I still maintain that starting at our normal time, add more runs to the event, and finish around 3 to 5 pm. It is about driving the cones correct? You, the drivers get more seat time for the same money and the organizers can avoid staying after dark getting things all squared away.

Something that I see folks are overlooking and that is the value of standardization. If we start at a standard time EVERY time then we eliminate the problem of people showing up late because they didn't know when the event started, or the problem of reminding folks what time we do start. So far the only people who had a problem with our start time is a few guys from Mississippi and maybe some folks who just can't get out of bed in the morning. Sundays have always been problems for Church members, I too, have to miss Church in order to autocross, but it is only one Sunday a month and I hope the Lord understands. I look at autocross as a similar kind of fellowship and feels the same now that Eric Edwards' does a little preaching.

As our numbers increase, and they will, it'll be easier to reduce the number of runs and still maintain the same schedule. Unlikely, but what if we get a growth spurt and and 100 drivers show up at 7:00am because they heard from someone that's when we start and we don't start setting up the course until 1:00pm. We give the drivers, what, 2 runs each, if they stuck around? Who'd be pissed? I would for one.

The SOLO program needs to be consistent, because consistency is what brings people in.
When you want to go autocross, it's important to know what you're going to get when you arrive. Atlanta is consistent, so is Huntsville as is Dothan. Why does Birmingham want to be inconsistent and have variable hours and start times?

I think this idea is a mistake and will only lead to further confusion with our SOLO participants.