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Post by Vee Runner on Jul 22, 2008 15:58:01 GMT -8
I would like to know how other drivers feel on the subject of the defensive line, blocking, or however you want to call it. I have seen it before. I would like to get a different perspective from some other drivers. I understand that it can be good, bad, or maybe an ugly turnout.
Aaron Meyer.
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Post by qposner on Jul 22, 2008 16:46:52 GMT -8
A defensive line and blocking are two completely different things.
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Post by Bruce on Jul 22, 2008 17:17:54 GMT -8
Driving your normal line is also another option. Remember it is up to the passing car not the car being passed that is responsible. If you are going into a corner and you haven't gotten next to the car you are passing, you are in the wrong place. Having one wheel next to the car in front is not next to the car in front. Most believe in the one move theory in a defensive line scenario, usually reserved for the last lap. You normally want to protect the inside on corners. Blocking is not tolerated and can be dangerous.
These are my thoughts.
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Post by qposner on Jul 22, 2008 18:18:21 GMT -8
Most believe in the one move theory in a defensive line scenario, usually reserved for the last lap. You normally want to protect the inside on corners. Blocking is not tolerated and can be dangerous. These are my thoughts. Agreed.
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Post by Vee Runner on Jul 22, 2008 19:09:16 GMT -8
yes i do agree. i did mean inside line but some people take it as blocking.
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Post by brian on Jul 23, 2008 10:00:05 GMT -8
Generally speaking, a defensive line is single, committed line or path to make passing more difficult. Usually it is an inside line on entry. Nothing says you have to make it easier on your competitor to pass. Moving off a committed line to block a passer is clearly something else. A move off line can happen just about anywhere. Entry, exit or straght. Moving to a defensive entry line in response to pass that is actually taking place, is blocking and usually ends up badly. Only the driver being passed knows which is which and they will rarely admit it. Nothing fires me up more than the blantant stuff in NASCAR and that should not be an example of sportsmanship.
I have two suggestions:
First: Don't push the issue with the offending driver on course. Being right does not speed up recovery nor does it pay for a damaged car.
Second: Try two passing moves on the front straightaway in front of the flag stand. If the offending driver responds with two moves, protest them for unsafe driving. Don't waste your time with a blocking protest. That's a she said, he said deal. The stewards are much quicker to respond to an unsafe driving issue. State that the competitors swerving almost caused contact.
One final thought, I always talk to a driver that I'm having an issue with. I try not to do it in impound but later when things cool a bit. I always tell the guy he's too good a driver to rely on that kind of s**t.
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Post by jackofspeed on Jul 23, 2008 15:49:34 GMT -8
I agree with Brian. The lead driver has the choice of line and it is the overtaking driver's responsibility to make a safe pass. The lead drive must stay with that line once he has made the choice to take a defensive line and any deviation from that line would be considered blocking. Once the overtaking driver is more than wheel up the line is his and the other driver must not impede his progress. If the overtaking driver can complete the pass he has done his job well.
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Post by dave FF 50-aka "Harm" on Jul 23, 2008 21:17:43 GMT -8
Jack, you are right. The overtaking car is responsible for the safe pass, but the overtaken car has responsiblities too. The GCR section on passing has one paragraph for the passer and three for the passee. The passee first and foremost has the responsibility to use their mirrors to know if they are being passed. Situational awareness. Know what is happening around you.
The second portion of the discussion is BOTH drivers need to give each other racing room. If a driver attempting a pass has only a front wheel next to your rear wheel, he/she has not made the pass BUT you can not "close the door" on him/her either AT THAT POINT, it's too late. The overtaken car has to give the overtaker room. Racing room is the width of their car plus whatever you think will not result in contact. I will almost touch wheels with some drivers and others I have given almost the whole track and it was not enough, they still hit me. So if an overtaking car has a front wheel next to your rear wheel, you canNOT drive to the apex, they are in your way. You must stay off the apex by at least a car width. You do not have to give up the corner and follow them through, you can hold a semi tight line and keep them on a tighter line, but you have to give them room.
Too many drivers feel if a pass is not completed by the turn in point, that the attempted passer has to slow down so the overtaken but not passed car can head to the apex. If I'm attempting a pass and only have a wheel next to you, I'm committed myself to that move. Don't expect me to be able to slow down if you turn down on me and take away my dive to the apex. Both cars/drivers lose and in open wheel cars this can result in air borne cars. The overtaken car needs to run wide (a car width) at the apex but the overtaking car should not try to drive to the exit, they need to give the overtaken car room AT THE EXIT like they were given room at the apex. Give at least a car width off the exit point for the other car.
Remember, this is a hobby. We are amateurs and not one of us is going to be driving in F1 or NASCAR. We are all too old and too slow. Let's have a good time with our FRIENDS and racing BROTHERS. If a guy is faster, it is fine to race him/her, just don't make it dangerous for both drivers. And remember, keep out of Harm's way (LOL) dave
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Post by qposner on Jul 23, 2008 21:18:55 GMT -8
One final thought, I always talk to a driver that I'm having an issue with. I try not to do it in impound but later when things cool a bit. I always tell the guy he's too good a driver to rely on that kind of s**t. So you tell everyone that?!?! I thought you were just being nice to me...
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Post by dave FF 50-aka "Harm" on Jul 23, 2008 21:25:02 GMT -8
"One final thought, I always talk to a driver that I'm having an issue with. I try not to do it in impound but later when things cool a bit. I always tell the guy he's too good a driver to rely on that kind of s**t."
On a final, final note. Do you catch the IRL race at MidOhio? Brian's comment reminded me of Danica and what's the other hot chicks name? having the mini cat fight in the hot pits with Danica getting towel whipped. Best part of the whole broadcast! dave
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Post by brian on Jul 24, 2008 10:32:06 GMT -8
Yes Quinn I always tell everyone that! Only if they deserve it. I really laughed at the cat fight at the IRL race too. Nothing like one backmarker (20th) telling dead last how to drive. Oh well, it's good tv and it's bringing more viewers to the show.
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Post by jackofspeed on Jul 25, 2008 11:22:03 GMT -8
Dave you just filled in the details of what I was describing. Hamilton could have followed this advise last weekend. It is only because MassaI went off track that there wasn't a big accident. Remember this is amature racing and we all need to get up and go to work on Monday (except Al O.) so play nice a give respect to your competitors.
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