GregM
Novice Driver
Posts: 27
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Post by GregM on Apr 5, 2005 15:17:16 GMT -8
Well?  Did the nail biting do any good? Did you foulest wishes and nightmares come true? How the hell did it go last weekend? Was it chaotic, well mannered, courteous or what? Inquiring minds need to know!!!!! |
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Post by Bruce on Apr 5, 2005 20:07:26 GMT -8
In short, yes to all of your thoughts. I saw both safe and curious ways of driving. The meeting between the two formula's was helpful although there were some who did not pay too much attention. My opinion we had a good beginning and a long way to go.
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Post by dave FF 50-aka "Harm" on Apr 6, 2005 9:20:36 GMT -8
Greg Two important items were discussed at the meeting. First, when being overtaken by a faster car, it is important to STAY ON THE LINE so that the overtaking driver knows were you will be. This is true of all classes; FVs, CFs, and FFs. The closing speed of the faster cars compared with the slower ones is differcult to judge by just looking in your mirrors. If the faster car knows were to expect the car they are passing, it's much better for all. Second, Peter talked about the Gas Card Program and it's value to all the racers. And I just want to say a big thanks for all the point bys. But Ron, please use a different finger next time!  dave jalen FF50 |
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Post by brian on Apr 6, 2005 9:27:29 GMT -8
I thought some of the driving in the first session, a practice, was too agressive. Since, for many, it was the first session in a while, I would have preferred to see a bit more patience. During the meeting one driver admitted to having 3 close calls during the session. That's a bit too much for any session.
The first race pace lap was too fast. I guess it was the pace car issue. The vees were trying to stay close to the fords but got really strung out and were running flat before turn 11. Made for a lousy start for the vees. There were several Fords that spun on the first lap (cold tires) and one vee got collected in the aftermath.
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Post by dave FF 50-aka "Harm" on Apr 6, 2005 11:55:08 GMT -8
Brian
You're dead on. The first race start was waved off due to a totally spread out field and the lap around the track for the second attemp was almost at race speed. The start on lap two was also bad and I thought the starter would have been justified to give "no start" a second time. The start for the second race later that day was better, but just barely. Again, too fast--I was between 1st and 2nd gear (65-70 mph). I did not see the Vees, but I bet they were not in nice, even rows because I know the Fords weren't. In defense of the pole sitter, it was Tony's first pole of a group 4 race (maybe ever?) AND the first race of the season AND it was his first race in a new car! I think he may have been overly pumped up. Just a tiny bit. I was in the 2 spot and Peter in the 3. We both had traffic issues during qualifying and Tony scored the pole.
The practice session had a standing yellow at every corner along with the white flag on the out lap, but most of the drivers I spoke with didn't realize it until half way around the track. The officials could have put that on the chalk board prior to the session.
As for the cold tire issue, the weather was cold and cloudy and the ARs the CFs and the Vees run take a few laps to start to work. Again, it's tough to remember that when the green flag flies.
We will do better next time.
dave jalen
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Post by brian on Apr 7, 2005 9:39:25 GMT -8
Dave, maybe, if he doesn't read this list, you could pass our thoughts on the speed of the pace lap to Peter. He could get the word to the pace car to slow down a bit.
Believe me when I say I know about cold tires. I've been taken out on the first lap at Mid Ohio 6 times!
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GregM
Novice Driver
Posts: 27
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Post by GregM on Apr 13, 2005 11:12:50 GMT -8
Laguna Seca is a great track for non-race cars to go fast on, and this track is famous for fast pace laps. A few years ago the green was given to the front 3 rows, with the middle of the pack in T11, and the back still coming down the hill in T9-T10. No names given for the Pace Car driver (John Graham) but I did have a chat with the SOM's and the Chief Steward right after they kicked our butts in Impound for other digressions.
The pace cars have been going too fast in the past year, and we need to address this as a group. One voice out of 35 will not get much of a hearing, but 10 or 20 will. RJ seems to be going a bit too fast, Corbitt does a realy fine job. Race Control needs to be talked to as well, since they tend to try to speed things along.
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Post by hardingfv32 on Apr 13, 2005 17:11:57 GMT -8
What is the problem with fast starts? Seems like there is less of a chance of someone jumping the start and less conjestion into the first turn. You have 25 min to win the race, do you have to do it all at the start?
FV32
Brian
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Post by dave FF 50-aka "Harm" on Apr 13, 2005 20:03:20 GMT -8
Brian, I think the issue we are discussing is not a fast start per se, but a pace lap so fast that the field does not have time to form up properly and is strung out almost single file (not two by two). The start is supposed to give each driver an somewhat equal chance with the surrounding cars. I would prefer slow and steady into the last turn prior to S/F and then gentle accelleration till the flag flies. I was riding shotgun in the last race and I was doing 75-80 with my foot planted trying to keep up with the pole sitter. I have been to a race where the pole sitter has been brought to impound after the race and informed he jumped the start!
dave jalen
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