24 May Zone 8 AX Update Status

[Jim Binford]

I want to provide an update regarding SDR Board correspondence regarding the 24 May Zone 8 AX track modification after the first run group completeted timed runs due to track chunking and having to make a minor track modification to avoid car damage. There has been ongoing correspondence throughout the past week between Zone 8 Staff and SDR Board /AX Chairs relating to this event. Since the Zone 8 Rules do not specifically address this type of incident, the adjudication as to retaining the recorded times for this event reverts to SDR for decision. However, the SDR Standing Rules also do not address this type of incident. The discussions to date, regarding this event, have been related to issues of fairness and lessons to be learned to minimize a future incident of this type. The fairness / track modification issue has also been discussed wiith the AX Chair and BOD / CDI drivers who atually ran the new configuration, and who have stated that the track changes in the one corner affected was accomplished in such a manner that they did not perceive that the change had any significant effect on the times recorded for the drivers. Therefore, as a result of all these discussions, the decision has been made that the Zone 8 May 24 AX recorded times for all drivers will stand as recorded.

Separately, there are lessions to be learned from this incident which the SDR Board is pursuing, in conjunction with the Zone 8 staff. It is recognized that the conditon of the QUALCOM parking lot surface is deteriorating after each car club event and track modifications may be required in future events to avoid car damage. The BOD will discuss corrective measures to implement so as to mitigate such an occurence in the future but which may lead to time delays in the conduct of an AX. The safety of the driver and car will always take first precedence. On a good note, the Stadium has recognized the need to resurface the parking lot and hopefully the West lot will be a top priority. That also means we have a moratorium for any immediate patching by car clubs until the Stadium resurfacing is accomplished.

[martinreinhardt]

Thank you for letting us know the decision and that corrective measures are being considered.

[dcarusillo]

Well said. I second that emotion!