Robert wrote:I've asked Tom Brown to provide us with an additional function for our timing software that will allow us to print up a grid order based upon the best times from any previous session. Once we have that ability, we can announce which session will count for determining grid placement in the timed runs session. That way people can put on their tires, etc. in the qualifying session for better placement during timed runs. In a perfect world, it would be the session immediately before timed runs. When there are other groups running, like at CA Speedway, that will work. If we are by ourselves (say at Willow and we want to run the same format), we'll need it to be two sessions before timed runs so that we have time to run the reports and post the results.
This past weekend, everything had to be done by hand, which is why we had to use times from the day before.
Without stirring the pot needlessly, I just want to make a couple of points:
1) There seems to be a lot more effort required on the part of Timing to figure out which sessions will "count" for qualifying using the multiple car/20 (or 30) minute/ timed sessions (the quote above illustrates...). Is that entirely necessary if the other, segregated format - individual cars out with 1 warm up and two timed - is used?
2) The likelihood of someone being inadvertantly "blocked" during timed runs is much greater when using multi-car timed sessions. How frustrating is it to pay bigger bucks, and dedicate 3 to 4 days to driving, just to have your most-critical 20 to 30-minute time on the track compromised by someone else driving in error during your timed runs? Would segregated timed runs (the old method) reduce the possibility of incidental/accidental blocking during timed runs?
2-A) If drivers are sent out on the track together based on relative times, what is the likelyhood that someone who "REALY REALLY wants to be top-dog" blocks one of the drivers in his/her group; knowing that they were close in qualifying? Could this be a safety issue? Would this safety issue go away with segregated timed runs?
3) Often, I drive at 95% to 98% during practice runs to save tires, fuel, and strength. When the timed runs come, I drive 100% flat-out, and completely on the edge. Both the adrenelin, and the excitement are peaked. Under these conditions I'm afraid any errors I make would have dire consequences if someone else is close by. If I blow it during a segregated timed session, I bend a rim (or two), dirty the car, and hope I can limp home to fix my car .... alone, and without interfering or mixing it up with anyone else. Will the safety of others be brought to bear if I'm sharing the track with other drivers during my 100% effort/high adrenelin/maxed-out Timed Run session? Will risk to others be mitigated if I'm driving all-out in a segregated timed-run session?
I have driven enough TT's, and with both timing formats, to feel confident that I know from where I speak. My premise here is strictly about safety.
Just something to stew on. Thanks for your time.
. Besides, winning by 4+ seconds I could have removed all chips, run 185 tires and still beat you 
Perhaps a combination of the 15 second staggered start and a shorter run session would be optimal. As someone else mentioned, I think it's also dependent upon the track.
