944Spec - No BRI numbers?

[Jad]

Bill, you have a good point, but the index is design for the best built car per the class rules. So, if LSD or something gives you points and no help now, you don't have it on the optimized car. In other words, the optimum 'S' car should be better now then it was 3 years ago, though it may have a different setup then it did under the old rules I think. And the other classes are also taking points for the changes, but did not have their caps increased by 2 points, so I do feel 'S' came out a little better in the new rules.

[Dan Chambers]

Bill, you have a good point, but the index is design for the best built car per the class rules. So, if LSD or something gives you points and no help now, you don't have it on the optimized car. In other words, the optimum 'S' car should be better now then it was 3 years ago, though it may have a different setup then it did under the old rules I think. And the other classes are also taking points for the changes, but did not have their caps increased by 2 points, so I do feel 'S' came out a little better in the new rules.

Agreed. and I think that was more true in '07 than '08.

With the new rules defining "Base-model" as stock for the S and SS classes, and the associated points now given to "OEM Options and Accessories," it once again gets a little fuzzy to "calculate the effects" of the rules and the BRI.

Now I have to admit that I was wrong: I always thought the BRI was sku'ed toward the S and SS classes, so that measly little ol' S and SS class drivers could have something to talk about/brag about at the end of the day. I think the system does help the S and SS classes but reading this thread I realize that the advantages the less-prepared/enhanced cars appear to have is coincidential ... or unlikely based on drivers in P, M, I and even R classes getting 1st in the BRI. So, apologies for implying that the BRI was specifically designed to "advantage" the less prepared cars. That appears to be my misconception.

Hats-off to Tom T., Carl S., and all those people involved in the BRI process. It's been great watching the evolution of the system, and it's affects on the end-of-day discussions at the AX's.

[ttweed]

I think the system does help the S and SS classes but reading this thread I realize that the advantages the less-prepared/enhanced cars appear to have is coincidential....

I believe one of the main advantages that the less prepared cars have is that it is easier to optimize them per the rules and easier to drive them at the limit. As you add improvements, especially in the higher, modified classes, it is far too easy to "waste" points on things that don't really increase performance substantially at an autox, like big brakes, which may help with fade at TTs and DEs, but actually carry a performance hit at autox events, or aero aides, which help on the big track but contribute little at the slower autox speeds.

Also, as you add power and lightness, which is inevitable once you move up to the M and R levels, the car also becomes more difficult to drive at the limit for 100% of the course, every lap. It is easier to make small mistakes that cost time, and you must be very focused and totally acclimated to the car to be consistently fast (or just have tremendous natural talent).

With a S or SS car, your choices for improvements are limited, so it is harder to make preparation mistakes, and they are generally easier to learn to drive consistently at 10/10ths.

TT

[Gary Burch]

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[Dan Chambers]

Burch, you're killin' me, dude!

[mrondeau]

Gary, That should be on a T-shirt.

[ttweed]

Gary, That should be on a T-shirt.

+1 here, Gary! I'll buy one!

TT

[ronaldtrotter]

I wear X large.

Ron

[PShipman]

I wear X large. Ron

You know Ron ... that new spec car might be a bit faster if you went down to a Medium size

[Steve Grosekemper]

That is a really nice looking car...
Looks somewhat familiar...
Just figured I would have had to run 4 seconds faster in the "BRI Blues" car than the stock SC to make #1 BRI...

Hmm, that might have been tough... but fun to try.

[ttweed]

That is a really nice looking car...
Looks somewhat familiar...

That does look like the Hectormobile, Steve, but from the looks of the guy singing, it really should have been a 993 with Martini graphics.

TT

[mrondeau]

That is a really nice looking car...
Looks somewhat familiar...

That does look like the Hectormobile, Steve, but from the looks of the guy singing, it really should have been a 993 with Martini graphics.

TT

Tom, For that theory to work, the guy singing would need more hair on the side of his head sticking out about 3 inches.

[993Panzer]

That is a really nice looking car...
Looks somewhat familiar...

That does look like the Hectormobile, Steve, but from the looks of the guy singing, it really should have been a 993 with Martini graphics.

TT

OUCH!!! I guess I need to go on a serious diet and quit my Redneck ways.

[993Panzer]

That is a really nice looking car...
Looks somewhat familiar...

That does look like the Hectormobile, Steve, but from the looks of the guy singing, it really should have been a 993 with Martini graphics.

TT

Tom, For that theory to work, the guy singing would need more hair on the side of his head sticking out about 3 inches.

Mark,

In your case I'll just consider the source.

[ttweed]

Tom, For that theory to work, the guy singing would need more hair on the side of his head sticking out about 3 inches.

Well, Dave could have gotten a haircut, maybe?

Actually, the guy in the cartoon reminds me of Jonathon Winters, the comedian, more than anyone...

TT