Driving Weather?

[Dan Chambers]

It's early in the week, but weather.com is predicting showers from Friday through Monday. Anyone up for a 'wet-weather' non-points event? I know I'll gladly work corners in the rain for a chance to drive this Saturday. All we need is around 40 to 60 "all-weeather" drivers willing to do the same ... and support from our galant AX Chairs, of course.

Otherwise, it's another weekend of chores....
Thoughts?

[ronaldtrotter]

We are driving. Points or no points the cars will run. The only thing keeping that from happening is Noah's flood. Hydroplaning is like oversteer,????????????????????but then at my advanced age I can't remember what else goes there. Darn short term memory.

[Ralph]

I’m ready. For once, I may have a chance. Can you say All Wheel Drive!!

[Dan Chambers]

Forecast isn't improved yet .... Snorkel's anyone?

I’m ready. For once, I may have a chance. Can you say All Wheel Drive!!

Sure Ralph, but you have to run on cantalever slicks to give the rest of us a fighting chance.

Ron: That's great news. Maybe I'll try the new R888 anyway? They say that their new tread design gives "better wet traction" (better than what?). I'll just drive the surface streets and avoid the fwy.'s getting to the Q.

I hope we get enough driver turn-out. Did I hear that REI is having a sale on rain gear? The P-car's pedals are a little tight for galloshes, but I'll figure out a way ....

[Kim Crosser]

I'll be there - rain or no rain. I need to try out my new clutch (assuming it is ready by Friday night ) $$$
I will even be there if I don't have a car to run.

[JamesWilson]

Yep, news this morning confirmed the worst of this week's storm to be moving through San Diego Friday night and Saturday...hail at the beach? Cool.....might have to drive up to the mountains again for some family snow pictures

-James
All Wheel Drive Subaru "other car"

[993Panzer]

Forecast isn't improved yet .... Snorkel's anyone?

Ron: That's great news. Maybe I'll try the new R888 anyway? They say that their new tread design gives "better wet traction" (better than what?). I'll just drive the surface streets and avoid the fwy.'s getting to the Q.

Dano,

The R888's are actually very good in the rain. If you look at them they have a similar pattern to a Hoosier rain tire. I think they mean they have better wet traction than the RA1's. I wouldn't worry too much about them on the street. Besides, do you really know how to drive in a straight line without getting sideways?

[thunderbox]

I am not able to run this weekend, but why is it no points. I don't see the point (pun intended). If you run, it should be for points. Driving is an all weather sport.

[Dan Chambers]

I am not able to run this weekend, but why is it no points. I don't see the point (pun intended). If you run, it should be for points. Driving is an all weather sport.

Good point (no pun intended, either). This is my understanding.

Based on historical practices San Diego Region has not run an AX for points in the rain. This has been for safety reasons, historically.

Other regions have and still do run A-X's in the rain for points. However, it has been observed that those Regions typically do not have the larger venues equivilent to Qualcomm in size (West Lot AX courses typically are 1-mile in length), and don't typically reach the same equivilent parking lot speeds as SDR's AX events. This has been discussed before, as I remember. Historically, Rainy-day events have been cancelled outright, halted midday with 2-points awarded to remaining participants, or converted to non-points events based on the judgement of the Event Chairs (AX Chairs, Safety Chairs, Insurance Chairs, etc).

Like any policy, review of rainy-day driving event policy is always a possibility. The Event Chairs may at any time consider reviewing and making recommendations for altering this policy. Final decision of something of this nature would most likely need review and approval of the Regional Board of Directors, and possibly input from Zone 8 and National Committee review, particularly regarding safety issues and insurability. Now, I could be all wrong about this. It may be best to consult the AX/Safety Chairs or a Board member for clarification.

For the time being, I'd be happy just to drive ... points or no points.

Besides, do you really know how to drive in a straight line without getting sideways?

Dave G.: What's straight line driving?

[Jad]

It was found that we are a competitive bunch and some people won't slow down in the rain. When you are going fast and lose it in the rain, you slide a LONG LONG way. That can lead to hitting things which is really bad for the driver, and very many 'accidents' and we would likely lose the stadium, so it would be bad for all. Theoretically, but not running for points, we slow down.

In addition, in the rain, the conditions are constantly changing. Wouldn't be too fair if your competition went out in the dry, then it started to rain hard for your runs. (might be fair if you got to go in the dry but )

Those are the main reasons from my understand and I think I agree with them both.

[Dan Chambers]

It was found that we are a competitive bunch and some people won't slow down in the rain. When you are going fast and lose it in the rain, you slide a LONG LONG way. That can lead to hitting things which is really bad ....

Sounds like a typical rainy day on the Freeways in San Diego.

[PShipman]

The Event Chairs may at any time consider reviewing and making recommendations for altering this policy.

As one of the New/Junior chairs: it all depends on how many points I get on Saturday ... NOT

Seriously, Chad and Dan hit the nail on the head ... this is a great and wonderfully conpetitive bunch of gals and guys on a large, changing surface track. I know that I, for one, am quite capable of reckless abandon and foolish excess ... I think SDR's policy is there to help me "race another day!"

[thunderbox]

Without quoting all above...

Rain or not, I think we all drive what we feel is safe. I don't feel that the lack of points would make me slow down. But to some it might. Either way it is still just as safe points or not. If you push it beyond your limits rain or shine, you should not be on the track.

Conditions change each and EVERY ax. The sun comes out, goes away, track is cold, track is hot, air is cold or not, sun is in your eyes or not. That is life. If you luck out and get a dry(er) run, good for you.

I'm not trying to piss on anyones camp fire here, but why do we need to p.....fy this.

[Dan Chambers]

I'm not trying to piss on anyones camp fire here, but why do we need to p....ify this.

Drive another Region's AX (many in 1st and 2nd gear only), drive a few SDR events ... then come talk to us all about "p....cation." And no hard feelings....

Again; these parameters were set down a long time ago. Maybe Mr.\Ms. Thunderbox would like to volunteer as AX Chair in the future and affect some change? Volunteers are always welcome.

See you Saturday.

[thunderbox]

I'm not trying to piss on anyones camp fire here, but why do we need to p...ify this.

Drive another Region's AX (many in 1st and 2nd gear only), drive a few SDR events ... then come talk to us all about "p....cation." And no hard feelings....

Again; these parameters were set down a long time ago. Maybe Mr.\Ms. Thunderbox would like to volunteer as AX Chair in the future and affect some change? Volunteers are always welcome.

See you Saturday.

No, sorry, I won't be there Dan. I wish I could but I can't (should be able stop by though). I have no problems with 1st or 2nd gear only events, if they always are run (and I have done a lot of SDR events). I am not attacking anyone or the event chairs personally (I can do that at home). I am to believe that the "Parameters" are not carved into a stone tablet from what I read in the above posts. It seems like it is left up to the chairs. If it is in the rule book that "Ye shall not score points in the rain" then that is cool. I'm just trying to understand why it is ok to run just not score in the rain. Let's have some fun and let's make it a well rounded year.

As far as Volunteering, careful what you wish for...