Pit Stops at an Autocross

[Mmagus]

Hi all,
We haven’t really run into this before, but we did at the last AX. There were quite a few cars who would take a lap or two then “pit stop” to check tire pressure and temps or change drivers and have a conferance, then get back into line for the rest of their runs. This is totally fine, completely “legal”, and great to do if you wish. However, many of the folks would get down a lap while doing so and then still want to take their full number of practice laps.

As you may imagine this gets us behind trying to accommodate. So The AX Chairs has a conference with the CDI’s and here is the policy. You are welcome to pit for any reason you desire, but just like in an actual race if you lose a lap while doing so, you don’t get it back. As long as there are no cars in pre-grid for the next run session, you may use the staging lane, otherwise pull into the pit area so we keep things as safe as possible.

Thanks,
Mark
AX Whippingboy

[lrayner]

Remember that Instructor and Student run groups are often back to back, sometimes resulting in being slightly out of sequence for the second session, but this is different than what you are describing and the starter can be informed of the reason if this happens. I think this policy should be particularly enforced during timed runs, as there is a distinct advantage to getting through a shorter line for the last couple of timed runs. I was the beneficiary of two reruns and my very last lap was when I managed to beat my competitors. Someone shouldn't be able to gain that advantage by starting late or pulling out of line. Perhaps the starter would see fit to make an exception under certain circumstances, but I applaud the effort to keep things moving and keep a level playing field.

[Mmagus]

Remember that Instructor and Student run groups are often back to back, sometimes resulting in being slightly out of sequence for the second session, but this is different than what you are describing and the starter can be informed of the reason if this happens. I think this policy should be particularly enforced during timed runs, as there is a distinct advantage to getting through a shorter line for the last couple of timed runs. I was the beneficiary of two reruns and my very last lap was when I managed to beat my competitors. Someone shouldn't be able to gain that advantage by starting late or pulling out of line. Perhaps the starter would see fit to make an exception under certain circumstances, but I applaud the effort to keep things moving and keep a level playing field.

Good points Leigh.

I have had that same issue at the last two AX's with my students. In my case I was running before my student and simply let them out after the 4th lap, then joined them after my 5th and before their first. A reversed situation would be tougher though. In these cases we are happy to accomadate any missed track time due to back to back student/Instructor run groups.

In timed runs there should be no pitting at all except for emergancy or repair issues...unless you wish to lose timed runs. Well I suppose if a student wanted the instructor the first timed lap and then let him "jump out" after, but that really not a pit thing. IMHO

[ttweed]

I think this policy should be particularly enforced during timed runs, as there is a distinct advantage to getting through a shorter line for the last couple of timed runs. I was the beneficiary of two reruns and my very last lap was when I managed to beat my competitors.

This is absolutely an advantage, to be able to start on warmer tires without having to wait in line as long. In SCCA Solo racing, there is a "5-minute" rule to equalize the field. No car is permitted out on the course for a rerun (or for a co-driver running the same car) within five minutes of the car's previous run.

TT