Subject: SPECIAL RACE CONCEPTS

These are some ideas that I have had for a while. I have run them past the exec. and others, and so far the response has been very positive. What do you think?



Idea 1

Short exciting race, with just a few cars that the fans can easily follow.

Format:

Pick a class for example IP3 or SM that has a fairly large number of
entries ( 10 or more )

Take the top 5-6 qualifiers, and put them in a special 1 -3 lap shoot
out style ALL OUT sprint race.

This could be the first race after the lunch break. If it was set up
properly, it would only take 10 min to run from start to finish.

The entrants could still compete in the next scheduled race if they
were entered. They would already have hot tires and brakes.

There could be prize money, a trophy, a free entry to the next event,
or even just bragging rights.

Running the class could be decided by having a draw at the drivers
meeting. Running in it would be optional, but if you opt out, the next
fastest qualifier can take your place.

This is the type of race that many stock car/sprint car short tracks
run. It really gets the fans into the action.
Many fans do not have the attention span to follow a race that is 30 mins.

This can be really hyped up by the announcer. He/She can suggest to
the fans to pick a favourite car to follow during the event. When
people have a car to root for, they tend to get far more interested in
the race. I have personally used this experiment of having people pick
a favourite, on many fans, at different tracks. It works.

Idea 2:.

Last car is out race.

Format:

Start with a larger field of about 15 ? 20 cars.

At the end of each lap, the car in last place is out of the race.
Simple. Give them a black flag.
This gives the cars a huge incentive to hustle each lap and not be
last. As the pack gets smaller after each lap, the excitement builds,
as during  the final lap, only 2 cars are left to duke it out.

Fans love this type of race, because it brings a new exciting element
to the competition. People will not only be watching the faster
leaders out front, but all the jostling at the rear to stay ahead of
last place.

Of course with a pre-determined number of cars, the number of laps
will be a preset format, except for any cars that may voluntarily DNF
or have a mechanical/accident etc.

I have not got a name for this one, but I am sure someone could come
up with a catchy title.

Your thoughts?

Tim Rosche

For Idea 1, instead of picking a class, take all qualifying results for closed wheel, using the best result of the two run groups for cars that are running both.  Put all the car numbers in a hat and pick one.  That car and the next 5 qualifiers are eligible for the sprint race.  If the number chosen is far enough back in the field that there aren't 5 slower qualifiers, add in the next fastest qualifier and so on until a total of 6 cars is reached.  Everything else as you say.

Can do the same for the open wheel cars in a separate race.

Not digging idea 2 very much since the slow guys are paying money (presumably) but get kicked out of the race after only a couple laps.

[edited for typos]

TECHMAN's concept is what was known as the LLOYD'S of London race when we were at Westwood.

One lap; reverse course; reverse grid in the dark; it must be raining. Winner takes the prize.. Zero for everyone else.

We polled the paddock one weekend and got six entrants, I think.

I doubt you'd get CACC to sign off on running reverse course.  Insurance is only valid for running counter clockwise at our track.

Running in the rain should be no problem as the track is in Mission.