Dunlop Mid States Series Questionnaire

[Erik Frank]

We've obviously got some strong opinions here.

Compromise will be inevitable if all parties are ever to converge upon a common set of rules. We'll all have to be flexible on determining a suitable race format (most certainly different than a sprint format, or motocross), designing a class structure, and yes mandating bodywork.

My 2 Cents:

I think that there should be one class for 125cc sit up karts in R/R. Not three like there is in IKF (Formula Moto Int. Formula Moto 125, and 125cc Gearbox).

I think that there should be one longer race each day (instead of two heats), with perhaps a morning qualifying session run during practice (similar to CART, F1, and even SKUSA). Or, if this is present too many logistical difficulties, then do a Pea-pick for start positions and then go race. A longer race will allow people with a poor starting spot to work their way forward. Just don't make the race too long that we get into fuel capacity and tire wear problems!

I think that the bodywork issue is pretty small, by comparison to the organizational issues discussed above. Mandate one type of bodywork and move on. I'd rather it be that way than leave it up to the racer. Specifying something like CIK makes sense to me, because it is more or less a world wide standard, and readily available. Kart shops in my area don't carry full noses. But if they were required, then I'm sure the shops would proactively supply them. There is also that issue of enticing "sprint crossover" people. But regardless, CIK or full noses...PICK ONE and move on.

Lastly, road racing is different than sprint racing, and the rules and rulebook should be written with that fact in mind. The 250cc guys seem to grasp this point.

It drives me nuts having to flip back and forth between Sprint sections and R/R sections trying to determine what particular rule is applicable.

-erik

[ August 16, 2001: Message edited by: Erik Frank ]

[Erik Frank]

quote:

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Originally posted by Charlie Tackett:
Sorry, JR, but if that sprinter who wants to be *competitive, he has a lot more to do thatn worry about an enduro nose! And alot more expense. TO be competitive, he's going to probably need to buy 2 or three counter shaft and 3, maybe four rear gears, he is probably going to have to buy a differnt compound of tire than he normally runs, he may will probably have to change his chassis set-up, and he is going to have to play the fairing game, too, as CIK only seems to apply to pods and noses and not driver fairings ( and which driver fairing can make a difference). It isn't so simply as saying CIK and that one time RRing sprinter is going to be comeptitive.

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I think being competitive at a given track is just a matter of following basic intuitive racing setup principles. These principles (gearing, chassis setup, tuning, etc). apply at a sprint track or a long track. Anyone who runs more than one sprint track (such as a regional SKUSA competitior) is already going to have this type of experience. He'll probably also have a good start on gear inventory.

The guys J.R. probably has in mind can show up at a race track, and probably within a few laps be within 95% of the fast guys. Regardless of the length or layout. I've seen it happen myself.

The difference is that R/R requires different strategies, racecraft (drafting), patience, tire managment, and different (more!) engine tuning. IMO, THIS is the area where a guy who only runs sprint races is going to have the most trouble, and lack a competitve advantage. I ususally see those guys parked about halfway through the race, because they stuck, broke, pulled a bonehead move, or whatever.

-erik

[Marc Miller]

Man... what a cluster.

I wish I could agree with just one person, but i can't... nearly everyone has posted at least one good and valid point.

What this realyl comes down to is "this is how we have done it... and it isn't working" type of statements.

This idea of having a class added (one allowing a nose cone) and one that has ALL CIK almost made me cry. Tackett and I have raced together at just about every different road racing series, all of them with varying rules. Ted elected to mount a nose cone where he could and I didin't... did it hurt performance? Yes.. of course. Was the nose cone a bit safer? My opinion... yes it is because it covers the front wheels. Should everyone have to run them? No way. Full wrap around bumbers are safer...do we have to run them? no.

The MAIN reason someone bolts on a nose cone is not to be any safer, but to go faster... point blank.

I am in agreeance with all of those that say in at least our geographical region, we should have standardized rules. Right now.. sprint rules are not judgemental about driver fairings. I have a legal driver fairing according to IKF, WKA AND SKUSA... so I meet requirements for print rules. Many sprinters run CTS or Trackmagic driver fairings as well... no biggie.

If there is going to be a standardized rule for the 125 sprint gearbox class, then set a true driver fairing rule, then CIK pods and bodywork from there. It comes standard on any shifter, doesn't add 2 hours of work and $250 dollars to the price tag.

I would love to go back to the glory days where I could say I won in a field of 50-70 drivers...not 7, then stand on the sidelines to watch ANOTHER 125 sprint race with "slightly" different rules.

Let's stop doing market research and SET rules... people will follow them. And hopefully we will have PRE-tech and tech men that will make sure everyone knows the rules PRIOR to entry... so some poor SOB doesn't pull up to the grid and told he is illegal after spending 20 minutes in pre-tech, getting the ok, tech sticker and getting the go ahead.

My .02

MM