Ok guys.

Thanks to all who ran this weekend. It appears all had fun and everytime I watch you guys I want to buy a Honda. One of these days I'm going to rent one see how I can hang with you guys.

Big to Matt Bookler and Jason Franza. They were wonderful representatives of the the HC They were thoughful, deliberate, undertanding and reasonable and...did so with a smile at all times. They truly understand the spirit inherent in NASA and in this series. I'd be their wingman any day.

First of all the bikini contest was supposed to begin about 5 minutes prior to the end of the race. Did anyone notice where the stage was. It was located so that people would make there way down to the general area of the start finish line so the bikini and end of the race would be close. Unfortunately conditions on the track put the track schedule behind about 15 min. but the show schedule couldn't be behind. This is one of the difficulties of events such as this. We are constantly learning how to make things better for all involved. Please forgive us for our timing being somewhat off. Perhaps one of the Negative Nancys would like to try organizing an event or two. My guess is that they would very little to complain about afterward.

Second, the decision to invert the field was NOT for the show and NO, we didn't want to see wrecks. Remember that I am a low budget racer myself. Why would I want to lose racers when the majority of the NASA business is about having more racers at each weekend. DO NOT forget that I make decisions from a driver's perspective, not because I train myself to do so but because I can't help but to do so. I looked at the inverted field as something that I would have, personally, considered a fun challenge. I have raced for several years in many series and in many different types of cars. I have organized events now for four years and made the decision to invert the start so that the drivers could learn something and have more fun. The fact that it might be good for the show was an afterthought.( Thirty hondas screaming from a standing start is a great show by itself.) The racing we do is not fun out there by yourself. Passing and having others to run with are the things that make what we do a challenge and make it fun.

To say that you are going to invert the field ahead of time is not logical. Drivers can sandbag. That would be like giving the questions ahead of time for a test. Drivers had close to four hours to ponder the inverted field after qualifying.

If had a nickle for every time that someone said NASA was crazy for doing this or that because they thought it was unsafe I wouldn't have to work (standing starts, passing anywhere on the track with a point bye in HPDE 3, Hyperdrives etc. etc.)...YET NASA continues to grow AND continues to have a stellar safety record in the industry. I still contend that the inverted field would have been no more dangerous than a regular start. The fast cars would have just had to work alot harder to get up front. The slow guys would have learned a ton about awareness and the fast guys would have learned to set up passes. I have more faith in you guys than you guys do. I believe that the survival instinct is stronger than the competitive instinct but that they have to co exist within a truly excellent driver. Many of you may remember that our mission statement is to create the best driver and the safest and closest series in which the driver can run. I understand that some may not agree with the methods we choose and that is fine. If one's expectation is that NASA is going to be just like everyone else then one is in for a big surprise. We constantly challenge convention and will continue to do so as long as our customers dig it and even when they are not sure they dig it but we know it will work.

The proof is in the pudding. The inverted class thing worked great. NASA, as always, listened to it's drivers even though I, personally, felt that a great opportunity for experience was being lost when we inverted only by class. Say what you will but I know that for every one person that is lost because of a surprise field inversion, NASA will gain 5 because we LISTEN TO OUR DRIVERS, WE PAY ATTENTION TO MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES, AND WE DON'T PLAY POLITICS. All drivers are subject to the same rules and infractions are dealt with quickly and fairly. and.....WE ULTIMATELY KNOW THAT THIS IS ABOUT HAVING FUN.

Those that were there know that it worked. Those that weren't can continue to, unfairly, judge from afar. If you are going to try a new restaurant would you listen to the guy who has eaten there or the one that heard that it wasn't any good. From what I know of most of you out there you wouldn't listen to either and go and try it for yourself and make your own judgement. That's what I would do.
BTW all race groups put on great shows. I have to say that the HC drivers did a stellar job. Keep it up!!! I found myself jumping up and down alot during both races. I have always maintained that close racing can be clean racing and y'all proved it aside from a few minor contusions.


Peace out yO! See you in a few weeks.





Modified by NASACHRIS at 3:08 AM 5/22/2003

 

Chris, you ran a great event this weekend. I liked the inverted field and had no problems with it. I just wish I had a sprint motor instead of an enduro motor in the car!!! Good luck to all this year I think we will be running more of these events it was a great show. You can come by to watch the movies on our big screen but it'll cost you some beer.

 

Question answered. Thanks.

But I will point out that I still think field inversion is a bad idea. And no, I did not need to be there to have that opinion.
I'm a racer. And I have my own opinions about what can happen when you intentionally put faster cars behind slower ones. I'm very much entitled to that opinion.

Scott, who would've packed up and went home... but that's OK because 5 drivers would have eventually replaced me.

 

my thoughts on an inverted field.....

can i pass in the grass???? yes that was my first question!!! yes it really was...ask chris! i had a 5-10 minute discussion on him about it.

second thought was....who do i pay to block james!!! (james can flat out move in traffic)

so i was going to start in the back of the pack.....oh wait i did that last year when i spun on the 4th corner....came back from dead last to 7th in 10-12 laps....so i was confindent i would work my way to the front of the pack, cocky no...confindent in the car and my driving skills i have learned with nasa, YES....

yes i was nervous for the start if the field was to be completely inverted....starting on top of the hill i'd be to 120 plus by the first corner, but i'd get over it....

inverting by field....that sounds really good....as it was the 2 fastest qualifiers were at the front of their class by the first lap anyways....

i don't know.....i'm a racer....just put me on track with a checkered flag at the end and i'll be happy....

remember i'm just your local track *****!
just MY OPINION.....

 

Although I can see how there can be more risks concerning safety, this is not personally my biggest issue with this. It's about the fundamentals and what such a concept does to racing, any kind of racing, be it pro or amateur. Those who race do not spend money to just lap around the track in club racing. They do it because it is fun. Why? Because it is racing. To me, inverting the field, or in other words discarding the concept of qualifying takes away from the racing. Not only does it take it away, but still holding a (symbolic?) qualifying session (even with a coin toss, it's still symbolic half of the time) takes it a step even further. Why do we have championships if we are going to follow such rules that go against it? Or better put, why are we racing in the first place? IMO, the concept of inverting the field goes totally against the concept of racing. I enjoy racing, all parts of it, as do all who participate in it. That's why we do this instead of other activities.

Having said that, I am glad you guys enjoyed it and I wish the H-C a lot of success in the future.

:edited:


Modified by Hracer at 12:46 AM 5/22/2003

 

Hey Chris,

Great event, try to be more careful with the contest timing though, or I might lose my pit crew LOL.

As far as the inverted start, I have had the most fun in races where I did not get a chance to qualify and started in the back with one of the faster cars. This is a blast in small bore, and was fun in HC at VIR.

However, one car in the back that is way quicker is one thing, but all the quick cars in the back would certainly be fun/entertaining and perhaps a little dangerous. Remember, the H4 and H5 cars are generally slower than a spec miata, and the H1 cars and Corey and **** are quicker than most FAST cars.

If we do this, I think the HC directors really need to have a divers meeting to make it clear that contact on the first lap will not be tolerated, if you do that, I think the problem at the first turn and slightly past it would be mitigated and it would be a blast.

JMHO.

Thanks for a great weekend

Frank

 

Seems there are three issues with the inverted start as done at BeaveRun on Saturday. They are safety, fairness to the fast qualifiers, and the “Surprise” method of letting us know. FWIW, here are my thoughts.

1. Safety – There’s no doubt that an inverted start will have a lot of passing; full-inverted even more than inverted-by-class. By the nature of the series, there’s always going to be a lot of passing, given the speed differential of the H1 and H2 cars vs. H4 and H5. We do need to learn how to deal with it, on both sides of the speed equation. I’d like to think that the folks I’m out there with understand the philosophy of the series well enough to keep it safe. In any event, the drivers did reach their own comfort level by rejecting the full-inverted start but agreeing to inverted-by-class. If the majority had said they weren’t comfortable with that either, or even if the minority had been particularly vocal, I’m sure we would have gone to a standard start.

2. Fairness to the fast qualifiers – This could be more of an issue, especially when there is money or contingency involved. Most of the drivers seem OK with it right now, finding the close racing more rewarding than the prizes. However, if we keep doing some kind of inverted start it may be necessary in the future to revise the awarding of points to keep it fair. Other organizations have done this, like Rocky Mountain Division’s SpecRX7 http://s7.nu/rules/RMDIVPOINTS2002.htm We might also look on inversion as a leveling device, like the “lead trophy” in WC racing, to keep the overdogs in check a bit.

3. “Surprise” - I think I had the most trouble with this. I’d much rather have had this decision announced in the supps. or otherwise given in advance. That would have allowed more time for thought and feedback. Even better would have been to consult the drivers and get their input and agreement on a fair, safe, inverted start rule before the event. I still think this is a good idea, and should be done before the Summit Hyper-fest.

This is just the second year of the series, and we’re still finding our way. There’ll be more issues that we need to work out for HC. Since we run under NASA’s wing, we have to accommodate their rules and desires as well. We need to do this in the same positive spirit with which we race, and we’ll be all right.

 

thanks for a great weekend Chris , see you guys at Slummit

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Doctor CorteZ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">thanks for a great weekend Chris , see you guys at Slummit </TD></TR></TABLE>

Are you racing at Summit?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jason Franza &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Are you racing at Summit?</TD></TR></TABLE>

not yet , still building the car....

I dont even have harnesses yet

 

They're not required. All you need is harness pads on your seatbelts

Just make sure they're red or yellow.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jason Franza &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">They're not required. All you need is harness pads on your seatbelts

Just make sure they're red or yellow.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I will , the color change on my lip from saturday to sunday netted me quicker lap times by two seconds

 

Chris,

Bravo. The West Coast is VERY proud of you bringing the NASA spirit to the East. You are a true leader. Since ALL racers are required to know the NASA CCR I would hope everyone is familiar with section 20 and pays specific attention to 20.2-20.2.2 The rules exist for a reason and the racers need to know them.

The West Coast has been doing inverts, random draws, etc for over 10 years and these methods have never proven to be any more or less dangerous than the standard format. Sometimes doing things differently gives people a chance to experience something new and exciting. Some people have said NASA is crazy for doing standing starts in club racing. Heck we do split starts with standing and rolling in the same race group without problem. It all comes down to the DRIVER keeping their head and being in control. Keep an open mind and you will have FUN. Fun is NASA's main goal. All you guys are doing great. Don't loose sight of the fun factor.

Congrats to all who participated in HyperFest and put on a great show. Thanks for your support.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ryan F &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Chris,

Bravo. The West Coast is VERY proud of you bringing the NASA spirit to the East. You are a true leader. Since ALL racers are required to know the NASA CCR I would hope everyone is familiar with section 20 and pays specific attention to 20.2-20.2.2 The rules exist for a reason and the racers need to know them.

The West Coast has been doing inverts, random draws, etc for over 10 years and these methods have never proven to be any more or less dangerous than the standard format. Sometimes doing things differently gives people a chance to experience something new and exciting. Some people have said NASA is crazy for doing standing starts in club racing. Heck we do split starts with standing and rolling in the same race group without problem. It all comes down to the DRIVER keeping their head and being in control. Keep an open mind and you will have FUN. Fun is NASA's main goal. All you guys are doing great. Don't loose sight of the fun factor.

Congrats to all who participated in HyperFest and put on a great show. Thanks for your support.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
There ya go Chris.......bravo from here too..........

 

from me too, Chris.

zero complaints for the Hyperfest weekend.

with the exception of me being so slow; however thats my problem, not NASA's

i am looking forward to Summit Point, which will be here before we know it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd Reid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> i am looking forward to Summit Point, which will be here before we know it.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Which is why I'm going nuts about my cage not being done yet.

 

Bookler, you were nuts a looooooooong time ago like the rest of us

 

Agreed, Chris did a great job.

The inversion was openly dabated and racer input was given. Chris listened to our view points and made adjustments.

However, I would argue that not all of NASA decisions are so openly debated amongst the racers. Some rules and policies are simply forced.

RE: Spec/ Manditory Tire.

Ryan. e-mail coming shortly.

John Whitaker

 

My thoughts on this subject is:

There is a certain prestige about starting on the front row. To have this taken away due to a reverse grid I think lessens the value of qualifying/pole etc.

Still considering my starts Im usually 3 rows back by the first corner anyway.

KingRAT.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kingrat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Still considering my starts Im usually 3 rows back by the first corner anyway.</TD></TR></TABLE>

At least you can win a race and not blow the lead in both races in a weekend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jason Franza &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

At least you can win a race and not blow the lead in both races in a weekend.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Like I did last weekend too...