Extra point for every additional different-model car

[gordon]

Guys, I'm thinking about encouraging a larger variety of cars raced in each class by giving a point to every additional different-model car raced in a class at each event. So this extra point doesn't apply for a driver's first race in the class, but for each additional race in the same class he gets one extra point if he races a different model car than any he's raced in the class for that event (all cars must comply with the class regs of course). Here are some example scenarios:

• Race 1 he races car model A - no extra point
• Race 2 he races car model B - 1 extra point
• Race 3 he races car model A or B - no extra point

• Race 1 he races car model A - no extra point
• Race 2 he races car model B - 1 extra point
• Race 3 he races car model C - 1 extra point

What do you think about this idea?

[steveaca]

I'll have to give this one some more thought Gordon.
If implemented though, I think that the point should be awarded only if the driver qualifies the car as well as races it in all of the races of the particular class for the event.
What would be welcome is some way of incentivising drivers to race cars prepared by themselves.
Steve

[gordon]

If implemented though, I think that the point should be awarded only if the driver qualifies the car as well as races it in all of the races of the particular class for the event.

Steve, the point here is to award one extra point for each different model car he races in the class that event (excluding the first race in the class). We only qualify one car and that's generally the car we use for at least the first race in the class. If a driver races a Ford GT40 in race 1 (no extra point for race 1), then races a Porsche 910 in race 2 (one extra point) and races a Lola T70 in race 3 (another extra point), he gets a total of two extra points for racing these different cars.

What would be welcome is some way of incentivising drivers to race cars prepared by themselves.
Steve

Simple solution: give half-points if a driver races a car not prepared by himself. Alternatively, for each race, demote him one position from where he actually placed. One of these should be incentive enough to prepare his own car.

[steveaca]

OK Gordon, my original interpretation was something different. I now understand your thoughts and would welcome such a measure. I'm now thinking though, that if this was implemented, we would need to re-think the rule that says a change of car relegates one to the back of the grid.

[gordon]

I'm now thinking though, that if this was implemented, we would need to re-think the rule that says a change of car relegates one to the back of the grid.

Simple. If a driver switches to a car he owns/has prepared, he maintains his grid position based on his previous race result. If he switches to a car owned/prepared by someone else, he starts at the back of the grid AND does not get the extra point if it's a different car model.

[gordon]

I really like the FRC forum. It takes one person's single-direction perspective and, through feedback from others - both directly on the forum as well as via other means - turns it into a chameleon's 360° point of view.

So many times in the past, ideas posted here that may have seemed great at the moment of conception, having received the feedback of other FRC drivers, have been either modified and improved or entirely thrown out once all points of view have been discussed.

Well so it is with the suggestions in this topic and through feedback, I see now that this is really not a good idea. It will actually discourage rather than encourage participation at our events. Therefore I'm dropping the suggestions above and maintaining the status quo.