Something new for 2017

[steveaca]

Hi all,
re Gordon's class grouping suggestions for 2017, I notice that we have one group with two classes and the others with three classes each. My feeling is that since we know that we can successfully run three-class events, we can make all of the groupings as such. combined with the above, I think that we could alternate two of the IROC classes as currently obtains. In so doing, we would then end up with four groups instead of five. These could be as follows:
A:
MGT/SGT (alternating)
RGT
MP

B:
HS
APC
VS

C:
MC/Nissan GTR (alternating)
RC
SC

D:
GT
LMP
F1

The benefit of this would be that with one less group, the classes would come around sooner and we would get to race the cars that we have actually painstakingly prepared at least once more for the year (therefore at least five times for the year, more for some classes, depending on the actual number of weeks that racing occurs on). My feeling is that currently we put a lot of effort into researching, building and preparing cars for many non-IROC classes and don't get to race each them enough. My proposal would go some way towards alleviating that.

Concerning Luke's suggestion that we resume racing in 2017 with Group C (as Group B was the last one raced in 2016), I feel that last year is now in the history books and we should always start a new year with Group A. If we want to start the year with a particular grouping of cars, fine, but let us call whatever that group is Group A.

[Luke]

Hello Gordon and Steve,

I was looking over this (3 of us only for now) topic/posts recently ...

A thought came to mind with the idea/s in blue and wondered what you'll would think about now.

• 1. The winner gets some sort/kind of restriction with FRC 2017 132 racing.
  
  2. The (winning or changed) car is placed in the pits and must be the last car entering at the start of race.

Somehow you'll seemingly didn't support this racing suggestion ... and hindsight would have it ~ it's not a bad suggestion after all.

I believe this is simply a shorter (doing in a faster time) racing version of the recent Formula Libre Handicap Special RD224 Event.

That said, I feel this unique slotcar racing idea, still has its worth in gold and in other words - could be worth trying in 2017 for a ton of 132 racing fun under the sun

Had to make some extra points here,

Luke

[Luke]

Steve you made some good recommendations and points but there are 2 points that needs some attention ...

• I didn't make a suggestion with racing starting back at group C ... I just asked a question.
  
  I truly believe the 5 FRC racing groups (A B C D & E) is a well balanced (2 3 3 3 & 3) cycle of classes.

Here's some worded representation why I think so:

A. MGT IROC & RGT classes, racing close to 24 cars also encouraging other persons to the event.
B. HS, APC & VS6075 classes, racing close to 18 cars while demonstrating to other persons at the event.
C. MC IROC, RC & SC classes, racing close to 18 cars also encouraging other persons to the event.
D. SGTC IROC, MP & F1 classes, racing close to 18 cars also encouraging other persons to the event.
E. NSS IROC, GT & LMP classes, racing close to 18 cars also encouraging other persons to the event.

Sure you understand what this racing structure of IROC classes can do for others, trying to develop the slot car racing activity.

Also, hope you (and others) don't mind me asking a question again - is the 4 IROC classes going to be alternated in 2017 ..?

If so - sorry to mention this but I (for one) am going to be truly discouraged.

Just thought I could let you know this here.

Luke

[steveaca]

Hi Luke,
I understand what you are saying but I still like the idea of reducing the number of class groupings to four although I know this would mean alternating the IROC classes which some may not be in favour of. Re your idea of a penalty in a subsequent race for the winning car of the previous race, I think, as I've said previously, that starting from the pit lane is too drastic a penalty as doing so would mean that the winning car not only has to start from the back of the grid but would also be a lap down and would need to 'unlap' himself.

[Luke]

All I could say again Steve is - I like the 5 groups and too bad there is no IROC racing with the historical event.

Plus, a winning car starting in the pits isn't so far-reaching as you're making it out to be ...

After all - I also said,

I feel this unique slotcar racing idea, still has its worth in gold and in other words - could be worth trying in 2017 for a ton of 132 racing fun under the sun

All in all - sure our different suggestions will be resolved by our administrator

Luke

[gordon]

Focusing for the moment on the class groupings, how about this compromise suggestion:

A:
MGT IROC (Avg of 6 races)
RGT (3 races)
MP (3 races)

(12 races total)

B:
MC IROC (Avg of 6 races)
HS (3 races)
APC (3 races)
VS (3 races)

(15 races total)

C:
SGTC IROC (Avg of 6 races)
RC (3 stages of avg of 6 cars)
SC (3 races)

(12 "races" total)

D:
NSS IROC (Avg of 6 races)
GT (3 races)
LMP (3 races)
F1 (3 races)

(15 races total)

In order to accomplish this we must set and stick to a start time regardless of who is present or ready. I would suggest 8:30 PM. We'll start with tech inspection (scrutineering) immediately followed by qualifying. I suggest we do qualifying for all classes first and then move onto the races (we used to do this before the current system of qualifying just before each set of class races). If we can get the races started by 9:00 PM we should be able to run all the scheduled races.

[RameshB]

Hi i do agree with Steve group the cars so we can get as much more races in during the year especially non iroc, we have tried all types of encouragement for new people to come on board thinking iroc might be the way to get them to come since they only have to race and not build but this has not been an insentive at all . I might go to the extream and say lets try to only race tuner cars as it has been only five of us who are consistent, when we have guests they can run iroc . I know this might not go well with Luke T but racing a car you build gives way more satisfaction than racing a stock car.Putting the car together is half the fun. This is what i enjoy doing i am thankful to all the guys at FRC for giving me a place where i can enjoy slot car racing with some very talented slot car builders as well.I have seen the margains reduced and this gives me a reason to get better. Thanks guys have a safe and Holy CHRISTMAS.

[gordon]

• 1. The winner gets some sort/kind of restriction with FRC 2017 132 racing.
  
  2. The (winning or changed) car is placed in the pits and must be the last car entering at the start of race.

Luke, the same points that were originally mentioned in response to this suggestion apply, particularly that competitive drivers will aim to place second to win the class championship, so I'm not in favour of it. This is quite different from having a calculated handicap as we did at at the last event. I would be very much in favour of doing some handicap races like this in 2017.

[steveaca]

I think that Gordon's suggestion With groups B and D having four classes each,is a great one. It would involve some discipline to arrive and start the racing on time but this suggestion will benefit everyone, including the IROC-class fans. I for one would be willing to assist with the routine maintenance of these IROC cars as this would need to be more frequent with this proposed class grouping.
Steve

[Luke]

Pulling from your idea Gordon and a light tug from the others - check my thoughts what I came up with ...

It's a good bit of something of everything for everybody alike and all super-duper packed into (believe it or not) 3 groups ..

• A:
  MGT / NSS IROC
  RGT
  GT
  LMP
  
  B:
  RC
  HS
  APC
  VS
  
  C:
  MC / SGTC IROC
  F1
  SC
  MP

Must say it's a complete revamp of how classes are normally done and doesn't look difficult at all

What you and everyone else think

Luke