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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by Len FC11
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Fran and all
I am glad to help, but the real person to thank here is LW. I am helping out as he does 99.99999999% of everything needed to run FPR.
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by drscope
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Thanks Len for taking the time to represent us!
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by Len FC11
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ok so the meeting went well. I explained the need for a pace car, over a black flag all and they seemed ok with it under most circumstances.
they are going to look into putting the data on Mylaps.com they have some newer software but not sure if it will support it, should have more info by next meeting.
We went over starting procedure's to be more in line with SCCA so there is less confusion as it is spelled out very clearly in the GCR.
They seem to be talking to some vintage group about running with us for next season.
thats all for now folks
len
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by drscope
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Don't think I am pointing fingers at anyone for going off and bringing out a flag....I do my share of falling off too.
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by Len FC11
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lots of good discusion goin on. keep it coming, last chance before meeting on tues. The main focus at this point seems to be the pace car, and loading of data to mylaps.
fran,
the tires are not spec for the series, just a very good choice for the money
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by Tony Williams FC#8
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Len:
If they want a volunteer to upload to mylaps, I would be happy to do it.
About the blaim going to us drivers for black flags (something about boneheaded moves in practice/qualifying), well, I do agree to a point, but Sh%t happens on the track, whether it be a bone headed move, mechanical failure, overcooking a turn, or a racing indident. If the club has a problem with recruiting corner workers, well lets help out with recruiting. I am sure we can round up more corner workers. We need better communication from the club on what the club needs when it comes to things like this (which is why Len is going to the board meeting).
We should maybe try to set up a Driver's Representative system where each class has a drivers "rep", those reps can have a monthly teleconference (or some other appropriate timeline) with the BOD/Stewards (and Lindsey)in the club to help with issues (such as these) and promote better communication. The drivers reps are responsible for getting inportant info out to their drivers, and drivers get important info back to the club. Communication is key guys/gals.
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by drscope
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Len, just my 2 cents for you to take to the board.
I'm all for a safety/pace car in place of stopping. Everyone in the group knows stopping is hard on the cars & the drivers.
As for too many black/yellow flags, the cause is due to mistakes made by us. The problem is the small numbers of corner workers. With 1 worker on a corner, there is no one to respond to you being upside down and still flag on-comming traffic. Unless we have more workers on the course at every station, the black flags will have to be thrown. I would like to see that done with a full course yellow and a pace car, but it was mistakes made by our members who brought the flags out to begin with. So remember that before you make a bone headed move during practice & qualifying.
I'm for having times posted to mylaps.com. This is a great feature that gives us far more info then we are currantly able to get. There is no reason this can't be done in the computer age and it was part of the sales pitch when everyone of us bought our transponders.
As for other "non-board" issues, Tires...please correct me if I'm wrong, but the FPR GY deal is not a spec tire, it is last years brand new unsold sticker tires. You choose the compound. I ran them all last year and was extreamly pleased with every set. The price can't be beat. I only wish this deal included FA tires. If the entire FC group ran these tires, I don't think anyone would notice any difference from whatever they are running now, and nobody is going to beat that price on a sticker tire.
The timing issue is one for the track. The East course at Pocono does not have a loop, so the loop had to be taped down to the track. Stickey tires pulled it up and then it didn't work. The board can't do anything about this if the track isn't equipped with a loop unless there are 40 volunteers to do timing & scoring the old fashioned way.
Now go get us a sefety car so we don't have to stop when one of us does something stupid.
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RE: FPR/PDA
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posted by Lindsey
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PDA is a successful race group that , unfortunately for us,does not need our money. The make plenty just doing time trials/ run groups. They don't need us but they have been very helpful in allowing us to hold a Race during their time trial dates. I have a good relationship with the owners and realize that it is their show. There are not alot of options open to us in the summer. I'm glad we have PDA to work with. It is more expensive than EMRA but I would rather race than sit at home waiting until the Fall
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RE: Race entry fees-PDA events
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posted by GregoryJ
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I think this has veered from Len's board meeting question, but for the record:
RE: Entry fees
I won't gripe about LW needing to make a judgement call setting entry fees. It all works out in the end. With the FPR sponsorship I can choose to buy inexpensive GY tires and get discounts on many other items. To wit, the money I saved on the purchase price of my helmet alone paid for 2 race entries and the money I saved on GY tires bought me an extra set.
Furthermore, if I'm fortunate at the end of the race, I could walk away with some more parting gifts (e.g. tires, brake pads, spark plugs, etc).
I'm not familiar with the Regional scene and their pricing schedule but do the drivers receive commensurate discounts and series sponsor provided items? How about at the National level?
RE: Spec tires
From my perspective, this is a fledgling club with a lot of potential that can't afford to get entangled with excessive proprietary rules.
Keep it simple, keep the status quo and let me make my choices and not have them made for me.
Keep it simple, let the driver who runs Nationals or Regionals make his choice to race with this club. Don't make the choice for him which you are essentially doing if you're sending the message you can't play with us "unless".
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by Len FC11
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i'm glad this has people thinking about how to better improve out club. I agree with most of this stuff and it's on "my list" of things to talk about.
I personaly have no interest in a spec tire rule. I dont think it will really help cost any, and to limit people is more an RCCA mentality that obvioulsy is not working. I also beleive that's not really an EMRA issue.
Tony,
If you need the rad i will have it sent to you, it's in trailer, in Pocono, just let me know.
Keep all sugestions coming.
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by tony williams FC#8
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I see your point Lindsey. I think there should be some discussion with PDA to at least give us their "member" pricing. We are basically paying there nonmember entry fee, but we are giving them 15-20 or so cars per event. They should at least give us some sort of incentive to want to run with their group, and help there bottom line. Food for thought...
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Race entry fees-PDA events
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posted by Lindsey
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I understand some may be upset with the entry fees at the PDA events but FPR has to run the race renting the track from PDA. Since few drivers pre-reg. , as requested, I have no way of knowing how many drivers will show up at these events . In the past we have averaged 11-12 cars and that is how I base the entry fee. 2 years ago we didn't have enough cars at the August event and it costs me (LW) $400 out of my pocket.The alternative is deciding at the track what the cost will be based on who shows up. Not a practical idea since the PDA fee must be paid before the drivers meeting. If we collect more than the track fee then FPR has extra money to run the club.Membership fees and the 2 PDA events are the only source of money to the club.
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by Dani - Racinggrl1
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Im with Tony on the cost of PDA events vs the EMRA date.. I realize that the big track costs more because its the whole facility, but.... its a sunday and should pull enough cars that they are just running to the bank with the entry fees.. UGH.. my two cents..
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by ambrose buldo - racer27 - Black Citation FC, #27
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Install should be finished tommorrow... Assuming we don;t have any problems, we are going to take it for a ride around the block.
I'm now working on replacing or finding a wedge fuel cell. Hoping I can find a std size to fit, otherwise it's a cust deal ($$$). It;s the same cell as a '84 Citation/ZINK FV, but all leads have failed to pan out.
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by Tony Williams FC#8
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I am with ya Ambose (on the cost deal), I am running the FPR specials too (in fact, I am ordering another set on Monday). Whats up with your motor??
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by ambrose buldo - racer27 - Black Citation FC, #27
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I knew the tire suggetion would spark discussion, just a sugestion for possible consideration at some point, in effort to reduce cost. The lower my costs, the more racing I can do.
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by Tony Williams FC#8
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Greg and Ambrose:
All good suggestions. I definately feel the start/restart issue should be addressed (and clarified). It is my understanding that EMRA uses SCCA rules, so the SCCA start/restart rules would apply. Maybe some of the racers (and flaggers/starters) should stop and re-read those rules. I think the black flag issue is a big one also (especially for our group)... Put the pacecar out. Clearly marked start/finish line would be nice (mainly for Pocono courses).
I might be able to come up and give you some moral support Len, I am trying to work out my schedule (plus I may need to borrow that spare radiator).
Also not really an EMRA issue (more for Lindsey) but the price of events we run with PDA seem to be a little out of line with a one-day "regional" event. Come on, $275 for a one day even at Pocono? Most DOUBLE regionals are $275-$290 (I know, vote with your wallet)..
The tire issue? I wont event go there, but I would think you would get resistance. I would think if there were a spec tire (GY's), some of us would have to change setups (not that hard, but it is time/money), so if you are running more than FPR series, would be a problem, and I think the cost differnce would be about even in the end considering you will get more cycles out of the Avons over the 120's anyway.
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by GregoryJ
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Ambrose,
Good suggestions but I respectfully disagree with #4. I'd vote against a spec tire rule.
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by ambrose buldo - racer27 - Black Citation FC, #27
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1. I'd like to see Start/Finish more clearly marked. Even a cone wiht a flag in it (Or painted black & White) would help.
2. On starts we need a later flag. We need to allow the majority of the field to get on the same straight as the pole sitter. I've seen starts where those of us at the back were still warming tires when the green fell.
3. Clearification of ruling allowing/not allowing push starts once you've rolled away from grid (Ie in a Blck all situation).
4. Not an EMRA issue and I'm sure bound to open a can of worms, but why don't we all do our wallets a favor (CF/FF & FC) and all agree to use the Inexpensive GY Tires Lindsey has arranged for us. If we are all running the same rubber, no-one has significiant tire advantage and costs are reduced. Anyone wanting to run an alternate tire, gets a 3 second quilifying penality, or can't run for points. Just a suggestion.
5. Can EMRA Invest in a working load speaker - Giving us a 15 to go, 5 to go, false grid closing in 1 min, false grid closed or session started (anyone late starts at back).
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RE: EMRA board meeting
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posted by GregoryJ
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Hi Len,
I can think of a few issues that concern us:
-Pace car vs all cars coming to a complete stop during yellow flag and black flag periods
-entire field getting black flagged too frequently
-mylaps uploading of all sessions
-what's causing us to always be off schedule?
-what can be done to make the timing/scoring system more reliable?
-mixed fields...hard to get clear laps, especially for qualifying. can we split up or at least for practice and qualifying let wings out before vees, f500s, et al
Thanks for looking out for us
g
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EMRA board meeting
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posted by Len FC11
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Ok, so i am going to the EMRA board meeting next week, and obviously am going to look out for our group the most, but wanted to know if anyone had anything they wanted me to bring up. Fire away...I think :)
see all at on the 20th
len
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