To Move Cars or Not to Move Cars...
That seems to be the question. Here is a thread that is on Big Diamond's forum board, you have to weed through some of it, but the main discussion is about removing dead cars from the track. There are 3 pages of posts so far. I thought I would bring it over to our forum for further evaluation as we'll be back at Grandview in October. What are your thoughts on this subject as a NEETS driver or fan? Please no bashing of anyone, just opinions/thoughts.
http://greenflag314.proboards28.com/...ay&thread=1108
I Feel Your Pain....................
I have raced enduros for so many years that I probably raced against Ben-Hur in the very first one, hehe..............................:eek:
I have seen the maturation of the sport go from 365 bonestock cars starting a race at Nazarath to the very first NEETS race at Mountain where half the cars were closer to factory stocks than true enduros.................:help:
I have watched the personality of enduros change over the years mostly because the drivers wanted their favorite habit to look more like a real racing division rather than the 35 to 45 mph demo-derby into which it had evolved......................:rolleyes:
This process among other things has slowly reduced the true enduro to a 100 lap feature.......................:disgusted
I don't like dodging wrecked cars at 60 to 70mph anymore than the next driver but by the very definiton of the sport it is a challange of your ability to last, endure the carnage and be first to the checkers....................:(
If you continually strip enduro of its personality, it will slowly go away.............................:mad:
UNCLE PETEY...................:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:
To Move or Not to Move...
Having raced many enduros from Nazareth, PA. to San Jose, Ca. I have seen everything from the water truck coming onto the track during the race, big pumpkins (actual) for Halloween and soaping the track, all to keep the speeds down. Enduro drivers are able to adapt to any track condition, rain, shine or slime. Mix into that messy concoction "dead cars" and that my friends is what makes enduro racing unique.
Now for the safety side of "dead cars". If they are left on the track than officials should ensure that the car is not in gear or park. Hitting a solid hunk of steel that does not move hurts the neck. Maybe a Hans devices is needed?
Here is something to think about and possibly doable. Some tracks have what they call a "pusher". That is a vehicle, sort of like a push truck, that is on the track only to push cars off to the infield or to the pits. All of this is done while the race is under green. It will only push cars if the driver is sitting in them to eliminate the use of a red flag. Otherwise if a driver abandons their car due to heavy damage the car will then stay on the track. I have seen this concept done and it keeps the red flags down and the race moving. There are many ways to utilize this concept for safety purposes only.
I trust the NEETS officials will make a sound decision on the "dead car" subject. They will keep safety in mind along with the spirit of enduro racing.
I never minded the dead cars on the track. It was always a challenge of paying attention and skill of dodging obstacles. Keep it fun and safe and I'll be there.
Duane :)