GCR choices

[Ed Funk]

We just got letters today asking us to pick a hard copy GCR, a CD version or a downloadable version. Is tech going to be happy with anything other than the traditional book?

Dick? Greg?

[Greg Amy]

Is tech going to be happy with anything other than the traditional book?
Won't matter, we'll be using our own copies anyway...electronic (CD/PDF) is fine.

[Z3_GoCar]

So, if you get the down-loadable version, do you get free monthly updates too? :026:

[R2 Racing]

I'll take the hard copy every time. The .pdf version is available at all times for download on the SCCA's website - download it to your computer and eliminate the need for a CD version of it.

[dickita15]

I like the paper book and asked for one but next year for the first time in 2010 the electronic version is the official rule book. SCCA members are now 90% online. National expects some savings from printing fewer books. I would also think that the printed version might not be out quite as fast as previous years.
It will certainly take some getting used to. Not so sure about having to look something up on a cold rainy day while teching a car.

[Dave Gomberg]

I like the paper book and asked for one but next year for the first time in 2010 the electronic version is the official rule book. SCCA members are now 90% online. National expects some savings from printing fewer books. I would also think that the printed version might not be out quite as fast as previous years.

It will certainly take some getting used to. Not so sure about having to look something up on a cold rainy day while teching a car.
There will be printed copies available for those who need them (tech, stewards, etc.) into the future. The primary advantages to the downloadable version is that it costs nothing other than staff time to produce and it will be updated on a monthly basis (all the Fastrack rules changes and tech bulletin items will get folded in each month) so anyone can have a "fresh" version.

Dave

[joeg]

I'll take paper (and gladly even pay for it).

[R2 Racing]

What are the chances our yearly dues would then go down, because the SCCA is saving so much money by not sending us hard copies? I'm going to go with "about zero".

[RacerBill]

What are the chances our yearly dues would then go down, because the SCCA is saving so much money by not sending us hard copies? I'm going to go with "about zero".

Yes, but the cost of a license will not go up until 2011!:D

Seriously, what are the implications of the 'on-line version' being the official version? Will the club provide on-line access at events so that members will have access to that version (especially if you are the 10% that are not on-line. I know competition members that do not even own a computer, much less internet access!) If you opt for the CD version, will the club send you a new CD with FastTrack changes monthly?

I can see pros and cons here, but recognise the club's efforts to keep costs down.

[tom_sprecher]

Ever since the GCR was available for download I have used that format. By using the search function in Reader the amount of time saved looking up any information has been reduced by an order of magnitude if not more.

The GCR has got to be one of the most unorganized reference books I have ever had the misfortune of having to read.

[Xian]

Seriously, what are the implications of the 'on-line version' being the official version? Will the club provide on-line access at events so that members will have access to that version (especially if you are the 10% that are not on-line. I know competition members that do not even own a computer, much less internet access!) If you opt for the CD version, will the club send you a new CD with FastTrack changes monthly?


And what good will a CD do for those without a computer? Also, let's not forget that one part of Novice Driver School involves the GCR as reference material and for testing. Lastly, how will the volume of printing impact per copy pricing?

[gran racing]

Lastly, how will the volume of printing impact per copy pricing?

Depends on how many copies are printed. Even if they do rise per copy, there's still a considerable cost savings considering the number of them being printed, cost to ship them from the printer to distributor, then to the member. Storage costs for those copies saved for new members. Costs associated with the time it takes to ship them out. It all adds up and pretty quickly.

So few people these days (especially racers) either don't have a computer or don't have access to one where they could view this at work. Absolute worst case, have someone print the sections that you want a hard copy of...which leads to:


The GCR has got to be one of the most unorganized reference books I have ever had the misfortune of having to read.

Seriously! And talk about intimidating for anyone looking at it for the first few times. When it boils down to it, there really isn't a huge portion that a racer needs to have at the track. Portions of the various appendixes and in our case the IT rules sub section which is only 12 pages not including each cars specs.

I've always felt there are much better ways to spend these resources than on printed copies of the GCR.

[JLawton]

My first thought on this is what if I'm in impound after a race and want to protest someone? Some how you'll have to look up the appropriate sections to reference in your protest.

I know the chances of that happening are rare but if it does, you don't want to spend that 30 minutes trying to find your CD and a computer, write it up then find the steward to submit it.....

[Greg Amy]

...you don't want to spend that 30 minutes trying to find your CD and a computer, write it up then find the steward to submit it.....
When I read that I was laughing while picturing Jeff frantically looking for his hardcopy, fumbling in his truck through half a dozen plastic parts tubs, all buried under tires (old and new), toolboxes, other "spare parts", ice coolers, half-eaten Whoppers, and poorly-ventilated driving driver's suit parts... ;)

'Course, we can all go back to "the way it used to be" where they weren't sent to us, we had to buy all of these books. Yes, as I recall we even had to pay for a copy of the required GCR -before- they were available electronically, as well as individually buying each of the specs book (e.g., ITCS, GTCS, PCS, etc). Later in the process there was an 8x11-ish hardcopy of it all in one place, but that was only available to tech inspectors. It's only been relatively-recent that: uno, we've had everything under one cover; and dos, it's been auto-shipped to licensed drivers.

The answer is easy: put your GCR on a $3 USB flash drive in the top of your toolbox (or some other convenient location in your "stuff"). If you can't find a PC or a handheld device at a race track these days within 32 microseconds, you're just not trying...and, if you really want one, you can call and buy a hardcopy at any time. - GA

[BruceG]

My first thought on this is what if I'm in impound after a race and want to protest someone? Some how you'll have to look up the appropriate sections to reference in your protest.

I know the chances of that happening are rare but if it does, you don't want to spend that 30 minutes trying to find your CD and a computer, write it up then find the steward to submit it.....

IMHO, I don't need to cart another item(laptop) to the track. Also, another item to break when it falls off the truck or trailer. I'll take the book even if I have to pay for it.

Those of us in our 60's are so used to hard copies that I think we revolt at having online magazine subscriptions, as well. Plus, the hard copies also improve our hoarding....LOL.

[gran racing]

Oh, so you want the big print version Bruce?

[erlrich]

I opted to save a tree; I've been carting my GCRs back and forth for 4 years now, and have yet to ever open one while at the track. I realize some people (i.e. tech inspectors, stewards, etc) will need copies for their jobs, but for the rest of us it seems such a waste. And I have no doubt that if you really, really need one, you will be able to get your hands on one (or as Greg noted, a laptop with the e-version) in no time. Besides, this will give me one more reason to need a laptop :D

[BruceG]

Oh, so you want the big print version Bruce?

Right on, Dave!

I need the cataract version of the GCR...LOL. As long as it will bolt to my IV pole.

[raffaelli]

I prefer to have a printed copy, but not the book. I print the PDF on 8.5 x 11, punch it and put it in a three ring binder that I can add to when the monthly updates are released, write notes etc. I think the current book size is difficult to deal with but is in my tool box anyway.

[John Nesbitt]

The GCR has got to be one of the most unorganized reference books I have ever had the misfortune of having to read.

Good news. The 2010 GCR will be extensively reorganized. It's much more accessible than recent editions: like topics are pulled together and a lot of the administrivia is moved to appendices.

[Lael Cleland]

I would like it in the form of stone tablets, or microfiche....

[MMiskoe]

Does this mean that we can bring micro film or online versions of our factory shop manuals too? Or do those still have to be on paper because what is good for goose isn't so good for the gander?

Or could we at least recognize that as long as you can produce a copy of the FSM you don't actually have to have it? Cripe for the cost of all the inspection tools that tech owns you'd think they could come up w/ a half dozen of the more common FSM's as a reference manual. Yeah, the weirdo stuff like Suzuki's the tech guys are going to lean on the owner for that manual, but for RX7's, Miatas, BMW's, 240Z's you'd think that there is one available.

It isn't rock paper sissors, nothing beats paper when you are trying to reference something.

[Dave Gomberg]

Does this mean that we can bring micro film or online versions of our factory shop manuals too? Or do those still have to be on paper because what is good for goose isn't so good for the gander?...
Actually, most of the categories/classes where FSMs are required now state that non-print versions are acceptable. (If we've missed some, let us know - after the 2010 GCR becomes available.)


It isn't rock paper sissors, nothing beats paper when you are trying to reference something.I strongly disagree with that statement. Stewards (of which I am one) probably make more use of the GCR than anyone. Many of us stopped bringing the printed version to the track a long time ago because it is much easier to search the PDF than it is to hunt through the printed book when trying to locate something that isn't referenced frequently.

Dave

[RacerBill]

Good news. The 2010 GCR will be extensively reorganized. It's much more accessible than recent editions: like topics are pulled together and a lot of the administrivia is moved to appendices.

Hurray! Maybe now they will eliminate the 'two total openings' on page 339.

[BruceG]

i Would Like It In The Form Of Stone Tablets, Or Microfiche....

News Flash

Archaeologists In Rome Discover Ancient Artifact. While Digging, They Discovered Stone Tablets Which Turned Out To Be The 10BC SCCA GCR For Chariot Racing. Protest Was Made By Many Members Because Knives Were Banned From Use On Wooden Rims For The 010 Season......lol

[jhooten]

It takes almost a 3" three ring binder to hold my visually challenged version of he GCR scaled to print a page on a full 8.5X11 sheet single sided (to allow space for notes on the blank facing page). Been doing it since the Book was available for download. It is in tech with me when I'm working. Many drivers have been saved from walking back to their pit to get their reading glasses by it being available. Printed copies of the Fastracks are available in another binder.

I also have a thumb drive that has the GCR and each months Fastrack.

With all the data collectors, digital vid, programmable ECU units in cars these days that need data stored and wifi becoming available at more and more tracks, who doesn't have a computer available somewhere close in the pits?

[spnkzss]

I vote for online version. I happened to go out to my car yesterday and noticed my copy of the 2009 GCR, still in the plastic. I have a copy of the GCR on my laptop and use it at the track. I also have a copy on my work computer and my person computer and...... ;)

[Lael Cleland]

news Flash

Archaeologists In Rome Discover Ancient Artifact. While Digging, They Discovered Stone Tablets Which Turned Out To Be The 10bc Scca Gcr For Chariot Racing. Protest Was Made By Many Members Because Knives Were Banned From Use On Wooden Rims For The 010 Season......lol
Roflao!!!

[lawtonglenn]

News Flash

Archaeologists In Rome Discover Ancient Artifact. While Digging, They Discovered Stone Tablets Which Turned Out To Be The 10BC SCCA GCR For Chariot Racing. Protest Was Made By Many Members Because Knives Were Banned From Use On Wooden Rims For The 010 Season......lol


yes, but look carefully at section XXX.XVII.XV.d.....washer bottles required <arrgh>

.

[Lael Cleland]

Wooden steering wheels were the only choice then, the wooden quick release was also tricky...LOL...
Did the washer bottle need a pump? (air from spair tire)....Or only the bottle?

[BruceG]

yes, but look carefully at section XXX.XVII.XV.d.....washer bottles required <arrgh>

.

Glenn....Racers used elephants to pressure wash blood off the chariot at the end of each race! Also, the Appian Way R888 alligator skin radial was banned for spec bimbatta competition for the 11BC season.

[DavidM]

I don't think my paper copy of the GCR has made it out of the plastic wrap the last two years. I bring my laptop to the track with me. That way I can look at Traqmate data and see how slow I am. :) It also allows me to get on-line from the hotel or nearest WiFi spot if needed. I'll just be using the on-line version.

[Ed Funk]

Since we have to be individual members, I'll be getting the old paper book one and Steph will get the on-line version---best of both worlds!?!

[tom91ita]

i opted on-line. if someone wants the paper, buy it like we used to but don't automatically make us pay for something some of us rarely used.

now i need to update my letter for making SportsCar electronic only......

[R2 Racing]

Just opted for my hard copy. I'm shocked at you guys who don't even pull them out of the pastic. I have a row of GCR's from the past 8 or so years on a shelf right above my computer monitor, and I am constantly reaching up and grabbing them!

[spnkzss]

Just opted for my hard copy. I'm shocked at you guys who don't even pull them out of the pastic. I have a row of GCR's from the past 8 or so years on a shelf right above my computer monitor, and I am constantly reaching up and grabbing them!
I have all of them stacked side by side too, but everytime I'm working on the car I have my laptop handy and use the GCR on it. :shrug:

[tom91ita]

Just opted for my hard copy. I'm shocked at you guys who don't even pull them out of the pastic. I have a row of GCR's from the past 8 or so years on a shelf right above my computer monitor, and I am constantly reaching up and grabbing them!

my biggest gripe with a hardcopy of any manual anymore is trying to find a specific item. the GCR might make great reading on the crapper but if i want to find the word "spherical" in the GCR, doing a 'find' function with a PDF is much easier.

[Ed Funk]

Tom, you really need to re-think your reading material for your "sit down time":rolleyes: