2011 I.T. Fest race groups and format

[TAC]

O.K. gang I need some opinions on this so let loose. Right now I feel the I.T.Fest
( I.T. SPEC*tacular) may be getting lost in the Rational, Quad Regional frenzy that is gripping the nation. So the question for all of you is this....

Would you prefer going with a 7 race group format this year such as

Group 1 SRF, EP, FP, HP
Group 2 ITS, ITC
Group 3 ITB, ITR
Group 4 CFC, FC, FE, FM, etc...
Group 5 SM
Group 6 TBA
Group 7 ITA, IT7

or 8 race groups

Group 1 SRF, EP, FP, HP
Group 2 ITS, ITR
Group 3 ITB
Group 4 CFC, FC, FE, FM ....
Group 5 SM
Group 6 TBA
Group 7 ITC
Group 8 ITA, IT7

instead of the past

Group 1 SRF, EP, FP, HP
Group 2 ITS, ITR, ITB
Group 3 CF, FC, FE, FM, etc....
Group 4 SM
Group 5 ITA, IT7, ITC
Group 6 ITE, AS, etc......


What I do with this is what I need help with. Do you guys prefer the three race format we have been doing or want to see a change?

It has to fit into an 8 hour day Sat and Sunday. 8 am-12 pm one hour lunch then 1 pm-5 pm. The lunch hour is flexible. Remember I need 10 minutes between sessions. I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks for the help,

Todd

[ITA_honda]

What class(es) are we inviting this year?

[jumbojimbo]

ITC biased: I'd love to have ITC be a seperate group, but not if it means 8 groups.

I would not mind 7 groups, I know some people like the longer races but personally I can live without the last 3 laps, we're just using tires and gas at that point. I'm fine with 6 groups, ITC runs ok with ITA/7, it's ITB that causes us problems. (yes, I know I hit an ITA car in Oct).

I'd like to go with Sat Qual, Sat Race, Sun long race and Sun short race. With the Sun race grids based on the fastest lap time from the previous session. grids based on finishing positions are 'exciting' but needlessly hectic, the illusion of fun is not worth the risk.

And I'd like all three races to be sanction number races, no qualifying race on sunday. Make it a triple weekend.

[Eagle7]

I would not mind 7 groups, I know some people like the longer races but personally I can live without the last 3 laps, we're just using tires and gas at that point.

+1

[TAC]

ITC biased: I'd love to have ITC be a seperate group, but not if it means 8 groups.

I would not mind 7 groups, I know some people like the longer races but personally I can live without the last 3 laps, we're just using tires and gas at that point. I'm fine with 6 groups, ITC runs ok with ITA/7, it's ITB that causes us problems. (yes, I know I hit an ITA car in Oct).

I'd like to go with Sat Qual, Sat Race, Sun long race and Sun short race. With the Sun race grids based on the fastest lap time from the previous session. grids based on finishing positions are 'exciting' but needlessly hectic, the illusion of fun is not worth the risk.

And I'd like all three races to be sanction number races, no qualifying race on sunday. Make it a triple weekend.

7 groups leads to 15 minute qualifying and 30 minute approx. 18 lap race on Saturday. 15 minute 7 lap race Sunday morning and 30 minute 18 lap race sunday afternoon.

We could go with the standard 6 groups split the time between the two races on Sunday thus balancing them out and making the third sanction more "worthwhile". Say Two 16 lap races on Sunday?

Just a thought.

[Racerlinn]

"ITE, AS, STO, STU"
Todd, what was the count of these cars the last two years?
I don't see where you are adding any additional classes. If you are not opening up to more classes, stick with the 6 groups. I like 6 groups.....

Plus I like the idea of it being a triple. Sure, it's going to cost a bit more in sanction and insurance....

Last year you did:
Sat: 20 min Qual, 20 lap race
Sun: 12 lap race, 20 lap race

If you stick with 6 groups, I would suggest:
Sat: 15 min qual, 20 lap race (early lunch or get two race groups in before lunch?)
Sun: 10 lap race, 16 lap race

[RacerBill]

Todd: 6 or 7 groups is ok

Same general format of Sat - Qual - Race, Sun - Race - Race

Option to make it a triple sounds interesting - three champ races for one hit of fixed expenses??
Might get additional entries!

Say, Todd - Is this the 25th Ann. of IT?

[TAC]

"ITE, AS, STO, STU"
Todd, what was the count of these cars the last two years?
I don't see where you are adding any additional classes. If you are not opening up to more classes, stick with the 6 groups. I like 6 groups.....

Plus I like the idea of it being a triple. Sure, it's going to cost a bit more in sanction and insurance....

Last year you did:
Sat: 20 min Qual, 20 lap race
Sun: 12 lap race, 20 lap race

If you stick with 6 groups, I would suggest:
Sat: 15 min qual, 20 lap race (early lunch or get two race groups in before lunch?)
Sun: 10 lap race, 16 lap race

Not a whole lot. I've shifted other classes in with them to fill it out. That's what the TBA is about. As for the format. Staying with 6 groups would allow us some cushion both Saturday and Sunday of about 1 hr. 30 minutes. Maybe run something fun with the time left?

[TAC]

What class(es) are we inviting this year?

Pretty much what you see on the first post. The TBA at this point is either the Big bore stuff ( ITE, AS, STO, STU) or the smaller formula stuff. I'm undecided at this point.