Andy it is the option of the Pole Sitter (not P2) to decide the format of the field. Since he beat your qualifying time he has the right and privledge to go at a reasonably slow pace expecially if HE decides that the field BEHIND HIM (including the P2 position which is required to be BEHIND HIM) to slow the field down to allow the field to catch up.

The proper starting grid should have all of the cars as tightly bunched as possible so ALL of the cars in the race have a fair chance at a fair start. That includes P2 all the way through P32. I have seen far too many starts where the guy in 15th place doesn't have a chance to catch the guy in 14th on the warm up lap.

From what it sounds like to me (an although I was not there) you were trying to drag Richie up to your power band and not willing to slow to HIS CHOICE OF STARTING SPEED. Remember HE BEAT YOUR ASS IN QUALIFYING AND THEREFORE IS ALLOWED TO TELL YOU WHAT TO DO.

IMHOC