They did a split start last year, but it would have much been better if they hadn't. There was one ITX Porsche that was a bunch faster than anything out there, so the IT group started first. However, the SRFs were some thing like 9 of the next ten fastest cars. Almost the entire SRF field ended up passing most of the IT group - I spent about as much time looking in the rear view mirror as looking out the windshield.
If the SRF group had started first, everything would have been great.The problem is that the GCR says the group with the fastest car must start first. In a case like last year, with one fast car in an otherwise slower group, you make the entire faster group pass people that they would have never seen absent the split start. Usually, a split start (and a small gap) would minimize the SRF/IT interaction. But if the same situation repeats this year, it would be better to NOT have a split start.
I think the GCR should be changed to allow the race officials to choose which group to start first. Fastest first is usually correct, but when a situation like last year's comes up, some times the "slower" group should be out front.
Tom Lyttle
Decatur, GA
IT7 Mazda - 2006, 2008 SARRC Champion
ITS Nissan 200SX - finally running correctly
FP Ford Capri - waiting for a comp adjustment
GT3 Dodge Daytona - what was I thinking?
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