New Format for the 2010 ARRC by GRM

[Butch Kummer]

I was tempted to write something like "Since the National BoD has dissed the regions by inviting anyone that can fog a mirror to the Runoffs, the Atlanta Region no longer feels compelled to adhere to the 'no compete' philosophy of the ARRC by GRM...", but that would be inflammatory.

We've had great support from the IT/SM crowd over the years, but the other side of the front straight was pretty thin last year. And when the BoD decided to invite FB, STO & STU even though they hadn't "made the numbers", we decided to return the favor. I don't know how many National-class drivers will decide to spend four days in North Georgia for a better race than they'll get in ten days in Wisconsin, but we'll see how it works out.

Running nine races on Saturday, Nov. 6, will be a challenge, but we've done it in the past successfully. There will be a 35-minute time limit (which is plenty to finish 20 laps in all groups if no FCY is required), plus we'll have an extra hour of daylight compared to past years (DST ends on 11/7).

In response to a PM, I've made a note to bring back ITU for this event only (and run it with STU). That will allow those who attend the Runoffs in STU to also compete at the ARRC by GRM.

Thank you for your input...

[gran racing]

There will be a 35-minute time limit (which is plenty to finish 20 laps in all groups if no FCY is required), plus we'll have an extra hour of daylight compared to past years (DST ends on 11/7).

My reaction was similar to Greg's. Do you possibly know what the percentages are of run groups not having a FCY?

The fear is with many people traveling so far to attend, people are much less accepting of shortened race especially given the nature of this event. Maybe this is a great idea and will work out just fine. Don't know.

[Butch Kummer]

My reaction was similar to Greg's. Do you possibly know what the percentages are of run groups not having a FCY?

The fear is with many people traveling so far to attend, people are much less accepting of shortened race especially given the nature of this event. Maybe this is a great idea and will work out just fine. Don't know.

Dave,

Obviously I cannot guarantee there will be no FCY, but I ALSO cannot guarantee it won't pour down rain (or even snow!) that weekend either. What I CAN guarantee is that you'll get 35 minutes of track time even if you don't get 20 laps in.

2009 Race times (green to checker, all races went 20 laps):
Group 1 - ASM/SSM - 34:35 (52 cars)
Group 2 - ITB/ITC/ITT - 35:50 (21 cars)
Group 3 - ITR/ITS - 33:02 (20 cars)
Group 4 - ITA/IT7 - 34:43 (25 cars)
Group 5 - GTA/SPO - 29:07 (29 cars)
Group 6 - Wings & Things - 27:44 (26 cars)
Group 7 - STO, ITO, SPU, etc. - 30:37 (12 cars)
Group 8 - CF, F6, FST - 31:37 (14 cars)

Again, we finished before dark in 2008 (with nine groups) even with a massive clean up after the Big Noise race. And in 2010 we'll have the extra hour of daylight on Saturday.

Is there a risk? Certainly. Am I requiring everything to go perfectly to make this happen? Not by a long shot.

[chuck baader]

Butch, I think that is a great idea....NOW please see if someone can cover the race and do a decent article in the magazine. (Notice..no names mentioned) Chuck

[Simon T.]

From a spectator point of view (unless my life changes asap) this news doesn't seem like bad news. The more cars on the track the better.

[StephenB]

What about timed races rather laps? This is one thing I loved about our TeamDI PRO-IT races up here. Afterall we are all equally paying for the track time not the track laps...

Not going to be their but it was an idea,
Stephen

[gran racing]

Fair enough Butch. I personally enjoy having more cars on track so that wasn't a concern for me. What you've said makes sense. Thanks for the reply and info.

[924Guy]

I was tempted to write something like "Since the National BoD has dissed the regions by inviting anyone that can fog a mirror to the Runoffs...

Hey now, I resemble that remark! :026:

[Greg Amy]

Actually, now that I know what the SP-2 and SP-3 classes are, I'm very concerned about the inclusion of those will screw up what has historically been one of the best races of the weekend...

I hear you, Butch, and I fully understand - and effectively agree with - what and why you guys are doing here, but I'm concerned that you're on the road to watering down this key, year-end, high-visibility championship event into "yet another large Atlanta Region regional weekend". I'd suggest your key players, in order to make the event financially successful, would be far more willing to pay more for entry fees than to have this happen.

GA