Race Order

[slats38]

Hi All, First of all i have just finished racing the weekend at the classic and would like to say what a great meeting this has become, different format and huge trophy's well done ADKC.

I would like to find out if their is to be an rotation for where the classes start each race meeting. I race in 125cc Heavy and in the four meetings i have raced in this year at different tracks we have been last in each meeting. last year at SA & NT Titles we were last.

I understand that all junior categories should be first especially at night meetings but shouldn't all senior classes try to have some sort of rotation at each track. Being last continually gets a bit frustrating that's all.

Any thoughts!!!

[John]

Good question...

In answer to you question it is possible to rotate the last class. There are a number of factors involved in deriving a suitable race order especially for larger events.

1. Drivers in multiple classes - try to not have them racing in "back to back" classes.
2. As you indicated try to have the Juniors nearer the front of the race order where possible.
3. Engine measuring - try to have the classes requiring closer scrutiny nearer the front of the race order.
4. Track maintenance - higher powered classes closer to the back of the race order. Not my area of expertise but it is a consideration I am aware of.

It is surprising how many different combinations of classes that drivers enter. This makes it difficult to achieve item 1. Juniors are required to space classes to achieve 1 so makes it hard to achieve 2. The engine measuring takes a long time and so the more invoved classes are preferred earlier in the program otherwise the engine measuring would not be completed until hours after the last race.

If you are racing at the 2012 SA Titles I hope that you aren't the last class.

[karter #94]

i use to race a 125 heavy as well and i asked the same question and i was told the main reason was because we could start our self's, and by the end of the night it was hard to find pushers cos everyone is packing up.

[John]

I can understand that point of view. Probably more at a club level event.

Just checked and 125 Heavy were the last class at the 2011 SA Titles but were race order 5 out of 11 at the 2011 NT Titles.

[Link177]

I dont understand that...so we run run last because people may need pushers? or because pushers cant be found at the end of a night??
might encourage some to get pushers organized before they grid up for a change instead of sitting there with their hands in the air.
Or better yet...join the class that dosnt need pushers!
Biggest safety issue at every figgin meeting...but thats another issue.
I allways push start peeps when ever asked or needed
yes to help out, but also to hurry things up because i know we (125) are goin to be last every night...
The idea of us being last due to mixing classes is a bit off...
try racing 125H and have a son or daughter in the rookies.

[John]

My response only related to the title event part of the question.

The race order at title events doesn't take into consideration whether pushers will or will not be available.

As you have rightfully pointed out it also doesn't take into consideration any associated family members or friends racing in other classes.

As the Rookie is not a competitive class and only included in title events to give the children some exposure as a "demonstration", they are generally not included in the official race order but given a drive at convenient times during the event.

For interest from my records the 125 heavy class was race order...

13 out of 13 at the 2011 SA Title
5 out of 11 at the 2011 NT Title
4 out of 12 at the 2011 WA Title
10 out of 14 at the 2011 Australian Title

So based on this information it doesn't appear that the 125 Heavy are always the last class at title events.

I am not involved with what happens at various club events so if you are consistently the last class in the race order it would be worth asking the club if there is a specific reason.

[slats38]

John,

It is more based at a club level i have spoken to my club and they are aware of it and will change, however i thought it was a good idea to spread to all clubs that we deserve a fair go with the draw and the chance to have a go at a reasonable track.

[John]

Hi Slats38,

Thanks for the update.

It was a good point you raised. Hopefully the discussion will prompt a review of the Race Order at club events to ensure the same class isn't always last.

[John]

It is for the AIDKA Executive to decide what information is released but I think I can safely report that if the race order is not changed from the one provided then 125 Heavy will not be the last class to race at the 2012 SA Title.

Just for the record this was simply a result of the normal process that is followed.

There were a total of 269 nominations in 13 classes and as it worked out no drivers are racing in "back to back" classes.

Travel safely and have an enjoyable and successful 2012 South Australia Title.

[karter #94]

very true there John

and yes all the best to everyone competing at this years state title

[John]

The 125 Heavy and 125 Light drivers should have been happy that their classes were not last in the race order at the 2012 SA Title.

As indicated it was just the way it all worked out for that event but I was definitely taking note