Quote:
Originally Posted by 275 GTB-4
Just a comment (from someone who has been part of a team running a very busy race schedule)
Once a Code 60 is called the aim in Race Control should be...
A. Quickly clear the problem,
B. Get the cars off the track (dummy grid or otherwise, or a holding area, or the pits),
C. Send the next group out ASAP.
D. Reschedule the original group for another slot, and if necessary at a reduced race time (10 instead of 15 minutes) which is better then slowly circulating...yes?
|
Don't forget this is car racing in the UK. We have to send the course car out for a drive around after most/all sessions (dependent on organising club), every last marshal and vehicle must be clear of circuit before starting the green flag lap (for some organisers every last vehicle must be clear before even releasing onto the grid!). Run the green flag lap behind the safety car or with yellow flags while sweeping or tows are carried out, the red lights should go out when the last vehicle or marshal is clear of circuit.
If organsing clubs got on with it from the start (rather than when they are 25 minutes down at 5pm in the afternoon with a planned finish 5 minutes from curfew) they would find there is much more time available for stoppages. The drivers briefing should not be 20 minutes before qualifying so they cannot run early, there should be no note in the programme saying they can only run 20 minutes ahead, the lunchbreak should not be extended due to running ahead in the morning, they should just get on with it. A timetable without race start times does this well!
Go and see how Thundersport GB (Or BEMSEE to a slightly lesser degree) organise motorcycle racing. It's the way to do it.
Code 60 has issues with drivers not knowing when it is going to be displayed or withdrawn. This could be resolved by a board/flag signal 5 seconds before deployment and withdrawal - just like the '0' board during BSB safety cars.
Code 60 works very well in qualifying. It is safer than safety car - no idiot drivers hammering round to catch up with the train, in particular in races with pit stops.