Racers build the rules
There seems to be a lot of talk. This isn’t unusual in winter, as karters balance wanting to go faster with their budget. I thought I would share a little about how we go about adding classes – what works and what doesn’t.
The whole process comes down to racers. The published rule that we’ve had since the dirt track over 20 years ago is we’ll run any class with 3 or more racers. We need a published set of rules so we can tell others how to join, and you have to show up. If the class is supported for more than half the season, we’ll have championship awards at the banquet.
We can start any class there is interest in. If you have an idea, we’d like to hear it. We don’t need a class sponsor. We don’t need to have it brought to us by anyone in particular. We can copy rules from another track or series, or we can build the rules to suit our local area. We can make it faster or slower than a current class.
But we need to hear from the racer.
When I hear from a racer, I ask them to get me a set of rules, and I look for commitment from other racers. I can put it on the web, twitter , and facebook to get the word out. I can start helping to make sure the rules fit the ‘vision’ of what the class is supposed to do.
In Norway, the racers build the rules. YKC’s, Spec Racer, Rotax, Shifter, Alternate tracks configurations, Rookie, Night races, etc. all came from racer input. Racer wants and needs. The track is here for the racer, we just administer it.
So if you have an idea, call us. Email us. Post on Facebook. We can’t make changes unless you talk with us.
We’re listening.
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Submitted by Andy on February 7, 2010 - 11:50am
Comments
qualify,pre-final,final
What are your thoughts? U never responded? There is plenty of racers that would come back, if you did that or race more than planned!
Qualify
Sorry about missing that one...
I understand the qualify-prefinal-final part of your question, and will give you my thoughts. What do you have in mind for 'race more than planned'? I'm open to new ideas. More laps, or more races? Please email me at andy@jetkarting.com
We have been with two heats to allow racers to learn the art of traffic better. The heats format allows more 'mixing' of talent levels, and teaches racers to deal with both faster and slower traffic. Heats teach drivers patience, car control, and timing - better than qualifying can. Passing is significantly more difficult to learn than setting a quick time, and FAR more critical to being a well rounded driver than qualifing. Also, working your way up through a full field is one of the biggest joys of racing!
We are open to discussion on the Qualify-prefinal-final format, but won't start the season with it. Maybe we should try it a race or two and see what racers like? Email me with all thoughts - andy@jetkarting.com
Andy
Qual/ Pre-final and Finals
I would say to keep the two heat races as they are instead of going to qualifying. Club racing should be to help teach you how to race. If a slower kart is in front of you, you have to learn how to make a clean safe pass.
Two Cycle Oil
Last year WKA allowed the use of two cycle oils other than Burris, can this be taken into consideration for the club races?
Oils
WKA has allowed several oils, but we are staying with just one. Local racing has to be aware of racers that are just getting started. New racers are trying to figure out so many complicated ideas on chassis setup, engine tuning, & driving, that we don't need to add to that confusion. Allowing multiple oils just puts one more factor into the mix.
Burris oils are a VERY well known product in the industry, and I have yet to find an engine builder that wasn't familiar. I can't say never, but I'm not seeing a scenario that would make multiple oils good for the majority of racers.
Andy
spec change?
It would be cool if spec had 2 different classes either by weight or age.
Spec
It would be cool if the spec had 2 different classes, like by age or weight. Because it getting bigger and bigger.
2 Spec classes
We can split the class when it gets big enough, or just run an A and a B main. There are some advantages to each.
Call me and we can discuss them.
815.496.9196
Andy
just my opinion
one of the best parts of the class is/was having 16 racers out there. i'm sure there's a point at which there could be "too many," but for me more racers = more racing! and that's what I signed up for...
more racers!
I agree with more racers, and don't want to split to early. I'm thinking of starting the split somewhere between 20-25. We'll all know when the track is too full.
Splitting into A and B main also allows us to go back to single class if the turnout is a little smaller one day. If we split by weight, we're stuck for the year.
Andy
Qual/ Pre-final and Finals
Hey Andy,
Why not do the Qual/ Pre-finals and Finals like every other track and series? Seems the best way to groom the newer racers for the next level....it also avoids the less experienced drivers to start with the faster more experienced drivers...
.
hey andy ive been hearing around about people hating the lights to start the race whats your thought on that?
starting light
I'm hearing the same thing. Les, Kris and I have come up with a couple ideas to try. I'm sure we'll make good progress in the start of the season, and I want to be sure the racers speak up. If it's good, tell us so we do it more. If its bad, tell us to knock it off...
Thanks for speaking up constructively.
Andy
Curious
Since the racers make the rules. When will the date, time and place for the meeting of all the racers to discuss this years rules be posted? I'm sure there alot of racers out there that would like to attend......
Curious? Call us.
Okay, a little clarification for those trying to find the loophole...
The track establishes enforcable rules. We do this based on racer input within guidelines set by safety, insurance, etc.
The meeting is whenever our racers call us @ 815.496.9196. If you have an idea you'd like to share about how to make the place better, we'd love to hear it.
Andy
old fashion
please andy..... please go back to the green flag. If you asked any other racer they would say the the green,yellow,red light thing is not right. Please dont take it the wrong way... i mean no disrespect. im just sayin.. all the tracks ive been to i havent seen them start a race with lights. Drag racing is different lol... Here is the problem though....... for example there can be mass confusion. one time the light was green and they were telling us to go around for another pace lap. I personally just think that you should go back to the green flag. Ya'll finish the race with checker. Why not start it with a GREEN! Boogity boogity boogity boys lets go RACIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a nice day =)
Green flag
I hear you. You aren't the only one that would like to go back to the flag. I think we'll find a way to do that this season.
We went to the light to allow a longer straight run to the start. We think there is a way to get longer straight and have a good flag start.
We're working on it. If you have ideas, call us. Now, and through the race season.
Andy
agreed
I agree - leave spec alone (though this is the first I've heard of a "heavy" group?). The number of racers that have bought into the class and shown up at the races indicate that the idea behind the spec series is solid and is drawing people into the sport.
If people want faster karts there are already classes and options for that. The changes made for durability, to me, seem to be in keeping with what was advertised as the soul of this class. My understanding of this class is that it is still in it's infancy - and like anything it will take time to figure out what changes and improvements need to be made so that current and future participants can have a relatively reliable, fairly matched, and cost effective experience. And from what I see this is what Andy is trying to do.
Spec. Racing Class Changes
I for one do not want to see any changes to the Spec. Class, other than what will improve reliability and durability of the karts. Last year proved that 75% of the race is determined by the driver and not the Kart at all! You whitnessed the last place Kart, take first place by only changing the driver, and a novice at that.
Andy has done a great job setting the trend, and making an enjoyable, cost effective sport available to a much larger group of people. For those of you who wish to change the rules, please step up to HPV or Supercan and spend the $3000-4000 per year it will cost to participate. At that price, you still will probably not be competitive, but faster, none the less.
I would like to see Spec Heavy separated by 40 pounds and minimum age of 21 to give us healthy guys a break, but that must remain up to Andy. Whether we win or loose, it is the fun of the sport, and companionship of the class. Beyond that, we still have to pay the mortgage in some other way!
Look forward to seeing everyone again,
Andy's Kid
Thanks
Thanks.
We are here for the racers, and it's clear there are racers 'for' the Spec Racer class. Don't worry, it is getting better, and will continue to.
We've all known that for some, Spec will just be the start. Faster classes beckon. It should be that way. Maybe we have the right 'faster' classes now, maybe we need to mix them up a little. But Spec stays Spec.
And for those reading the comments, more progress is being made on brakes. It's a long road and will take some time to get there, but hey, the racing is worth it.
Come see us at the Auto Show. Drooling is the next best thing to racing...
Andy
new class
hey andy you should make a vintage kart class for older karts ranging from the years 1970's -1990's. what do you think? anyone can get a cheap vintage kart for like $150-$500. and you can just throw a briggs or honda on there.
You're fine
You guys are doing a fine job out there. Keep it up!
vintage class
This would be a great clone class since most guys use older chassis anyway.
This could very easy be a 15 kart class run on the old track like the spec racers. Any interest I have 5-6 guys that would run at any given time. Jim Brummet
Clone class , spec tires, older chassis.
Go racing for 700 buck or so and have a packed field. Im in if it happens.
clone racing
As stated in the post, I need a set of rules. So far, there has been no one come to me with a set that I can build a class on.
Call me at 815-496-9196. Posting comments here is nice, but is not enough to get a class formed. Racers and a set of enforcable rules is. Call me and we'll make it happen.
Andy