March 10 - SPC - Split Event Format

[Greg]

I feel like this will affect the socialization aspect of FAST that makes it awesome.

Less time for noobs to talk to members and learn.
Less time for members to talk behind noobs backs.
Less time for ride alongs, car talk and hanging out.


Don't split up the family! its part of the fast experience.

[Kurtis]

I'm with Greg on this personally. I actually like dedicating a day to autocross, I enjoy the pacing and the people. I like how the days are split up and I really really enjoy the lunch. Its almost as good as driving.

I obviously don't expect my opinion to hold a whole lot of weight, I just think it would be a shame for the event to become only about the driving at the expense of the overall experience.

[Native]

The constructive feedback on our idea is very welcomed. Loren already explained a lot of it, so I'm not gonna beat a dead horse, but I would like to chime in on the socialization aspect:

Just because you choose to run and work in the morning or afternoon doesn't mean you can't be there all day, and do all the trash talking and ride-taking and pressure gauge holding you want. Really, it's no different than Run 1 - Work 2, or Run 2 - Work 3 - you're still doing all your "duty" in a few hours and have the rest of the day to goof off. You may choose to leave, or you may choose to stay. You can still have lunch together if you choose.

Yes, there may be a few trade-offs, and we'll see how it all works out. And while we're quite interested in what folks have to say now, the post-event feedback will be even more telling.

[Jamie]

Oops. I must have touched a nerve.

Nah...Jeremy just often forgets to put the smilies. Besides, I believe he borrows his co-driver's tire guage....

[BrandLoyal]

Sorry I'll miss this event. Happy to not have to read this thread anymore.

[rojeho]

My opinion is that if you split up, you keep the classes together. Announce ahead of time that M runs morning and S runs afternoon, or something similar. Two issues:

1. Rain and its effect on season points.
2. Classing is left to the competitors to make sure it is right. If you tell me that I "can" hang out all day to watch the rest of the class run (in potentially different conditions), then that defeats the intent of splitting the day.

[puncturina]

Here's another comment from the peanut gallery...

First, no matter what I think about the idea, I just want to say that I admire the leadership for always trying new things to make the club better/different/whatever. It seems that thoughtful experience is generally brought to bear on the new directions that are attempted, as well as a willingness to accommodate the disparate views of the members.

As someone who HATES spending the whole day for about 4 minutes of excitement, I love the idea. I imagine countless spouses/significant others out there will look more kindly upon your driving events if you get home in time for some quality time with the family.
As for me, my spouse is already plotting to sign up for both sessions... Can we get a discount if we sign up for both sessions?

[Loren]

Can we get a discount if we sign up for both sessions?

At this point, no. The point of this exercise is to open up 25 additional spots for all the people we keep having to turn away. (which are sometimes new people... and sometimes not... for the February event, we hat 14 people on the wait list and who knows how many who didn't bother with the wait list) Encouraging double-entries by offering a discount would defeat that purpose. (Steve questioned whether we should allow them at all... I'm hoping there won't be too many of them.)

IF this idea succeeds, and IF we find ourselves constantly hitting 90 entries with a 100 limit, then we may consider offering a discount for those who want to run both sessions.

[nc4me]

But just to dismiss it outright is incorrect. But don't worry I am used to being right and misunderstood. You'll figure out I am always right eventually.

Wow...did that just sound like someone's wife.

Simmer down, noob. I will make you my wife on course. You can hold my tire pressure gauge and drink while I take my laps.

Shit, I was laughing so hard when I read this my son wanted to know what was so funny. He was at the other end of the house.

[jbrannon7]

Just because you choose to run and work in the morning or afternoon doesn't mean you can't be there all day, and do all the trash talking and ride-taking and pressure gauge holding you want. Really, it's no different than Run 1 - Work 2, or Run 2 - Work 3 - you're still doing all your "duty" in a few hours and have the rest of the day to goof off. You may choose to leave, or you may choose to stay. You can still have lunch together if you choose.

If I understand it correctly, it may mean you cannot "hang out" because for 70 people to play in the afternoon everyone from the morning has to leave first.

I am happy with the way things are, and I will also be happy with a split fromat that allows more people to have fun.

Joe (noob)

[twistedwankel]

I must admit some of this discussion has been a really good laugh. No one can say we don't have a sense of humour.

Since I will have to miss this new event for a family trip to the land of snow and ice I'll eagerly await the after math.

It's interesting this event is opening for registration 8 days prior to the completion of the current event. Be interesting to see how First And Still Tardy fills up this time. One has to be a "lurker" to even get into these events now!!

[Loren]

If I understand it correctly, it may mean you cannot "hang out" because for 70 people to play in the afternoon everyone from the morning has to leave first.

The 70-person limit only applies to Brooksville. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

[Greg]

Few questions..

1) How does this work on the points system. What if it rains for a class in the late group and not on the First?

2) Why is it the same price when lunch is not included?

[buddy bodean]

Few questions..

1) How does this work on the points system. What if it rains for a class in the late group and not on the First?

2) Why is it the same price when lunch is not included?

My take:

1) Too bad. You live in Florida you should be used to it.
2) Lunch was free with paid entry

[Greg]

Few questions..

1) How does this work on the points system. What if it rains for a class in the late group and not on the First?

2) Why is it the same price when lunch is not included?

My take:

1) Too bad. You live in Florida you should be used to it.
2) Lunch was free with paid entry

"Too bad"?

Autocross.... because autocross...

Also, I couldn't care less if it rains. As long as it rains on you also (If your in my class)

[Jeremy]

You don't want to do a simple lunch between 12-1?
Obviously not everyone will be able to attend, but at least the morning people will be completely done.

[Greg]

I thought the price was inflated 5 bucks for lunch?

* The 25 more cars on the track (30% more cash) not to mention the recent $2 "Service" charge or what ever that was?
* "Probably" pays the same rent fees as before (I'm assuming here, I have no idea how this works)
* I cant wait to see $500 in doughnuts and sodas

Other than the few of us who can not get on the list in time and the few who don't want to stay. I can not see ANY pros for the drivers who are already here.

1. Less seat time. Knowing that I will now generally get less runs. "From 5 to 6"
2. Paying more for less (See above)
3. The Different conditions for classes will affect points and will IMO compromise the whole point of autocross. People who do it for fun/seatime? (see #1 lol)


Before anyone says that I am "Complaining" or "Crying about it"... Don't, because that would be to easy.

[Jeremy]

Other than the few of us who can not get on the list in time and the few who don't want to stay. I can not see ANY pros for the drivers who are already here.

I thought it was more than a "few"? Around 12 people were waitlisted? For Brooksville, a decaying runway in the middle of nowhere. I had to get an alignment after the last event. Cars were getting the crap beat out of them at my station.

[Greg]

Other than the few of us who can not get on the list in time and the few who don't want to stay. I can not see ANY pros for the drivers who are already here.

I thought it was more than a "few"? Around 12 people were waitlisted? For Brooksville, a decaying runway in the middle of nowhere. I had to get an alignment after the last event. Cars were getting the crap beat out of them at my station.

Do we have close to 12 novices? or is it just random returning people ?

Wow really? An alignment! Holy crap, maybe I should try to avoid some of those holes in the runway.

[AScoda]

I will be more than happy to sign up for a second stint in the late session if anyone wants a co-driver/instructor/car flogger.