No, I don't plan on the trip to Atlanta, Mark.....
But this does mystify me nonetheless, as an F125 driver of some
experience...
Just to satisfy myself regarding the "minimum object distance" rules
mentioned, I re-read section 2.1 D of the 2000 rules. I presume by the
exclusion that there are then "upright solid objects (e.g., light poles,
fence posts, etc.) on the site within 50 feet of the actual course." Is
that the case? Sorry, I don't mean to be funny with that question, but
I have never been to the site and do not know what pavement is being
used.
As I have mentioned previously on this list, I am all for safety in the
sport that we all enjoy so much. Based on my experience running many
different types of vehicles over nearly two decades, I have come to this
conclusion: If a Solo2 course is not save to run a shifter kart on, it is not
safe for cars either. Certainly a kart driver, or anyone in an open vehicle
for that matter, is more at risk when it comes to contact with a solid
object. But isn't the emphasis supposed to be on "no unreasonable
danger of contact with any object by any vehicle"?
I am also curious why the allowance was made for FJr. karts if the
layout of the course could not made acceptable for F125. Shifter karts
are faster, but primarily it is in acceleration/straight areas. Cornering
speeds are closer to being equal for the two classes than many people
realize. I have little doubt that a couple of the Jr. drivers were going
through a couple of corners better/faster than I was at the last BFG
CenDiv Series event I attended, particularly in the wet on Sunday. That
is a matter of physics. The Jr's can weigh 25% less than a shifter, yet
they have similar tractive capability.
You were at the Tour in Peru, IN last summer. Recall the fast Sunday
finish? I was clocked @ 70, IIRC, and the fastest Jr. was clocked @ 54
crossing the finish line. I have front brakes. The Jr's have a disc on the
rear axle only. I suggest relative parity, if not an advantage for me, in
slowing from those rates to "grid speed".
The Solo Safety Steward has the final say in matters of safety, and
that is outlined in 2.1D. But here's food for thought: At an event last
summer I became a PITA on a Saturday evening until the finish of
the Sunday course was modified to reduce speed, change the angle of
approach, and give more runoff area. Was I concerned for myself or
the other F125 drivers? Not a bit. Was I concerned for others? You
bet. Even after the changes, it was found early in the first heat that
more room was needed after the lights to slow down. Throughout the
day, there were more spins, slides, and cones hit in that section than
at any other Solo I have ever attended. Trouble for Stock, SP, P, and
some M class drivers. Trouble for the rookie F125 driver, or the two
of us with more experience? Nope.
General Statement: If it is a safe course for a car, it is safe for a
shifter kart.
Alan Sheidler
Original message:
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2000 12:49:00 EST
From: TeamZ3@aol.com
Subject: SEDiv NOTICE: Karts at Atlanta event
Due to the lot size/safety constraints for the Atlanta SEDiv event at Turner
Field on Nov. 11 & 12, we will not be allowing F125 shifter karts to compete.
This DOES NOT affect FJr karts. All FJr entrants are allowed to compete.
The reason for the discrepancy between the two is the difference in speeds
relative to the minimum object distance suggested in the SII Rulebook for
kart safety requirements. We don't currently have any F125 entrants
registered, but if you were planning to make a late F125 entry we apologize
for the inconvenience. If you know of anyone who is not on the web that may
try to register with an F125 entry please do us the favor of notifying them
of this restriction.
BTW, we currently have....drum roll please.... 167 pre-registered entrants
(!!!) and are expecting quite a few one-day time-only locals to crash the
scene as well. For all the nay-sayers who said we were crazy to have a
post-Nationals divisional because nobody would show up, all I can say is....
neah-neah-na-neah-neah :-)
For more info please visit the SEDiv Solo2 website: http://www.eec.com/sediv
Mark Sipe
SEDiv Solo2 Stewardess
- coffee, tea, or cone-dodging?
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