At 1:58 PM -0700 12/28/05, ax-digest wrote:
>Date: Tue, 27 Dec 2005 21:16:04 -0600
>From: "Eric Salem" <ebsalem1@cox.net>
>Subject: RE: Got Sirota PAX analysis?
>
> Okay, here's my question about PAX in general: Besides golf and bowling is
>there any other pastime with a handicapping system? Is Solo at the same
>level of intensity of Golf and bowling? Does the PAX mean we're all just
>Sunday golfers?
>
>Said differently why would we want a set of rules that try to compare a
>viper to a honda?
The PAX system was created by Jim McKamey and others when they were
running a series of street solos, in Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin,
and Indiana including the famed Portage (IN) Grand Prix in the late
'70s and early '80s. The letters PAX were an acronym standing for
Professional Auto X (Cross). These were spectator events and Jim and
his crew wanted the casual spectators to know who was the overall
winner. 20-some odd winners was too confusing. So they created the
PAX Index so that the "best" driver could win the big trophy and take
home the biggest check.
A number of drivers saw the benefit of a "car equalization" handicap
system for various purposes and for many years this became the
predominant handicap. There was a story on how individuals could use
it that ran in the '80s in Auto-X magazine (now Grassroots
Motorsports) It wasn't perfect but it was less bad than other efforts
of the day. Dave Beck, of Springfield, IL took over the chore of
updating the index for quite a while and currently it is Rick Ruth,
of Schaumberg, IL who does the deed annually.
So the answer to your question is that you need a handicap system
when drivers in Corvettes and Cavaliers want to compete for the same
trophy. Without a handicap the best driver may not have a chance
unless he has the best car. With a good handicap system every driver
is more equal than without it. If he (she) has a car not prepared to
the limit for the class, chances of winning are reduced. Likewise if
the driver isn't very good, the best-prepared car in the world may
not be enough to assure a win.
Lloyd Loring <LWLoring@sbcglobal.net>
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