Driving unsafely in the paddock area, or anywhere at an SCCA event for that
matter, is addressed clearly in our rule book. Failure to stop for a timing
slip is not the same thing, does not necessarily imply unsafe behavior, and
is not covered in our rules. It just means the driver forgot or didn't see
the station. Whether or not a driver is new or experienced should not be
relavant. Rules should be applied equally, when a rule exists. In this case
it doesn't. Rich is right.
Tony
Hey, Rich, I like me better when I do those lite nostalgia posts.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rich Urschel" <OSP13@attglobal.net>
To: <nokones@kenmitchell.com>
Cc: "Kelly, Katie" <kkelly@spss.com>; <ba-autox@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 8:07 PM
Subject: Re: Stopping for Timing Slips
> Kenneth Allan Mitchell wrote:
>
> > John Kelly was given a DNF for one of his runs when he did not stopped
> > for a timing slip at Round 6 in Sacramento. Also other drivers in the
> > past have been penalized for the very same thing. It doesn't happen too
> > often. In most cases its the newbie drivers that don't stop because they
> > are unaware of the rule and they are usually all pumped up and want to
> > get back and tell everyone how bitchin this sport is and forget to stop.
> >
> > I feel one verbal warning is appropriate for a newbie driver but in the
> > case of an experienced autocrosser, that is different. Its going to be a
> > DNF and a brief chat. There's no excuse and safety should not be
> > compromised for any reason.
>
> Well then I think we are back to Katie's question. So which
> rule authorizes whom to call a DNF under what conditions?
> I can't find it either.
>
> BTW, I personally think DNF is the wrong penalty because
> the times I have seen experienced drivers unsafely blow
> by the timing slip person is when they are upset over
> having botched their run. Safety disqualification (or warning
> therof) by the Event Chair and Event Safety Steward works
> for me. Handing out DNF's (or not) without a documented
> rule could become very political.
> Rich
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