[Spridgets] SMRS Safety / Vintage Philosophy

[stanbmason--- via Spridgets <spridgets@autox.team.net>]

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VSCDA Group 2 andSpridget Racers 2024 Season

(Revised September 23,2024)

I hope everyone=E2=80=99s 2024 Vintage Sports Car Season was fun formost of=
 you.=C2=A0 There were others,especially Spridgets that were not, as a resu=
lt of contact and majorrepairs.=C2=A0 This is a concern to me as theVSCDA G=
roup 2 Representative. We have encouraged the Vintage Spirit for overthe 13=
 years that Sprite Midget Race Series group has existed, yet it does notsee=
m to be applied recently.=C2=A0 We havebecome the majority of the entrants =
in Group 2 with our number 50% or greater.=C2=A0 I understand that with mor=
e in the group thatthe probability of more accidents is possible, which I d=
on=E2=80=99t see as an excusefor increased incidents.=C2=A0 Group 2 had 8in=
cidents resulting in 38% of overall incidents within VSCDA.=C2=A0 Sprite Mi=
dgets incidents are 64% of Group2.=C2=A0 I wanted to get this information o=
utbefore the Ozark Race coming up on October 11-13 and hope that everyone w=
ill bemore conscious of this issue.

=C2=A0
Some of the Good News is Passing under Yellow has been a concern for some y=
ears andit appears that there has been improvements this year by imposing s=
tricterenforcement with some being sent home for the weekend.
Incidents and corrective actions:I want to highlight and group our 2024 inc=
idents so there is an awareness ofwhere these mistakes are made and correct=
ive actions to consider. =C2=A0=C2=A0The following comments are my opinions=
 withsome reference to other technical sources. I am not criticizing indivi=
duals forthe incidents that they experienced, since they have happened to m=
e aswell.=C2=A0 Some of the sources referencedwere: (AF =3D Ace Factor E. P=
aul Dickinson)

1.=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0Mechanical -=C2=A0a car had a mechani=
cal issue and resulted in another car coming incontact=20

a.=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0Corrective action =E2=80=93 This is d=
ifficult and basedon how to avoid a spinning car. =C2=A0=C2=A0Anticipation =
is emphasized in AF and thefollowing car may have avoided accident with Ant=
icipation.

2.=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0Over aggressiveness =E2=80=93 This ha=
ppened where morethan 3 cars were in a turn or at the start of the race.=C2=
=A0=20

a.=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0Corrective action - Reducing competiv=
eness andmaking room and awareness of others around through using mirrors i=
s the bestsolution.=C2=A0 When in doubt don=E2=80=99t would bethe best path=
.=C2=A0 There will be otheropportunities where it will be safer to pass in =
future laps.=20

3.=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0Off track - This happened during the =
first lapwhen tires are cooler and not up to their maximum adhesion.

a.=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0Corrective action =E2=80=93 The first=
 lap is always themost critical with everyone in close contact, any mistake=
s made then areusually going to result in contact with others.=C2=A0Give ro=
om and maintain position with great awareness of everyone aroundyou.

4.=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0Drafting - Described as running very =
closely toget an aerodynamic advantage allowing the following car to gain s=
peed.

a.=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0Corrective action =E2=80=93 This is a=
 condition thatreduces time to react because of close contact and usually d=
one on a straightwhere higher speeds are also involved.=C2=A0Not doing it i=
s the ultimate solution to this condition.=C2=A0 If you are going to do it =
then Extra Anticipationis required.=C2=A0 I have also observed thathaving a=
 string of cars running closely can result in overtaking drivers payingmore=
 attention to the rear bumper of the car in front of them Vs using yourlong=
 rang vision by looking ahead in anticipating of any upcoming changes thatm=
ay result in a chain reaction.

I am including our Jim Donato Most Respected Drivers AwardCriteria, which a=
lways applies:

1. Predictable / Trusted: (usesmirrors, points faster cars by, passes safel=
y and allows others room to passand is always a defensive driver over winni=
ng at all cost), stays on racingline except when car failures would leave f=
luids on track or safety is aconcern)=20

2. Objective: Listens to othersand approaches other drivers that they may h=
ave an issue in an open and fair way. Can sit down withany driver and feel =
comfortable that they did the right thing when on thetrack.=20

3. Observant: Looks forward toobserve incidents and flag stations, inspects=
 car between sessions for safetyto avoid causing accidents to others on tra=
ck.=20
4. Respectful: Avoids Red Mist,which is identified as an emotional win at a=
ll costs attitude and maintainsVintage Spirit Philosophy.

I wish everyone a great time atthe Ozark Race and have safe fun with our CV=
AR Spridget Friends!
Stan Mason

=C2=A0

=C2=A0


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<html><head></head><body><div class=3D"yahoo-style-wrap" style=3D"font-fami=
ly:arial;font-size:16px;"><div><br></div><div><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" da=
ta-setdir=3D"false"><div><p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal" align=3D"center"=
 style=3D"text-align:center"><b><span style=3D"font-size:18.0pt;line-height=
:107%">VSCDA Group 2 and
Spridget Racers 2024 Season</span></b></p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal" align=3D"center" style=3D"text-align:cent=
er"><span style=3D"font-size:8.0pt;line-height:107%">(Revised September 23,=
2024)</span></p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal">I hope everyone=E2=80=99s 2024 Vintage Sp=
orts Car Season was fun for
most of you.<span>&nbsp; </span>There were others,
especially Spridgets that were not, as a result of contact and major
repairs.<span>&nbsp; </span>This is a concern to me as the
VSCDA Group 2 Representative. We have encouraged the Vintage Spirit for ove=
r
the 13 years that Sprite Midget Race Series group has existed, yet it does =
not
seem to be applied recently.<span>&nbsp; </span>We have
become the majority of the entrants in Group 2 with our number 50% or great=
er.<span>&nbsp; </span>I understand that with more in the group that
the probability of more accidents is possible, which I don=E2=80=99t see as=
 an excuse
for increased incidents.<span>&nbsp; </span>Group 2 had 8
incidents resulting in 38% of overall incidents within VSCDA.<span>&nbsp; <=
/span>Sprite Midgets incidents are 64% of Group
2.<span>&nbsp; </span>I wanted to get this information out
before the Ozark Race coming up on October 11-13 and hope that everyone wil=
l be
more conscious of this issue.</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>

<div dir=3D"ltr" data-setdir=3D"false">Some of the Good News is Passing und=
er Yellow has been a concern for some years and
it appears that there has been improvements this year by imposing stricter
enforcement with some being sent home for the weekend.</div>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal"><b><span style=3D"font-size:14.0pt;line-h=
eight:107%">Incidents and corrective actions:</span></b>
I want to highlight and group our 2024 incidents so there is an awareness o=
f
where these mistakes are made and corrective actions to consider. <span>&nb=
sp;&nbsp;</span>The following comments are my opinions with
some reference to other technical sources. I am not criticizing individuals=
 for
the incidents that they experienced, since they have happened to me as
well.<span>&nbsp; </span>Some of the sources referenced
were: (AF =3D Ace Factor E. Paul Dickinson)</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><!--[if !supportLists]-->=
<span><span>1.<span style=3D"font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-=
stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: &quot;Ti=
mes New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mechanical -<span>&nbsp;
</span>a car had a mechanical issue and resulted in another car coming in
contact </p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style=3D"margin-left: 1i=
n;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>a.<span style=3D"font-style: norma=
l; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: =
normal; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=
&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Corrective action =E2=80=93 This is diff=
icult and based
on how to avoid a spinning car. <span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Anticipation is em=
phasized in AF and the
following car may have avoided accident with Anticipation.</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><!--[if !supportLists]--=
><span><span>2.<span style=3D"font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font=
-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: &quot;T=
imes New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Over aggressiveness =E2=80=93 This happe=
ned where more
than 3 cars were in a turn or at the start of the race.<span>&nbsp; </span>=
</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style=3D"margin-left: 1i=
n;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>a.<span style=3D"font-style: norma=
l; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: =
normal; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=
&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Corrective action - Reducing competivene=
ss and
making room and awareness of others around through using mirrors is the bes=
t
solution.<span>&nbsp; </span>When in doubt don=E2=80=99t would be
the best path.<span>&nbsp; </span>There will be other
opportunities where it will be safer to pass in future laps. </p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><!--[if !supportLists]--=
><span><span>3.<span style=3D"font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font=
-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: &quot;T=
imes New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Off track - This happened during the fir=
st lap
when tires are cooler and not up to their maximum adhesion.</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style=3D"margin-left: 1i=
n;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>a.<span style=3D"font-style: norma=
l; font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: =
normal; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;=
&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Corrective action =E2=80=93 The first la=
p is always the
most critical with everyone in close contact, any mistakes made then are
usually going to result in contact with others.<span>&nbsp;
</span>Give room and maintain position with great awareness of everyone aro=
und
you.</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><!--[if !supportLists]--=
><span><span>4.<span style=3D"font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font=
-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: &quot;T=
imes New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Drafting - Described as running very clo=
sely to
get an aerodynamic advantage allowing the following car to gain speed.</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style=3D"margin-left: 1in;=
"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span>a.<span style=3D"font-style: normal;=
 font-weight: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: no=
rmal; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&n=
bsp;&nbsp;
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Corrective action =E2=80=93 This is a co=
ndition that
reduces time to react because of close contact and usually done on a straig=
ht
where higher speeds are also involved.<span>&nbsp;
</span>Not doing it is the ultimate solution to this condition.<span>&nbsp;=
 </span>If you are going to do it then Extra Anticipation
is required.<span>&nbsp; </span>I have also observed that
having a string of cars running closely can result in overtaking drivers pa=
ying
more attention to the rear bumper of the car in front of them Vs using your
long rang vision by looking ahead in anticipating of any upcoming changes t=
hat
may result in a chain reaction.</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal">I am including our Jim Donato Most Respec=
ted Drivers Award
Criteria, which always applies:</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal" style=3D"margin-left:1.0in">1. Predictabl=
e / Trusted: (uses
mirrors, points faster cars by, passes safely and allows others room to pas=
s
and is always a defensive driver over winning at all cost), stays on racing
line except when car failures would leave fluids on track or safety is a
concern) </p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal" style=3D"margin-left:1.0in">2. Objective:=
 Listens to others
and approaches other drivers that <span style=3D"background:yellow;mso-high=
light:yellow">they</span> may have an issue in an open and fair way. Can si=
t down with
any driver and feel comfortable that they did the right thing when on the
track. </p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal" style=3D"margin-left:1.0in">3. Observant:=
 Looks forward to
observe incidents and flag stations, inspects car between sessions for safe=
ty
to avoid causing accidents to others on track. </p>

<div style=3D"margin-left:1.0in">4. Respectful: Avoids Red Mist,
which is identified as an emotional win at all costs attitude and maintains
Vintage Spirit Philosophy.</div><div style=3D"margin-left:1.0in"><span styl=
e=3D"letter-spacing: -0.02em;"><br></span></div><div style=3D"margin-left:1=
.0in"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.02em;"><br></span></div><div style=
=3D"margin-left:1.0in"><span style=3D"letter-spacing: -0.02em;">I wish ever=
yone a great time at
the Ozark Race and have safe fun with our CVAR Spridget Friends!</span></di=
v>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal" style=3D"margin-left:1.0in">Stan Mason</p=
>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>

<p class=3D"ydp5fc7ac9eMsoNormal">&nbsp;</p></div><br></div></div></body></=
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