Michael makes a valid point here, that although he DNF'd, he was given times
in the results. I hate to admit it, but I too had a DNF (I know you would
have thought that was impossible), and was given a time in the results (a
57.xxx I think on the second run, although the timing slip said 71.xxx DNF).
I don't think my time for the first run was right either; but the only run I
cared about - the good one - was right - so I' m not complaining.
The times on the results are only as good as the timing crew in the trailer.
Everyone we had in T&S last Sunday was good. The problem was, often there
were only two people inside and at the most three. This is with no announcer
confirming times for anyone listening, no backup for the timing slip person
(he can only see the display - not get a confirmation from inside on every
run), and often the person writing times is on the radio talking to the
timing slip person, starter, and getting cone counts from the course. With a
car finishing every 20 seconds.
Why are we so short staffed? Is there a lack of workers? No, it's because
90% of the people who sign up to work flip to the back of the page and sign
up for course. They want to watch cars run before they go out, they think
T&S is too difficult, or whatever. Several times I had to twist arms and
browbeat people to get them to work inside (not that I really mind that
part).
We need more people to take on the responsibility of working in T&S.
Remember - your times will only be as accurate as the crew inside - and if
they all act like your work group, don't expect accuracy.
We are willing to train T&S workers - remember it's out of the wind and
you're sitting down, not chasing cones.
And if you can't get the numbers on your car right - don't even expect T&S
to try and fix the problem for you. The people inside don't have the time to
solve problems while running cars every 20 seconds. Don't come to the motor
home during a run group and ask someone to spend 5 minutes sorting out your
times and timing cards. After the run group someone may be available to
help. . . or not.
Sherry
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