[Spridgets] 2021 SMRS Driver Committee and Recognition

[stanbmason at aol.com]

Hello Spridgeteers of All Varieties and Happy New Year.

I wanted to follow up on my earlier January email that said I would share the results from Driver Incidents in Group 2.
Before I do that I want to make a special point of mentioning the 2 awards presented by VSCDA for the great work that 2 of our Spridget members and Alumni were awarded in 2021:Carl  Wallin received the Art Blye Distinguished Award.  Carl has been such a great mechanical gift for all of us throughout the years as an expert crew &/ Spridget Problem Solver Extraordinar.  His abilities have also been a great asset for Tech Inspection./ Scrutineering and all his dedication to VSCDA.  Congratulations CarlCharlie Hall received the President's Safety Award.  Charlie has done a fabulous job with Driver's Committee through out the years and it is great to see him recognized for his dedication to all of us.  Congratulations Charlie.
2021 Group 2 IncreasedUnsafe Driving While Racing Over the last 11 years of being Group 2 representative wehave seen gradual to major improvements as reported by the (DC) DriversCommittee (responsible for improving driver safety and enforcing penalties forthose drivers found in violation of good Vintage Race Driver Principles).  2021 was the absolute worse that has beenrecorded in over 10 years for Group 2.  Ihave requested the findings from the DC so we can see where these mistakes havebeen made.  This is an opportunity tolearn from those mistakes, whether they involved you or as a learning tool for improvement.  I have summarizedthose results to try and leave the original comments by DC stand and removenames and car numbers.  It is not myintent to embarrass or humiliate anyone that was involved in these incidents,but to draw attention to where mistakes were made so others will not repeat those mistakes. Our Sport requires everyone to be aware ofall things around us while on the track and maintain a Vintage Spirit avoidingRed Mist.  This summarized DC Incident reportis being sent to Spridget Drivers and not our normal distribution of crew andother Spridget Street friends that typically would be on our overalldistribution.  If you know of someonethat races with us in Group 2 that would benefit from this information pleasepass it along to them.  I am unaware of a wayto copy everyone in Group 2 easily.  Iwill highlight areas where I think are we are making repeated mistakes.  I would also ask that these results are takenseriously and analyzed by all of us with the intent of applying this knowledgeso we can decrease incidents in the future. I welcome anyone’s observation and pleaseshare your thoughts with everyone on this distribution. 
Overall Stan Mason’s observation from 2021 DC Group 2 RacingIncidents: 1.      General awareness of other cars particularly intraffic - Corrective action = use your mirrors and be multitasking visually asa corner is approached. (I personally have seen all of us being lax in pointingothers by, which is the best way to get feedback that you are aware of othercars that are expecting to pass). 2.      Too Aggressive – Corrective Action = When indoubt wait for another opportunity that is safer. Remove the Red Mist.3.     Passing - Corrective Action = SVRA issued their recommendation for making a safe pass,which I think is worthwhile to share: The responsibility for a clean pass restswith both drivers. Primary responsibility is with the overtaking car. Cornerstations will advise slower cars with a blue/yellow flag (passing flag.) Watchyour mirrors. If practical, the overtaken driver should clearly indicate to theovertaking driver on which side the pass should be made while maintaining apredictable racing line.  See VSCDA recommended Ace Factor E. Paul Passing attached   I want to thank all of those dedicated VSCDA members that are or have been in DC.  I know their job is notalways appreciated as it should be for keeping us safe through enforcing andeliminating bad players that are not willing to learn and change theirbehavior.  We enjoy this exciting sport ofVintage Sports Car Racing and we want to keep it safe and reasonable so itcontinues to be fair for all of us.  Aspecial thanks to Gary Kropf who has taken the time to document theseincidents into a Xcl Spreadsheet so it can be more clearly understood.  I know compiling these incidents has taken a lot of his personal time tocondense into a meaningful document for our Group 2 and other VSCDA RacingGroups. 
Our vision for the SMRS Jim Donato "Most Respected DriverAward", is important as it relates to this situation more than ever and is stated below: 1. Predictable / Trusted (uses mirrors, points faster carsby, passes safely and allows others room to pass and is always a defensivedriver (over winning at all cost), stays on racing line except when carfailures would leave fluids on track or safety is a concern)  2. Objective: Listens to others and approaches other driversthat they may have an issue with in an open and fair way. Can sit down with anydriver and feel comfortable that they did the right thing when on the track.  3. Observant: Looks forward to observe incidents and flagstations, inspects car between sessions for safety to avoid causing accidentsto others on track.  4. Respectful: Avoids Red Mist, which is identified as anemotional aggressive win There are 2 attachments with this email that I would recommendthat everyone reviews: ·        2021 Group Incident Report Summary ·        Ace Factor Scanned Copy of recommended passingby E Paul  I hope that everyone has time this Winter to review thesedocuments and personally apply how we can all be better Vintage Sports CarDrivers and carry on the Vintage Spirit Attitude.  
Now get back to your Race Spridget so you can make Gingerman and Enjoy A Great Season!!!! 
VSCDA Group 2 Representative Enjoy  a Spridgetly Life! Stan Mason  
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