[Spridgets] SMRS Safety / Vintage Philosophy

[stanbmason at aol.com]

VSCDA Group 2 andSpridget Racers 2024 Season

(Revised September 23,2024)

I hope everyone’s 2024 Vintage Sports Car Season was fun formost of you.  There were others,especially Spridgets that were not, as a result of contact and majorrepairs.  This is a concern to me as theVSCDA Group 2 Representative. We have encouraged the Vintage Spirit for overthe 13 years that Sprite Midget Race Series group has existed, yet it does notseem to be applied recently.  We havebecome the majority of the entrants in Group 2 with our number 50% or greater.  I understand that with more in the group thatthe probability of more accidents is possible, which I don’t see as an excusefor increased incidents.  Group 2 had 8incidents resulting in 38% of overall incidents within VSCDA.  Sprite Midgets incidents are 64% of Group2.  I wanted to get this information outbefore the Ozark Race coming up on October 11-13 and hope that everyone will bemore conscious of this issue.

 
Some of the Good News is Passing under Yellow has been a concern for some years andit appears that there has been improvements this year by imposing stricterenforcement with some being sent home for the weekend.
Incidents and corrective actions:I want to highlight and group our 2024 incidents so there is an awareness ofwhere these mistakes are made and corrective actions to consider.   The following comments are my opinions withsome reference to other technical sources. I am not criticizing individuals forthe incidents that they experienced, since they have happened to me aswell.  Some of the sources referencedwere: (AF = Ace Factor E. Paul Dickinson)

1.      Mechanical - a car had a mechanical issue and resulted in another car coming incontact 

a.      Corrective action – This is difficult and basedon how to avoid a spinning car.   Anticipation is emphasized in AF and thefollowing car may have avoided accident with Anticipation.

2.      Over aggressiveness – This happened where morethan 3 cars were in a turn or at the start of the race.  

a.      Corrective action - Reducing competiveness andmaking room and awareness of others around through using mirrors is the bestsolution.  When in doubt don’t would bethe best path.  There will be otheropportunities where it will be safer to pass in future laps. 

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

a.      Corrective action – The first lap is always themost critical with everyone in close contact, any mistakes made then areusually going to result in contact with others. Give room and maintain position with great awareness of everyone aroundyou.

4.      Drafting - Described as running very closely toget an aerodynamic advantage allowing the following car to gain speed.

a.      Corrective action – This is a condition thatreduces time to react because of close contact and usually done on a straightwhere higher speeds are also involved. Not doing it is the ultimate solution to this condition.  If you are going to do it then Extra Anticipationis required.  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 thatmay result in a chain reaction.

I am including our Jim Donato Most Respected Drivers AwardCriteria, which always applies:

1. Predictable / Trusted: (usesmirrors, points faster cars by, passes safely and allows others room to passand is always a defensive driver over winning at all cost), stays on racingline except when car failures would leave fluids on track or safety is aconcern) 

2. Objective: Listens to othersand approaches other drivers that they may have 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. 

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

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

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://autox.team.net/pipermail/spridgets/attachments/20240925/944a7195/attachment.htm>