Let's face it, there are enough vehicles that don't clear the course
properly and delay the next run to add probably 30% more runs during an
average day of competition. Add to that the number of vehicles that
just are not ready to run at the start ... another 20%? How many cars
could be run if competitors just were considerate? The long course is
for cars that run over 175 in the quarter. How many announced times do
you hear in the second and third miles that are sub 175?
If those cars were off the course another car could run but often they
are the ones that delay running because they don't properly clear the
course because of their mechanical problems and either need to be towed
or pushed off to a safe location. In closed course racing every car
has a tow point where they can be lifted and removed from the course.
Obviously there are such spots on many land speed cars too but they are
often not that accessible and for many reasons the car owners would
prefer they not be used by those not familiar with the car.
Put the onus on the competitors to keep things moving. The starters,
timers and safety folks are doing the best they can while dealing with
who they have to deal with. W ith better cooperation those lines would
move MUCH faster.
Just my observations.
Wes
|