Dick,
We have been using radio communication in our vintage racing since
1993. We installed them after I "parked" our racer on the Turn One
wall at Steamboat Springs. Neither I nor the car was injured, but my
crew, unable to see that portion of the track, were very disturbed
when the session was Red Flagged and I didn't come around.
Since that incident, we installed the radios and use them like Rick
does, gauge readings and warnings to me, the driver, of incidents
ahead on the track. They are especially helpful on race starts when
the start has been waved off prior to my being able to see the
Starter. I'm not that fast and usually start in the back of the grid
and it's nice to know any information to help me stay out of trouble.
Yes, we've been accused of cheating and having my spotter tell me when
to block someone, but if they took the time to listen to our
frequency, they would hear the exact opposite; my spotter telling me
when the faster cars were coming and to be sure to look for them in my
mirrors so that I could take steps NOT to impede their progress. And
in some cases, just get out ot the way.
I too was involved with SCCA in the 70's and am REALLY glad that
Vintage racing exists today. I would not be racing if we only had
SCCA.
One other point. Seems that some think that if we didn't race with it
the past then we shouldn't be using it in Vintage racing now.
Hmmmm... Didn't used to have full face helmets, three layer suits,
HANS, carbon brake pads, cool suits, etc. Some say that those are
safety things and contribute to the safety of the driver. I say that
my radio communication is a safety thing and the information that my
crew relays to me re the oil spill in Turn Three helps me avoid
hitting that oil and perhaps running off the track or worse, into
another vintage car.
So Dick, I say go for the radios. If you find that they are not
something that you want to continue with, lay them down as you would
any other tool. BTW, I've had very good coverage at tracks in your
area. The now "retired" Mead, Steamboat Springs, Second Creek, Pikes
Peak International as well as Pueblo, La Guna Seca, Sears Point,
Phoenix International, Las Vegas, and of course the new Miller
Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City. Just remember, you get what you
pay for. Buy cheap radios and you won't be happy.
Roger Davis
______________________________________________________________
From: "Rick Starkweather" <rstarkweather@scottmadden.com>
To: "Myles Winbigler"
<mwinbigler@worldnet.att.net>,<vintage-race@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: [Vintage-race] 2 way radios
Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:36:55 -0400
>Myles:
>
>We uses it to monitor what's going with the car (gauge readings,
etc.).
>Also, to let the driver know when there has been an on-track
incident
>ahead.
>
>Richard D. Starkweather
>ScottMadden, Inc.
>919-781-4191 (office)
>919-345-9871 (mobile)
>-----Original Message-----
>From: vintage-race-bounces@autox.team.net
>[mailto:vintage-race-bounces@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Myles
>Winbigler
>Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 1:30 PM
>To: vintage-race@autox.team.net
>Subject: Re: [Vintage-race] 2 way radios
>
>Just when did amateur race car drivers start using radio
communication
>with
>their pit folks? I retired from SCCA competition at the end of
1972,
>and
>what I remember until then is pit boards to let you know position,
>seconds +
>or - , time to go and the like.
>
>Personal opinion: if you're looking for radios, you're taking
what is
>called "vintage racing" way too seriously.
>
>Myles Winbigler,SOVREN
>Having fun dicing with someone rather than trying to beat him/her
and
>not
>worrying about pit signals anymore.
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Nor Cal SAAC" <webmaster@norcal-saac.org>
>To: "Vintage Race Net" <vintage-race@autox.team.net>
>Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 7:58 AM
>Subject: Re: [Vintage-race] 2 way radios
>
>
> > ...the period correct radios really suck .....8-)
> >
> > DRR wrote:
> >> Has anyone had any experience - either good or bad - with
driver to
>crew
> >> radio communication? I have heard that most systems
can operate
>only
> >> when there is line of sight between the transmitter and
receptor. If
> >> this is true, that would seem to invalidate their use at most
road
> >> courses.
> >>
> >> Thanks for any advice.
> >>
> >> Dick Rothman
> >> Denver, Colorado
>_______________________________________________
>rstarkweather@scottmadden.com
>
>Vintage-race mailing list
>Vintage-race@autox.team.net
>http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/vintage-race
>_______________________________________________
>alpine87fp@msn.com
>
>Vintage-race mailing list
>Vintage-race@autox.team.net
>http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/vintage-race
_______________________________________________
Vintage-race mailing list
Vintage-race@autox.team.net
http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/vintage-race
|