Those with Pre-war entry problems might like to consider handicap races.
(The idea is based on races run at Brooklands where nearly all races were
handicapped. It was not uncommon then for some classes to use a chicane
while other classes did not!!!)
The VSCC in the UK run what are termed Handicap races. Normally 2 or 3 in
a ten race programme. The idea is quite
straight forward. In a normal scratch race everyone leaves the grid
together and after 10 laps are spread out as they cross the finish line.
This spread is a reflection on the speed and age of the car and the
ability of the driver.
Handicap races are designed to give everyone a chance of victory
independant of what car they drive. The grid is arranged with the slowest
cars at the front, fastest at the rear. Cars are then started on their own
or row by row and given a head start on the cars behind. The last car on
the grid is refered to as the scratch car, and all other cars towards the
front are given a handicap.
Obviously, good racing relies heavily on the determination of the
handicap. Handicaps are produced by a team of handicappers who study lap
times at previous races at the current or other venues, and also practice
times. Anyone beating their handicap by a large margin is excluded and has
their card marked. As well the difference in lap times (1 sec/lap over 5
laps gives the car in front a 5 second head start) cars at the back are
allowed 1/4sec per car in front for over taking.
Are they a sucecss? Yes is the answer as they get full grids of what would
normally be uncompetative pre-war cars. They are also fun too! As
throughout the race the track around you gets busier and busier!!!
Incidentally, it is considered unsafe to run cars with a great speed
differential
Geraint Owen
|