2010 rules

Folks:

After the last I.M.A.R. race of the season at Jerry’s track we finished fairly early and so the assembled racers held an impromptu discussion regarding rules and any possible changes for next season. This was not a Rules Meeting, instead merely a discussion to perhaps streamline the eventual Rules Meeting and to raise issues that need to be considered. If anyone has further suggestions or comments, feel free to reply and I will post for all to consider. AGAIN – THIS WAS A DISCUSSION, NOT A RULES MEETING AND WE ARE ACTIVELY SEEKING RULES PROPOSALS FOR THIS COMING SEASON.



We also thought it would be a good idea to hold a Rules meeting in July, probably at Jerry’s house to discuss and vote on any rules changes. We will await a date from jerry when we can hold this meeting. T is also thought that we could use the Rules Meeting as a practice session – if time allows.



As before folks who can’t make the Rules Meeting can submit proxy votes with attendees and their vote will be counted. The key factor here is that if you have ideas for rules changes – please submit them so that we can all review and consider them before the Rules Meeting. This should save us time during the meeting itself.



Here are some of the prevailing opinions voiced during this discussion:



· Opinion was voiced that we ought not to make very many changes to the rules at all for next season

o Opinion was voiced that we ought to limit rules changes to perhaps two classes or so, perhaps every year. The thought being that too many changes are disruptive to the continuity of the club and may confuse and possibly alienate some members. That is what we seek to avoid.

§ that these changes be made to either simplify rules or make classes more accessible to both new and prior members

· Strong opinion was voiced that we allow tire changes in all classes so that you could use tires of choice in all classes – not wheels of choice – tires of choice

· Opinion was voiced that IRL Class be eliminated

o Reasoning

§ That these cars seem not to be readily available any more, let alone for the cheap prices that once predominated

§ That they are difficult to repair and that replacement parts seem not to be not readily available

· e.g. The wings have broken off many and they don’t look good

§ That with the F1 cars we have another open wheel class and IRL seemed not to be a real favorite

· Opinion was voiced that perhaps we create a “double or split” class from the Classic Sports Racers Class.

o What this means is that we would essentially split this class into two separate classes.

§ Class A would use either current rules or very similar rules, so folks could still race their current entries. Meaning that the SlotIt cars would be legal

§ Class B would use a different, more restrictive set of rules, quite possibly the same or very similar to older rules for this class

· Class B would race specific make of cars

1. Thoughts were that Fly Classic cars and perhaps Monogram cars, unmodified and pretty much stock (tire change allowed if rule suggestion passes) so folks could race the cars they used to race several years ago

1. Tire change seen to be critical in this class because of low quality and durability of Fly tires (anyone have any strange liquid oozing from old Fly tires – I do!)

2. Most people thought that if we continue this as a magnet less class it would even things up more readily

· Opinion was voiced that GT Class rules perhaps be modified – it has always been the toughest class to regulate due to the wide variety of car choices.

§ A suggestion – move to a manufacturer specified rule (e.g. only Scalex cars allowed with few changes)

· Strong opinion was universally voiced that we ought to enforce the rules universally and without exception – meaning that we will not allow non-conforming cars to race – ever. Even if that car is not competitive.



Thanks,



Matt Stone