10 replies to this topic

[Larry Mattingly]

NEW PENN-OHIO PROCEDURES

NEW PRACTICE FORMAT

Due to the increasing number of participants at P-O events, the following practice format for road course tracks will be implemented to ensure that every racer has an opportunity to practice on race day.

Approximately 80 minutes of practice time will be allotted ... 8:15 to 9:35 AM. Practice will be divided into six (6) individual sessions lasting for 11 minutes.

Drivers will form two practice lines at each end of the control panel. The first four drivers in each line will make up each practice session.

The eight drivers in each session will be divided into two groups.

The RED group will practice on: red-green-blue-purple lanes. Rotation will be to the RIGHT, with purple going to the red lane after the first segment.

The BLACK group will practice on: black-yellow-orange-white lanes. Rotation will be to the LEFT, with white going to the black lane after the first segment.

Track power will be on for two minutes per lane, and then turned off for one minute to rotate lanes.

At the conclusion of each session the track power will be turned off for two minutes. Drivers must exit the track, permitting the next eight drivers in line to begin the next session. Exiting drivers must go to the end of one of the two lines, if they desire additional practice.

IT WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL TRACKS TO EITHER AUTOMATICALLY, OR MANUALLY CONTROL THE PRACTICE SESSIONS.

The track power will NOT be turned on again for road course practice when stock car features on the ovals begin. Practice on ALL tracks, and for ALL classes ends at 9:35 AM.

## The BoD will evaluate the new format at the opening race. There is a possibility that the total number of sessions could be reduced to five and practice time increased to three minutes on each lane.

Please keep in mind Saturday morning practice is a time to shake down your cars and familiarize yourself with the track. It is NOT intended to be used for major testing.

TECH

Racers are reminded that you are responsible for your car meeting ALL the rules of the class you are racing. "Close' and 'almost' is no longer acceptable. If your car is wrong, you will be asked to fix it, or it will not be approved to race.

COURTESY

Items such as marshaling, deliberate crashing, on-track etiquette, misbehavior/temper tantrums, etc., will be addressed. Expect warnings and possible penalties this season regarding the above.

Submitted for the Penn-Ohio BoD by Larry Mattingly

[Dan Ebert]

I see you have allowed yourself room for tweaking this plan. In my 25 years of racing this is the most regimented system for practice I have ever seen. I have my doubts, but I will be open-minded when I come to race.

But the best idea, and one you should stand by, is the no practice after 9:35. This will be the biggest move to keep things on time during the raceday.

Thank you for putting thought and effort into the racers and track owners concerns.

Dan

[Larry Mattingly]

Dan

The new practice format is the result of several racers telling us they couldn't get on the track due to several racers monopolizing the lanes... leaving their controllers hooked up while going back to the pits to work on cars, etc.

With the prospect of 30 or more racers at P-O races this year we felt we needed to enact a system which guarantees every racer some practice time.

We looked at some other systems, but this one seemed like it should work.

And, we'll change things a bit if necessary.

Two of the tracks don't have ovals, so to be fair and consistent we are not extending the practice time at the tracks that do.

LM

[Dennis Krivacek]

With all due respect, I for one didn't know that this was an issue. Admittedly, I am one who has been guilty of leaving my controller hooked up while running back to the pit area. BUT... there was never anyone waiting for track time.

So... are we going to further complicate matters by enforcing a regimented practice???

I have NEVER seen ANYONE "monoplizing" a lane, who did not willingly relinquish the lane on request.

So... again... WHY further muck up things by yet more rules? Cannot we just be gentlemen about this without such a regimen?

I honestly appreciate all that persons do to make the Penn-Ohio such a success, but are we not overcomplicating things???

[Larry Mattingly]

Dennis

I would suggest you talk with John McMillan and Brian McPherson. They have a totally opposite view on the situation.

I really don't know how to ensure that 30 plus racers can be guaranteed practice in an 80 minute time period without some regimentation...

As my father used to say: 'You can't fit ten pounds of crap into a five pound bag'...

Some within P-O don't feel that the BoD 'listens' to the racers and that many things aren't 'strict' enough.

We will see how many of the dissidents accept the new structure, since some of them were guilty of breaking the very rules they wanted to be made stricter...

LM

[Dennis Krivacek]

Larry,

Point taken and understood!

I am in no way attempting to stir the pot. My point was simply if something isn't broke then it doesn't need fixed. I respect Brian and John's opinions as well as respecting any other persons opinions.

I would expect that this was discussed by the BoD, but would respectfully question what the general consensus among the participants of the Penn-Ohio is.

Again... I'm in no way expressing any disrespect towards the BoD OR any of the participants. I am just seeking clarification as to WHY the procedure has been changed because of a couple complaints,

Den

[One_Track_Mind]

I am just seeking clarification as to WHY the procedure has been changed because of a couple complaints.

Hi Denny,

It's because he wants to make it so difficult that it won't work and then he switches it back and says "SEE, Brian I told you so!"

Larry likes to get personal toward me, and I don't know why?

[Larry Mattingly]

Dennis,

The main reason for the change was an honest assessment on the BoD's part that, as the number of participants in P-O continues to increase, the difficulty of ensuring practice time for EVERYONE will get to be a bigger issue.

If someone can come up with a way to GUARANTEE that 30 racers can receive equal practice time in the 80 minute time frame that is open... we will be happy to take a look at the plan. Not everyone is as courteous as they could, or should be.

I don't think taking a 'vote' will solve anything. The issue (and solution) is finding a way to guarantee everyone an equal amount of practice time.

If we only attracted twelve racers, or ran three classes this issue wouldn't even be up for discussion.

LM

[Larry Mattingly]

Brian

Nothing could be further from the truth...

It is true that you are typical of many who offer complaints, in that you offer no viable solutions.

We felt the practice issue had merit, and we (ALL three members of the BoD) came up with a potential solution. I don't have a crystal ball, so we will see how it works, and make modifications if necessary.

I like to get personal toward you? Surely you jest.

Allow me to be as clear and concise as I can be. We will NEVER be able to please everyone in a series this large and diversified.

My general recommendation to everyone is that if the P-O series is that bad in your opinion, or if the general rules don't meet your standards... stay home.

One racer told me he doesn't like the way P-O does things, so he isn't coming any more. I respect his decision. Better to stay home than be miserable and unhappy.

This thread is open to discussion about the new procedure.

Any further personal remarks will be deleted and/or the thread will be locked.

LM

[Larry Mattingly]

This thread was posted to inform Penn-Ohio racers of new procedures that will go into effect at the season opener at Rte. 93 on Sept 10.

Dan Ebert and Dennis Krivacek offered their opinions on the procedures, which was appreciated.

Others insist on making this a personal issue, despite be asked to stay on topic.

Since some can't play by the rules, the topic is now locked.

LM

[Larry Mattingly]

Since racers demonstrated at the opening Rte. 93 race that the 'new' regimented practice procedure is not necessary, by being courteous to one another, the BoD has rescinded the above posted practice schedule.

Racers are encouraged to ask other racers to vacate a lane so they may practice. Additionally racers are encouraged to disconnect controlers that are left hooked-up while racers are working on cars in the pit area.

From all reports things worked out well, so there is no need for the posted rule change.

LM