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O.K. Time to chime in:
Bill, Ron and all- We can run all the classes that currently are on the schedules by working in conjunction with the racers provided they work with us:
Item # 1.) Pre-registration. (it's very simple so let's not make it complex!)
If the racers comply with the clubs request/mandate and pre-register (with their money) it alllows the club(s) the necessary pre-race set up rather than a guesstimate on which classes will have enough boats and which classes need eliminations thus losing valuable time with long and drawn out driver's meetings, etc.. Getting the racers to comply with this is an ongoing battle that still mystifies me. I don't know if you realize but boat racing though one of the oldest institutions still doesn't require pre-registration at most event (unless you get to the series level). ad- It is also the only form of motorized racing that doesn't mandate pre-registration at all events or for the year.
Item # 2.) Schedules. See pre-registration in item # 1 and set a realistic schedule and enforce the racers to be ready and in the water turned around at least 1 heat prior to their heat makes all the difference in the world. If you wait until the last minute to put your boat in the water, back it down the ramp, etc. you delay the schedule. All racers should have a copy of the schedule (with any changes) posted at his/her pits, watch and be aware of the class preceeding them and LISTEN to all announcements from the judges stand. If a racer has a question they should grab their pit manager (who should have a radio) and get their questions asked.
Item # 3.) Race Set up: Having a pre-race meeting with staff/officials etc. is paramount to making sure the race get's going on-time. Lay out the "game plan" and make sure all set up boats and volunteers are in position either the day before (if allowed) or morning of the event. Waiting until driver's meeting to set the course means delayed starts.
Item #4.) Manpower/officials/volunteers: Make sure there is enough and some extra to insure that if someone can't make it the race will still go on with no delays. Make sure ambulance, rescue etc. are on-site at least 1/2 to 1 hour prior to start.
The nonsense about too many classes, Le Mans starts, etc. is just that. I have personally been able to run 40 heats/day and still finish by 5:00 p.m. Granted there were no incidents or weather but those are two of the many variables that no club can control.
The racer needs to realize their part and do it so the club/promoters can start on time, set a realistic schedule and not have to stress their workers.
It's time to start working hand in hand rather than take a "management vs. labor" stance. The racer and the club/promoters are intertwined neither can succeed without each other. For the club/promoter it's real easy, lose too much money, lose race sites and have racers constantly complain the club will end up going away. For the Racer, pre-register, set up and be ready long before your class is called to the line.
I alway's have post race meetings to elaborate on what we can do better to serve both the racer and our staff. We know what we did right now how can we change or fix what we did wrong or need to do better.
Let's see if being prepared on both sides and working together towards a common goal can't make racing the best it can be at whatever level.
Just my $.02, off the soap box for now.
Ross
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