As a Race Promoter how do you run your races?

[ndvalium]

So the Vegas to Reno thread turned into the same conversation about starting orders, time limits, and other race operations type stuff....

There are so many opinions and suggestions intermingled with the irrational armchair or knee jerk reactions that I truly would like to see if there is a good solution out there. Bike guys, Quads, UTV and Car and Truck classes will all have different suggestions but I am wondering what common solutions might exist.

I have a passion for the safety of others and have dedicated the last 18 years to it. I dont just want to respond when something happens, I want to respond before and see if we can at least decrease the chances of something tragic. I dont like telling familes there is nothing more I can do for their loved one....If you havent done it, believe me it sucks,

Race promoters have some very big challenegs and a lot of that side I also understand from getting to sit in many a long tedious meeting wishing I was at a much more enjoyable proctology exam. BLM does have limits on the amount of time you can do a land closure and longer periods mean more money. For those that did not hear, Casey had to pull 40 different permits to pull off this race. The Volunteers have lives and other than a shirt and a couple stickers they recieve nothing other than the rocks and dirt you pelt them with as you go by their position. we all do this for the love of it. Including you as racers....

So I look to you guys and girls for suggestions. You are now the stuck as the Race Promoter. You have to decide how long a course, starting order for classes. Would you limit entries, pit cut off times, finishing times and all the parts of a race that you are familiar with. I seriously would like to hear your feedback, and then see of some of it can be approached with promoters. I personally meet with Casey several times a month. I will be happy to approach BITD and see what options might be there. Obvioulsy there is no way I will say this will change but I am willing to ask - I am willing to do more than just ** ¡Ay, caramba!**** ¡Ay, caramba!**** ¡Ay, caramba!**** ¡Ay, caramba!**** ¡Ay, caramba!** about it.

If you dont have a suggestion for improvement and just want to rant I encourage you to visit another thread - Lets see what you would do -

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[dan200]

i would start the bikes two at a time to give the four wheel vehicles a bigger gap behind them when they start...

[nimrod]

Land rush start, 100k purse winner take all, open to all classes as long as Score tagged. Rows of 4 determined by qualifying, start on El Diablo end in Mexicali. Up the wash and head towards Valle T, end up in Mexacali.

Race takes place in January.

Sorry no bikes, they get their own separate race.

[randy s]

.........i don't have the slightest idea

[Zambo]

Standardized signals to show that you know you're caught are are looking to pull over. A standard arm signal for riders and maybe a switchable light for vehicles.

Real driver's meetings to go over real race stuff with drivers, not a big pep rally with a thousand people present. Hand out wristbands after the meeting. Close the doors at the beginning of the meeting and hand out penalties to late arrivals. Use videos to show the right way to do stuff (and the wrong way).

UTVs back with cars/trucks and a bigger gap between bikes and C/Ts. MUCH bigger. Pull straggling riders off the course in a reasonable timeframe.

Design courses where people can actually pass each other.

[randy s]

i suppose you could buy a small third world country somewhere in central america and have races every other week with nekkid girls runnin' all over the place.. and give away alot of weed to the winners.............i told you i didn't have the slightest idea...

[pdailey]

Standardized signals to show that you know you're caught are are looking to pull over. A standard arm signal for riders and maybe a switchable light for vehicles.

Real driver's meetings to go over real race stuff with drivers, not a big pep rally with a thousand people present. Hand out wristbands after the meeting. Close the doors at the beginning of the meeting and hand out penalties to late arrivals. Use videos to show the right way to do stuff (and the wrong way).

UTVs back with cars/trucks and a bigger gap between bikes and C/Ts. MUCH bigger. Pull straggling riders off the course in a reasonable timeframe.

Design courses where people can actually pass each other.

Zambo, you nailed it my friend.

[Rory]

1- Get a REAL set of guidlines from the BLM that are actually obtainable and fair since the off road industry lines their pretty little kahki's with OVERTIME money. I have no problem with being policed but when there are a different set of rules from one race series to the other and you get a ticket for one thing at one race but it is totally legal at the next one.
2- Standardized rules for ALL series would be nice.
3- Some sort of new racer orentation or possibly not elegible to race a pro class until you prove yourself in a sportsman type class. I love new blood in the sport but a guy that has never raced an off road race in his life should not be allowed to race a TT without a little experience.....dangerous for himself, spectators and fellow racers.

[snoreracer]

Start the sportsman bikes and utvs after the cars and reduce the time between the pro bikes and the car start

[racinteach]

Zambo has it right.. Education is vital.. universal signals that driver are required to know and should be posted in the cars.. I like the signal light, letting them know you are coming up behind.. however that can be used for advantage as well, as the chasing driver will back off a bit allowing the car in front to play rabbit.. Starting bikes 2 at a time is a good way to give them more cushion. UTVS in front of the 12 cars .. I would look at weight and horsepower of the cars.. which will get damaged more if hit by another vehicle, let them start behind the heavier car, but you would have to look average times and speed to factor in as well. Example a UTV may move quicker then stock truckin tight terrain, but the truck will move quicker when it opens up.. truck will punt UTV .. so ave speeds and times should be looked at for starting times..