ERC Race Series - Euro Saloons & Sports

[ERC]

Good point Parnelli - even though it may be tongue in cheek!

There are different handicapping philosophies. Some believe that the fastest car should always win and some do operate that system in NZ - often unknowingly.

The system we operate under is that theoretically, every car crosses the finish line at exactly the same time - which is of course impossible! However, as our philosophy is also that the guy with the fastest car may or not win either the race or the series, then it is quite possible that the fastest car may only be two seconds behind the winner, yet may only get 8th place.

One yellow flag at just one corner for 30 seconds can also totally change the race outcome - but who really cares?

If drivers expect to win because they have the fattest chequebook, then the ERC Series is not for them. If a driver starts and finishes every race in the series, then they are pretty well guaranteed to be in the top five at the end of the season. The rules (that Dale doesn't believe exist) clearly state that supporting the series will be of considerable benefit as points are still awarded for races two and three, even if the car failed during practice or race one.

It isn't for everyone as some have a mindset that winning is all, but if we encouraged that, then no one in their right mind would be pedalling an 1800cc MGB, a 1600cc Ford Escort or a VW Golf.

[crunch]

Good point Parnelli - even though it may be tongue in cheek!

There are different handicapping philosophies. Some believe that the fastest car should always win and some do operate that system in NZ - often unknowingly.

The system we operate under is that theoretically, every car crosses the finish line at exactly the same time - which is of course impossible! However, as our philosophy is also that the guy with the fastest car may or not win either the race or the series, then it is quite possible that the fastest car may only be two seconds behind the winner, yet may only get 8th place.

One yellow flag at just one corner for 30 seconds can also totally change the race outcome - but who really cares?

If drivers expect to win because they have the fattest chequebook, then the ERC Series is not for them. If a driver starts and finishes every race in the series, then they are pretty well guaranteed to be in the top five at the end of the season. The rules (that Dale doesn't believe exist) clearly state that supporting the series will be of considerable benefit as points are still awarded for races two and three, even if the car failed during practice or race one.

It isn't for everyone as some have a mindset that winning is all, but if we encouraged that, then no one in their right mind would be pedalling an 1800cc MGB, a 1600cc Ford Escort or a VW Golf.

Of course, it goes without saying that according to the Historic & Classic philosophy that all MSNZ clubs subscribe to; that there should be no winners or competition...so it's all academic really....isn't it??

[Parnelli]

Good point Parnelli - even though it may be tongue in cheek!

There are different handicapping philosophies. Some believe that the fastest car should always win and some do operate that system in NZ - often unknowingly.

The system we operate under is that theoretically, every car crosses the finish line at exactly the same time - which is of course impossible! However, as our philosophy is also that the guy with the fastest car may or not win either the race or the series, then it is quite possible that the fastest car may only be two seconds behind the winner, yet may only get 8th place.

One yellow flag at just one corner for 30 seconds can also totally change the race outcome - but who really cares?

If drivers expect to win because they have the fattest chequebook, then the ERC Series is not for them. If a driver starts and finishes every race in the series, then they are pretty well guaranteed to be in the top five at the end of the season. The rules (that Dale doesn't believe exist) clearly state that supporting the series will be of considerable benefit as points are still awarded for races two and three, even if the car failed during practice or race one.

It isn't for everyone as some have a mindset that winning is all, but if we encouraged that, then no one in their right mind would be pedalling an 1800cc MGB, a 1600cc Ford Escort or a VW Golf.

Yeah Ray, The tongue stuck to the cheek makes it hard to eat the humble pie. My point was the added fun for both competitors and spectators that is achievable under a handicap race system far outweighs a procession of fastest cars first. Some of the most remembered races in history have been when backmarkers work there way thru the pack and idealistically everyone finishes on the same lap , fairly close together.