Driving Standards
Model touring car racing is intended
to be a non-contact sport, and at WLRC it is also intended to be fun.
However, as in full sized car racing,
there are times when model cars need to race in close proximity. This can only
occur with the co-operation of the drivers involved and with a respect for each
other’s abilities. The difficulty of controlling the cars, even for experienced
drivers, will mean that some contact can occur, and this is normally accepted
under the excuse of being a “racing incident”. The worst that is likely to
happen is either a spin or quick roll (usually without damage). These
“incidents” may be expected to decrease as the experience and ability of the
driver increases. This is usually evident by the fewer collisions that occur in
the higher finals. It must be expected that if a driver has the skill and
ability to qualify for the “A” final, then he (or she) should have the ability
to race that final at an acceptable standard. Their peers know that certain
drivers carry a reputation for aggressive manoeuvres, and others have a certain
“expertise”? in the art of the “take out”. When these situations occur the best
redress should be a few quiet words on the drivers rostrum, not a
deliberate attempt to barge another car
off the track.
With qualifying times becoming ever
closer, the opportunities to overtake another car become fewer, so a clean and
decisive move becomes essential.
Some drivers still do not understand
that during qualifying you are not racing the other cars, you are only out to
set a time. If another car is obviously quicker than yours it is courteous to
allow them to pass with the minimum of delay. Remember that the only time
during the day that you are actually racing other cars is during the finals.
The
enjoyment of model car racing should be in beating your opponents fairly and
squarely through driving ability and car preparation skills. Having a permanent
referee and penalising persistent driving offenders will only reduce everyone's
enjoyment of what is intended to be FUN.
Adrian Jacob Memorial Race
A
big thank you to all drivers who supported the Adrian Jacob Memorial Race
meeting. You will be pleased to know that your efforts have resulted in the sum
of £855 to be donated to the Hillingdon Hospital Coronary Care Unit in Adrian's
memory. Many thanks to all those who donated raffle prizes, and congratulations
to Pete Stevens, who proved that age and experience can still triumph over
youth and enthusiasm, by winning the A final.
Crystals
Will
all competitors note they are expected to have at least two frequencies
available to them. During qualifying the computer will sort drivers so that no
frequency clashes occur. The finals are obviously sorted according to your
qualifying position, so if any frequency clashes occur then it is up to you
to resolve them. The failure to provide an alternative frequency may result in
some drivers being unable to take part in their final. This is tough, but it's
your problem, not the clubs, so solve it yourself by investing in some
alternative crystals.
Unfortunately, this seems to be gripe time, so here we
go again.
It appears that a few drivers seem to
think that marshalling is somehow beneath them and would rather go back and
work on their car or chat to their mates rather than spend five minutes
marshalling. It is part of the rules of racing that you shall marshal the heat
following yours. If you arrange a substitute and he or she does not appear, the
responsibility is still yours. The penalty for not marshalling is the loss of
your FTD. This penalty has not been assessed recently, but unless those guilty
(and they know who they are) start playing by the rules then they will be penalised
accordingly.
WLRC WINTER SERIES 2000/2001
The West London Winter Series has always
been a popular and well supported championship, but after last winter it is in
danger of becoming a victim of its own success. Bearing in mind the problems
last winter with parking, and the sheer time needed to run the meetings, the
committee have decided that the 2000-2001 winter championship shall be for WLRC
club members only, with an entry limit of 100 drivers.
The details are as follows:
l There will be one class only - scale saloon
(separate Stock and Modified divisions)
GT bodies will be permitted.
Otherwise to BRCA rules regarding weight and dimensions.
l Entry limited to 30 Stock and 70 Modified
(ie. a maximum of ten heats)
l No tyre, battery or motor restrictions
(Except Re-buildable 27 turn motors only in Stock class)
l The series Format will be:
Four qualifying rounds, Best Three from Four to count.
Finals meeting with three-leg finals for all qualifying drivers.
l Advance bookings only,
with entry closing on the Wednesday before the meeting date.
l Entries will only be accepted on
official entry forms, which may be posted, faxed or handed in at race control.
l NO "ON THE DAY" ENTRIES.
l NO TELEPHONE BOOKINGS.
Dates:
Round
1 November 12th 2000
(Entry closes Wed 8th)
Round
2 December 10th 2000
(Entry closes Wed 6th)
Round
3 January 14th 2001 (Entry closes
Wed 10th)
Round 4 February 11th 2001
(Entry closes Wed 7th)
Finals
Day March 11th 2001 Automatic entry
for all qualifiers
Dates
may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances
Entry forms are
available from race control or on the club website (www.wlrc.co.uk)
With
no BRCA touring car series this winter,
demand is likely to be high so get those entries in early!
A Final Reminder
If wet conditions prevail, please
exercise care with car parking around the track. If the grass becomes saturated
as it did last winter, we shall again be restricting parking. We would request
everyone squeeze in a bit if conditions are wet, to maximise the number of
vehicles on the hard surface around the track.
Hopefully, the entry limit for the
winter series will go some way towards easing this potential problem.
Please
keep the entry area (near the burger van) clear for pedestrians. Don't forget
Pole Hill Park is a public space, and
allow other park users access at all times.