Suspect the format may take a tweak due to the very late finish, as soon as i know i will let you know.
Hopefully we didnt put you off too much and will see you again soon.
Karting at Red Lodge
Haha, yes, dried out now. Was a giggle driving on slicks in full wet conditions!
After a warm muggy afternoon there was a very dark cloud as we approached the circuit. Qualifying was on a recently dried track but the heavens really opened during the racing. I figured the main thing for the first laps would be to keep out of trouble, whilst getting a feel for the wet conditions. Sure enough I gained places by avoiding spun karts dead ahead, and managed a couple of spins myself - on one occasion re-starting without losing my place. In the end I got second in the C-final. Lines had to be adapted to avoid the deepest puddles, and lightening could be seen in the distance!
Tweaking the format to fit more comfortably into an evening will be good; will look forward to the next round.
After a warm muggy afternoon there was a very dark cloud as we approached the circuit. Qualifying was on a recently dried track but the heavens really opened during the racing. I figured the main thing for the first laps would be to keep out of trouble, whilst getting a feel for the wet conditions. Sure enough I gained places by avoiding spun karts dead ahead, and managed a couple of spins myself - on one occasion re-starting without losing my place. In the end I got second in the C-final. Lines had to be adapted to avoid the deepest puddles, and lightening could be seen in the distance!
Tweaking the format to fit more comfortably into an evening will be good; will look forward to the next round.
We felt much the same thing and have revised the format a little. We will now run just 2 finals (max 32 drivers) but run on the first Wednesday AND following Thursday night. The benefits are clearly everyone gets away sooner and also that more people can take part.
We will also be able to get the Pitstop Diner opened to allow drivers the chance to get hot food which will be handy for those who come straight from work. So long as it is used the owner will be happy to have it open for every round (it is not run by the circuit).
Photos have appeared at Sprocket Photography and links to the results and report are on the homepage of the Red Lodge Karting website.
We will also be able to get the Pitstop Diner opened to allow drivers the chance to get hot food which will be handy for those who come straight from work. So long as it is used the owner will be happy to have it open for every round (it is not run by the circuit).
Photos have appeared at Sprocket Photography and links to the results and report are on the homepage of the Red Lodge Karting website.
Any other day we would have pressed ahead and we had left a C group card out of the hat to ensure it would not affect things. However about 5pm the battery backup that powers the timing system in the event of a power cut went loopy and knocked the entire timing system out. The IT company were still fiddling with it as you were signing in so we couldnt start even if we wanted to.
It was a little like a duck, all calm on the surface and paddling furiously under the water. Bit of luck to get going at all really and then we had the reward of a drowning for our efforts. You gotta laugh sometimes.
It was a little like a duck, all calm on the surface and paddling furiously under the water. Bit of luck to get going at all really and then we had the reward of a drowning for our efforts. You gotta laugh sometimes.
Ah ok, I don't think it was generally known that you had a problem with the timing system - the word in the room was that waiting for the latecomer had delayed things, followed by mild grumbling. Atmosphere was great once we got out on track, and you guys did a great job of running things through the extraordinary weather.
Sorry for the delay in answering that, i have been on holiday for a fortnight and only got back Wednesday. The current situation is this:
32 drivers have entered and Wednesday nights event is full.
Somewhere between 4-8 drivers are currently entered for Thursdays overspill day.
Phone calls were made this afternoon to try to get some Wednesday drivers to swap to Thursday but no-one could or wanted to.
We have basically been caught out in that by trying to accomodate everyone without knowing how many drivers we would lose or gain from last month which has left us with the rather iffy looking small Thursday grid. If last month was anything to go by we picked up around 16 entries in the final week so i am hopeful it will be a large grid for what its worth.
I have literally just been in a meeting with the circuits owners before i left to try to find a way forward and the following decision has been made.
This month the Thursday event will take place with the original points system in place meaning winning Thursdays final will carry the same number of points as Wednesdays. I have been told the Thursday grid is made up of new drivers so this will not affect the standings too badly.
The remainder of the year will be capped at 32 drivers with 2 finals. This will mean entering early or running the risk of missing out. A 48 hour cancellation policy will be in place meaning if you cannot make it your entry will be carried over so long as 48hrs notice has been given in order that a replacement can be found.
The series was always going to be a bit of a learning curve and we have been basically caught out by the events popularity. Had we had 32 or less drivers the first month we would have known we didnt have time for 3 finals and none of the ensuing confusion would have occurred.
I am keen this remains a drivers series so i am more than happy to listen to your ideas or suggestions.
Ending on a positive note i can confirm the Pitstop Diner will be open Wednesday night so you can enjoy some hot food on the night. Weather forecat for Wednesday night is currently dry.
32 drivers have entered and Wednesday nights event is full.
Somewhere between 4-8 drivers are currently entered for Thursdays overspill day.
Phone calls were made this afternoon to try to get some Wednesday drivers to swap to Thursday but no-one could or wanted to.
We have basically been caught out in that by trying to accomodate everyone without knowing how many drivers we would lose or gain from last month which has left us with the rather iffy looking small Thursday grid. If last month was anything to go by we picked up around 16 entries in the final week so i am hopeful it will be a large grid for what its worth.
I have literally just been in a meeting with the circuits owners before i left to try to find a way forward and the following decision has been made.
This month the Thursday event will take place with the original points system in place meaning winning Thursdays final will carry the same number of points as Wednesdays. I have been told the Thursday grid is made up of new drivers so this will not affect the standings too badly.
The remainder of the year will be capped at 32 drivers with 2 finals. This will mean entering early or running the risk of missing out. A 48 hour cancellation policy will be in place meaning if you cannot make it your entry will be carried over so long as 48hrs notice has been given in order that a replacement can be found.
The series was always going to be a bit of a learning curve and we have been basically caught out by the events popularity. Had we had 32 or less drivers the first month we would have known we didnt have time for 3 finals and none of the ensuing confusion would have occurred.
I am keen this remains a drivers series so i am more than happy to listen to your ideas or suggestions.
Ending on a positive note i can confirm the Pitstop Diner will be open Wednesday night so you can enjoy some hot food on the night. Weather forecat for Wednesday night is currently dry.