PCA club race blocking?
05-03-2012, 05:49 PM
#152
Race Director
05-03-2012, 05:58 PM
#153
05-03-2012, 08:24 PM
#155
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There are many good points in this thread.
There are many interpretations on what constitutes blocking.
There seems to be many who are in favor of it as racecraft and think it should be accepted. I think there is a happy grey area.
I have never heard paddock talk to the effect of "Wow, Driver A did an excellent job of blocking me" although I have heard swearwords about the a hole driver who was blocking.
I suppose we will start seeing posts on here where we ask the "better drivers" how to block more effectively...
Q. I am a slow driver in a high hp car and an SP1 keeps passing me in the corners. What should I do?
A. Wait till he is ready to pass and cut over in front of him, then over brake. It will kill his momentum, then you can zoom away on the strait.
Reply 1: +1
Reply 2: Yes, that would be the sportsmanlike thing to do.
Reply 3: Yes, the SP1 knows you have a faster car anyway, so he won't mind it. In fact he will respect you as a driver because even though you don't have as much talent as him, you will prove that you are excellent at blocking.
There are many interpretations on what constitutes blocking.
There seems to be many who are in favor of it as racecraft and think it should be accepted. I think there is a happy grey area.
I have never heard paddock talk to the effect of "Wow, Driver A did an excellent job of blocking me" although I have heard swearwords about the a hole driver who was blocking.
I suppose we will start seeing posts on here where we ask the "better drivers" how to block more effectively...
Q. I am a slow driver in a high hp car and an SP1 keeps passing me in the corners. What should I do?
A. Wait till he is ready to pass and cut over in front of him, then over brake. It will kill his momentum, then you can zoom away on the strait.
Reply 1: +1
Reply 2: Yes, that would be the sportsmanlike thing to do.
Reply 3: Yes, the SP1 knows you have a faster car anyway, so he won't mind it. In fact he will respect you as a driver because even though you don't have as much talent as him, you will prove that you are excellent at blocking.
In class racing is where the debate is at. And yes, I've congratulated drivers on artful defensive driving, even (especially) at a National Championship race. I expect nothing less! It's my job to figure out how I can find an advantage from it, or despite it. If not, I learn something.
"One Move" is clear, and easily enforceable. Maybe it's not compatible with the PCA racing philosophy, but it at least sets a good standard to follow as far as clarity. I'd also add it's it's also not a prescription for carnage, because everyone knows what to expect. If I can brag on my class for a moment for a moment, 15 944 Spec cars ran 4 days at the National Championship last year, without any carnage, through the whole weekend. No protests, no DQ's. There was a whole lot of high level defensive driving going on!
Last edited by Sterling Doc; 05-03-2012 at 08:42 PM.
05-03-2012, 08:36 PM
#156
Burning Brakes
05-04-2012, 12:22 PM
#157
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I can see where the one move shouldn't be allowed. This is an example; coming up on lapped traffic and a car moves over, as you are about to pass, stopping your momentum!
I think this is what PCA is trying to prevent. But trying to stop all defensive driving is over the top. I also agree it should be explained clearly in the rule book what is or isn't allowed and not be some arbitrary call by a steward.
Thanks for all the good info.
Tim
Thanks for all the good info.
Tim
05-04-2012, 12:31 PM
#158
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I can see where the one move shouldn't be allowed. This is an example; coming up on lapped traffic and a car moves over, as you are about to pass, stopping your momentum! [url] I think this is what PCA is trying to prevent. But trying to stop all defensive driving is over the top. I also agree it should be explained clearly in the rule book what is or isn't allowed and not be some arbitrary call by a steward.
Thanks for all the good info.
Tim
Thanks for all the good info.
Tim
05-04-2012, 12:40 PM
#159
I can see where the one move shouldn't be allowed. This is an example; coming up on lapped traffic and a car moves over, as you are about to pass, stopping your momentum! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oEsGstttGs I think this is what PCA is trying to prevent. But trying to stop all defensive driving is over the top. I also agree it should be explained clearly in the rule book what is or isn't allowed and not be some arbitrary call by a steward.
Thanks for all the good info.
Tim
Thanks for all the good info.
Tim
Is this a race or a track day?
Scott
05-04-2012, 12:42 PM
#160
NASA Racer
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I have been run off the track there more times than I can count for no other reason than lack of awareness from the car in front
05-04-2012, 01:07 PM
#161
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I don't know the track...or the driver....but it looks like all he did was go to the apex of the corner. There is no overlap when he moves to the apex of the corner and your speeds are not all that dissimilar.
The point is if your carrying more speed and someone deliberately moves over late (one move) and you need to slowdown and loose momentum, I think that is what PCA is cracking down on. The video is a Poor example.
Tim
05-04-2012, 01:14 PM
#162
Perfect Angel
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Not sure how you make fine distinctions between which one move is OK and which is not. If I move to the inside early to protect my line into the corner that's one move and if you had the same idea it will check you up.
