"out of the box" suggestion

[thomas sheehan]

Ok... here goes..... here's an idea I've been kicking around.....

Anyone watch the NCAA touney ???
Let's have a "PLAY-IN" round.
I'll show how it will promote qualifying near the top.

Here's how it works........
The PLAY-IN round will be run to get cars to an even number field (16, 32, 64).
This also eliminates the need for BYE runs (except for rd 1).
And there are no EXTRA rounds...... (won't take any extra time).

Ex..... 55 cars qualify
follow my math (...amuse me) .... 64 - 55 = 9 (means top 9 qualifiers get a first rd BYE)
remaining 46 cars pair up and have to win first rd (23 winners) to join the 9 bye runs (top qualifiers) to get in 32 car field
Now we have an even field the rest of the way (no more bye runs)

RESULTS - everyone would have a reason to qualify high for a chance at a first rd bye (NOT JUST #1, 2 or 3).
NOW there would be added incentive to push your combination to the limits in qualifying.


Ok......... I just wanted to share this.....
flame away

Tom Sheehan

[Don Whitmore]

Tom...would this idea be for nationals, divisionals, opens? Would a minimum car count be required?

[Terry Cain]

Tom,
I like it. Really, I do. Let's also make it where bye runs don't even go down the track. Saves time, saves fuel, save emissions, saves a run on equipment, spectators aren't confused, etc. The fast car qualifiers already get one bonus for being fast. No since giving them two. Why give them a single to dial in when no one else gets one? OR maybe they should get the run to dial and then MAYBE they would run it out in qualifying to get that free pass.

[Adger Smith]

Won't ever happen. Let's see... It rewards the racers that perform & it could help eliminate some of the qualifying games. ( I bet someone would figure a way to get an advantage, might already have) :~) Dropping all bye runs would make the show quicker & better. It makes too much sense to have a good show with no bye runs. It actually makes as much or more sense than the way Pro qualifying is now done. The pro way is confusing to the general spectator & even some of us seasoned racers. This would lessen confusion on the part of the general spectator. Oh yes, it could take a little manpower & brain power to setup... That would probably out weigh the better show.
Just my .02 based on the past

[Dick Butler]

Tom, Good constructive idea. It would definitely encourage people to "run fast". I do think the real question out "there" is how to have both.... A successful factoring method to address bogus cars and encourage fast racing that doesnt punish hard work.

[thomas sheehan]

Dick....

Belle Rose example.... (SS)

57 cars would have meant 7 byes for the #1 - #7 qualifiers.
#7 qualifier was -1.13 under/
There were another 13 cars more than -1.00 under....... they would have all been forced to step it up and exceed the -1.13 to get the rd one BYE.

If you want a round one BYE (always the toughest rd of the race)... you have to qualify high to get it.
I'll bet that the qualifying games would be hilarious.........



Adger

You are right.... it makes too much sense.


Don W.

Try it at any open, national or divisional.



Tom Sheehan