CKRC Forums

We had a little smaller turnout this past weekend but good nonetheless. Lots of new racers which is excellent too. Now that we have a Master's designation, would the Master's like to be on track racing on their own? With no open class or shifter class running most of the time, the schedule seemingly has time for it. If there are 6 or more Masters, is that enough of a race class? They are already getting scored separately so the year end points won't be affected. I just want to get a feeling for how the new guys are handling getting up to speed. We don't want people to get frustrated after only a couple races and quit.

John K

As the moving chicane at the back of the Rotax pack, I'll put in my 2 cents.
As a rookie in the Masters class, I'd be all for it! The past two races I spent the first couple of laps unsuccessfully trying to keep up, and the last half of the race observing the blue flags, looking behind me trying to ensure I wasn't getting in the way of the much faster competitors. In both races, I got punted from behind. Knowing that you'd only have 3 or 4 guys lapping you instead of 20 or more, would certainly make it easier for any rookie to get comfortable. I've spoken to a couple of other Master rookies that won't be racing until they're putting in competitive times. Something like this might appeal to them, and get them racing sooner knowing they'll have a bit more space on the track.

On the other hand, the quick Masters would have less competition to fight it out with. I'm not sure if that would be a positive or a negative for them.

Fortunately, 'quit' is not a part of my vocabulary!

As a rotax max senior rookie (not Masters) I actually would like to find out which person in our mixed field is masters and which is senior because exactly as John said I have no idea where I am stacking up in my class. This could be done by having a separate race or by just having different number sets.
Another question would be on the blue flag issue if I am trying to block a competitor what should I do If I get blue flaged?

I spoke to Fred and if there are 10 Masters registered he would consider running them separately. As far as identifying them on track, the Master's drivers could agree to put a small m beside their number.

Blue Flag:

This can be tricky as you want to obey the blue flag but not give up a position to the person you are directly racing on the track with. Same old story is to maintain your racing line and the person lapping will make their way by. The blue flag has let you know that this is going to happen soon but it is the responsibility of the person passing to do so safely. If you are running alone on the track during a race and you get a blue flag, sometimes it is advantageous for you to make an easy space for the faster kart to get through so that you don't end up losing more time from having a pass on you completed less cleanly.

John K