If you know the start time is going to be when the "gate opens" (to use familiar terminology), pilots will need pay more attention to their positioning than they have in previous starting formats. GP starts will change (for the better I think) the way we will all need to think about starting for sure. Much like sailing, the start will be more important than it has been in soaring.

The key is to have the CD give something like a 30-45 minute countdown (depending on the strength of the day) so that everyone is able to prepare themselves to get into the best possible position as the start time nears. No excuses are worthwhile if that kind of lead time is offered to all pilots (countdown starting 15 minutes after last launch I imagine). I agree that if the CD just says...GO, with little warning, it might be seen by some (many) as unfair. But that is not how it should happen, ever.

Also, it will be fairly easy to catch the gaggle if you get a late or low start. The gaggles will be together from the get go but will thin out quickly. You still need to BEAT THE GAGGLE if you want to win or even place well!!! So this concept might actually work out really well to reduce leeching and improve "racing" even if the gaggle exists early. I would actually think that starting a minute back to see where everyone goes first would be an advantage, for example. Pick the faster gaggle, try to catch and pass it, and go for it by trying to get ahead and extend your lead.

The great part of GP is that you have less room for error. Great flying is rewarded, mistakes or sticking in the gaggle is punished greatly as you can end up in the back of the pack pretty quickly!

This GP concept might have even more merit than we all imagine. We will learn more as we all try it over the winter and in the future! Clearly there is a reason why the GP idea has been so successful at the top levels of our sport. ITS FUN! ITS RACING! ITS EXCITING!!!

Come on boys. Get yourselves down to Florida for a weekend!

Schedule here --- https://sites.google.com/site/sgpflusa/schedule