In article ,
wrote:

I don't understand how starting everyone at the same time but continuing to
employ a MAT or TAT will make the day more exciting for the spectators or
enjoyable for the contestants.

Neither of the above will be able to correlate finish time with the day's
ranking. I was under the impression that the enjoyment of a Grand Prix was
knowing at a glance what competitive position each contestant was in. IE,
first one home wins. With contest tracking (especially as it matures) this
could actually be interesting to spectators.

I have no beefs with the Regional Rules. However, I am interested in
competing in a Grand Prix style event. If we are going to just start
everyone at the same time and let them fly a MAT then I will review my pilot
poll vote. One of the contests I flew had such poor CD radio performance I
am not sure anyone could have known when the CD called the official start. I
guess I will reread the pilot poll and make sure I voted correctly.

Lane
XF


I could not agree more! The beauty of the GP format (of which I was not
convinced before flying one this past weekend) is the sense of
immediacy. I think that is part of what is missing from MAT and AAT
tasks. You get to experience the results of your efforts in the moment.
Flying an assigned task with a GP start "concentrates the mind
wonderfully". I have had very few contests flights where I have
concentrated so hard on picking my path and flying with the utmost
efficiency. I know the others were doing the same. You could almost see
the little thought bubbles over each glider with each pilot thinking
"How do I get away from this SOB?".

The one word that sums up this little experiment in GP racing for me is
"satisfying". It was simpler, purer, more challenging, more immediately
gratifying. Let's keep it that way. No need to "gild the lily".

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