Florida Grand Prix

And, if everyone starts at the same time on a time-limited task, then they will all finish at the same time, so recovering everyone on the runway could be a challenge.

I am not a big fan of the GP format. I'm one of the believers that the GP race is won (or lost) at the start.

The magnitude of the win is masked by the simplified scoring system, so there is no incentive to go faster than just enough to beat second place.

I think GP is best suited as a marketing tool, not a racing tool and that it can and should be used for local contests, but not for National and WGC level competitions.

And, if everyone starts at the same time on a time-limited task, then they will all finish at the same time, so recovering everyone on the runway could be a challenge.

JC: Well, that happens anyway. A good point for high finishes.

I am not a big fan of the GP format. I'm one of the believers that the GP race is won (or lost) at the start.

JC: The IGC format is also won or lost at the start!


The magnitude of the win is masked by the simplified scoring system, so there is no incentive to go faster than just enough to beat second place.


JC: Absolutely. We're talking about changing the start time only, not 1000 point scoring. GP scoring there is also a huge incentive to do whatever it takes to beat the other guy by an inch.



I think GP is best suited as a marketing tool, not a racing tool and that it can and should be used for local contests, but not for National and WGC level competitions.


JC: Yes for the full GP. But we're talking about starting everyone at the same time, and keeping everything else the same. Including, turn area tasks, handicaps, regular start and finish geometry, etc. etc.

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

Most of the winners talks I've heard and the few that I've given usually include the phrase "I got a good start".

JC: Yes for the full GP. But we're talking about starting everyone at the same time, and keeping everything else the same. Including, turn area tasks, handicaps, regular start and finish geometry, etc. etc.

Here is a link to the international rules (pdf): http://www.fai.org/downloads/igc/SGPrules_V5

As your GP rules evolve, it will be amusing to watch as they deviate from the rules used by the rest of the world. Again.

-Pat

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".

--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---

As your GP rules evolve, it will be amusing to watch as they deviate from the rules used by the rest of the world. Again.

-Pat

Well, give me a little bit of a break. The point of IGC grand prix is to make something fun for spectators and media. The point of the Florida Grand Prix, and a possible attempt to do something under ssa rules, is to craft something fun and safe for the pilots. Different points may well justify different rules. If I wanted to run an IGC qualifying grand prix with 10 hot pilots, video cameras, sponsors, and excitement, I'd use IGC rules.

John Cohrane

Are you saying to make it safe we must avoid AT and use MATs or TATs?

On Friday, October 4, 2013 11:02:30 PM UTC+2, WB wrote:

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".



--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: ---

Guess what - there is an easy way to get the same effect under current rules in the US: fly speed tasks, and during the pre-start maneuvering find an follow someone who you think you need to beat but is as good or better than you (or better, several of those guys). Then start within a few minutes of him (them). Works like a charm at smaller local races - been doing it at ASA contests for years!

Kirk
66

Good point!

On Friday, October 4, 2013 12:44:49 PM UTC-4, Pat Russell wrote:
JC: Yes for the full GP. But we're talking about starting everyone at the same time, and keeping everything else the same. Including, turn area tasks, handicaps, regular start and finish geometry, etc. etc.



Here is a link to the international rules (pdf): http://www.fai.org/downloads/igc/SGPrules_V5



As your GP rules evolve, it will be amusing to watch as they deviate from the rules used by the rest of the world. Again.



-Pat