CASC-OR Autoslalom Event 9 Results

[tanney]

The results from Event #9 of the CASC-OR 2006 Mobil 1 Autoslalom Series Sponsored by Inside Track Motorsport News hosted by the Motorsport Club of Ottawa, are up on the http://solo2.casc.on.ca (http://solo2.casc.on.ca/events/2006results.php) web page.

Thanks to Chuck and all the MCO people. A big thanks to all of the Solo 2 Committee for filling in their roles and making the series work.

Also, I would like to once again thank all the Series Sponsors!

I would like to apologize on behalf of the Regional Solo 2 Committee as coming across as "unapproachable". We all have specific roles to fill at Regional Autoslalom Events and that sometimes leaves us tired, stressed, a long way from home and once in a while a little grumpy. If you felt that we were rude or snobbish because of some specific comment of by us not mingling with the MCO folks, I do apologize!

The next event is this Sunday, September 17th at Mosport's Driver Development Track and will be hosted by Oshawa Motor Sport Club. See you there.

[J.C.]

To bad more regional people did not show up this was a fun event with some close competition. Nice course design and BBQ!


Congrats to Jesus for the FTD! err I mean Mike...:D

[tanney]

The class results have been updated as there were some errors (the class results were paxed......). Thanks to J.C. for pointing that out.

[finboy]

why is there a regional series again???

instead of raving and building hype about a Regional Event, MCO should have stuck with just another Club event the turnout would have been tons better

wtf is going on with the regional attendance???

-are there that many people leaving the sport???
-is the number of minimum events too much for people to commit to??
-are people fed up with the dinky lots?
-is the appeal of a "local" event that much better vs. participating at a regional one that's further on or about the same day?
-street tire bonus? should that be brought back to keep the fresh meat
and drivers on a budget involved in the series?
-preregistering.. is it working? or is it a pita to maintain?
-that many weddings happening?
-summer vacation holding you back?
-work schedule?
-do the club events interest you more than a regional one??

it was a great weekend, the course was fun and challenging to drive, the lot is a decent size, (mainly 2n'd gear course)

why so few regional competitors??


what happened to the saying "if you build it..... they will come....."

i'm sure everyone who attended either day would agree it was a great weekend..

but wtf happened to the representation from all the other clubs??



heck.. winning a regional Class had some merit in the past....

Miss Daisy could win a regional class... just with good attendance

[opal]

Dave,
Please summarize your list of observations about the event (and series) and send it to me via email, along with your suggested improvements.
I will present it at the next Autoslalom Committee meeting and put it out formally for review.

[TOYSRUS]

why is there a regional series again???

instead of raving and building hype about a Regional Event, MCO should have stuck with just another Club event the turnout would have been tons better

wtf is going on with the regional attendance???

-are there that many people leaving the sport???
-is the number of minimum events too much for people to commit to??
-are people fed up with the dinky lots?
-is the appeal of a "local" event that much better vs. participating at a regional one that's further on or about the same day?
-street tire bonus? should that be brought back to keep the fresh meat
and drivers on a budget involved in the series?
-preregistering.. is it working? or is it a pita to maintain?
-that many weddings happening?
-summer vacation holding you back?
-work schedule?
-do the club events interest you more than a regional one??

it was a great weekend, the course was fun and challenging to drive, the lot is a decent size, (mainly 2n'd gear course)

why so few regional competitors??


what happened to the saying "if you build it..... they will come....."

i'm sure everyone who attended either day would agree it was a great weekend..

but wtf happened to the representation from all the other clubs??



heck.. winning a regional Class had some merit in the past....

Miss Daisy could win a regional class... just with good attendance

Just my 2 cents Dave but the MCO event was the victim of timing, thats all. Had this event been earlier on in the season it would have been better attended. It was unfortuneate as this was a premium event....I have never been to a better organized event in Ottawa..a true testiment to the hard work and dedication of Chuck, Bruce et'al. Word will spread my friend, fear not. But hold the event earlier in the season and include a pro-solo on the sunday instead of the regional! THAT would be a draw IMHO.

Bill

Bill

[finboy]

Sorry Opal, it appears that I’m not the only one who lacks passion for the regional series.
The attendance at the regional events speaks for itself

There’s no reason why a more competitive Regional event can’t exist that is heavily populated, and well represented from all clubs in Ontario.

If people are enjoying the sport and what it has to offer, they can attend as many club events they want.

But how do we keep people interested, and have them travel and attend Regional Championship style events??

-change our rules

-promote Regional Schedule at club events (without the club events, there’d be no regional events)

-try to encourage clubs to use both their own classes, but also post ‘pretend’ results if they were classed and paxed against a regional championship

-block the solo II club calendars for any Regional Championship Event (might sound harsh but its one way to encourage people to attend)

-bring back street tire bonus (keeps newbies, people on budgets interested and competitive at the same time, heck people are getting older and wheel/tire changes aren’t too fun to begin with)

-instead of a series change the format (there are enough club events to keep people interested)

-have three championship events (Western, Central and Eastern Championships)
attend one or all three, win 1 tittle, or all three, then there is no commitment needed
the idea is to get people who want to compete in a more “competitive atmosphere” to attend and make them “must attend type of events” on the solo calendar
A series is perfect for local club events, but for one where travel/hotel/costs are involved
Reducing the number of events is a must

-I’ve seen it, where people come out of the woodwork to attend the “larger/bigger events”
but go back into limbo till the next big one

-Solo I , Rally, Ice/Road racer types . MIGHT be more interested in attending if they can squeeze a championship event in

keep the fun/social fun competitive atmosphere at the club levels, but try to provide something a level up from there

some changes need to happen.. looking at the individual Regional results, I don’t think the series has ever been so poorly attended in years, it can’t be the organizers involved (they’re the most dedicated involved people in the sport that actually care), it has to be the format/schedule..

meanwhile the club events have sustained turnovers and even growth

maybe this is just my view, I don’t know

I don’t think it’s a reflection on the organizers, or clubs involved.. perhaps change is needed

If things continue like this next year.. people wouldn’t be surprised if the regional thing folds

It’d be a shame

[opal]

The attendance at the regional events speaks for itself

And there's my point: everyone involved can see the need for changes and evolution.

Flogging. Dead. Horse.

Please, if you want changes, step up and help make them or provide the suggestions in formal channels. This isn't just directed at Dave: we have a lot of creative people in the pool and lots of good suggestions. Planning for next year needs to start soon.

This is what they call a "call to action," people. If you want change, get your butts in gear in some other way than talking/ranting on a forum.

[tanney]

The regional series could use four or five good people to help out organizing the regionals for next year. Now's the time to step up and volunteer for next year and we can try and make things better!

The clubs and the Region rely on volunteers to make things happen. Having suggestions on how to make things better is good, having the people to implement the changes is better....... Of course it also really helps if those volunteers are very passionate about "our" sport.

For the record, the numbers are down this year from 2005 and definitely down from 2004, but they are not that bad considering that there were only 11 competitors to complete the minimum number of events in 2001..... Everything goes in cycles and although I feel that a complete rule book change is not in the best interest of the series (there was one done only three years ago), a fresh approach to the series is indeed needed.

Time to step up to make things better people! If you are interested in making things better for next year, drop me a line.

[13inches]

Everything goes in cycles

I think this is the most relevant point. Right now the sport as a whole in this province is at a point in the cycle where there are not as many "top" competitors to populate a 10 event regional series. Go to any club event and you'll see a LOT of newer competitors who are dedicated participants, they just happen to be within their first year or 2 of competing, many of which are still on street tires. Heck, most of them don't even KNOW there's a regional series. And of course, most of them have cars that would be overprepped for our regional ruleset and have no chance of being competitive for some time.

The other end of the spectrum, the "top tier" drivers seem to have moved on to other disciplines or have gotten bored with solo2 on the whole. Their classes are underpopulated, or they just don't have any competition. They also have learned in the last few years that even though they are great drivers and can lay down fast times, being competitive for overall pretty much means needing to drive a stock car, which very few do.

Of course there is going to be attrition, and there will always be a class of newbies. The series needs to react accordingly based on the playing field. If you want to bring up the population, advertise, make it easier to participate (remove club membership requirements? bring back street tire bonus?), raise awareness. The series may be smaller this year, but its never been "too big" in the past either.

Just a little food for thought.......

[tanney]

The street tire bonus will never work again..... the line between very good street tires and r's has been blurred and the best street tires (the most expensive) are beater than some R compounds. Those with the most money win!

[13inches]

The street tire bonus will never work again..... the line between very good street tires and r's has been blurred and the best street tires (the most expensive) are beater than some R compounds. Those with the most money win!If it increases participation and awareness, then it will "work" for the series. Its not necessisarily about being competitive. Of course, you could spin the idea into a street tire class (or even better, a novice street tire class), and you would almost guarantee to have some new blood in the series.

I'm rather disappointed that your only response was to shoot down the idea and offer nothing construtive in response to the suggestions and comments that have been made recently.

Please check your PMs.

[finboy]

The street tire bonus will never work again..... the line between very good street tires and r's has been blurred and the best street tires (the most expensive) are beater than some R compounds. Those with the most money win!

its still a better compromise than no street tire bonus

even with R tires.. there is a huge difference between models and manufactures... $$ might not be a factor with the group buys going on

like everywhere... those with the most money has a better chance at succeeding, no one can dispute that

but to keep the newbies involved and keep things populated every year, maybe it should be re visited???

[finboy]

. Heck, most of them don't even KNOW there's a regional series.


Of course there is going to be attrition, and there will always be a class of newbies. The series needs to react accordingly based on the playing field. If you want to bring up the population, advertise, make it easier to participate (remove club membership requirements? bring back street tire bonus?), raise awareness. The series may be smaller this year, but its never been "too big" in the past either.

Just a little food for thought.......

the other point about club events held on the the same dates as the regional ones..

in most cases.. the organizers are the ones who would usually make the trip to a Regional Event..

but since they're tied down to club duties.. they can't

[tanney]

If it increases participation and awareness, then it will "work" for the series. Its not necessisarily about being competitive. Of course, you could spin the idea into a street tire class (or even better, a novice street tire class), and you would almost guarantee to have some new blood in the series.

Stay tuned, this item will be dealt with for next year.....

I'm rather disappointed that your only response was to shoot down the idea and offer nothing construtive in response to the suggestions and comments that have been made recently.


Nobody is more concerned about the state of the Regional Autoslalom Series than I, trust me! I may not have a knack for sugar coating my responses but I am listening and keeping notes on some suggestions. Of course, like my reponses, some suggestions could be worded a little better as well (not specifically your comments here though).

Keep the suggestions on how to make things better coming and with the right volunteers, we can make it work.

[finboy]

one thing I noticed..

MCO and CADL have started to share Events and used each others to score points for their own club series

I'd like to say, things have worked out well, and i think both clubs enjoy
the change in venue once/twice a year



Would it be silly to do the same with the Regional Championship ones??

Clubs would count a Regional Championship event as part of their own club series

this would bring out the Club "hard core" folks.. one way or another


just jerky to chew on


-toshi-

[13inches]

Nobody is more concerned about the state of the Regional Autoslalom Series than I, trust me! I may not have a knack for sugar coating my responses but I am listening and keeping notes on some suggestions. Of course, like my reponses, some suggestions could be worded a little better as well (not specifically your comments here though).

Keep the suggestions on how to make things better coming and with the right volunteers, we can make it work.
All it takes is a little open communication. Let us know what happened at the last committee meeting! What ideas are on the plate? This forum is so boring, all we ever discuss is what event is next, what happened at the last event and rule book clarifications. Its time EVERYONE (volunteer or competitor) got speaking about the things that really matter, but we need your help to open up those discussions Wes! Why wait till the end of the year to hash out all of these items?

[tanney]

Ryan, typically the workshop is where all the suggestions to implement come from as it is very hard to sift through dozens of posts looking for discussions on topics that may have been discussed months before (or emails for that matter). I am getting old and my memory isn't as good as it used to be anymore so one place for suggestions is preferable. Maybe I need a Series Secretary to document all of message forum suggestions......:)

Regardless I am open to suggestions that have data or volunteers to help evaluate and make them happen.

As for the last committee meeting, I was quite unorganized due to work and wasn't even able to take minutes. It was a productive meeting though..... I have to get the minutes up in the members only section of CASC-OR's web page (along with results with full names) but that is something for another day when life isn't as hectic.

[Doug P]

There are too many events. I though that was what the forum discussions showed last year but we still had 10 events this year. Best 4 or 5 of 6 events would be better.

Nothing scheduled in July or August to free up this time for club events and holidays.

Do not go back to street tire bonus. To difficult to determine and manage a fair bonus. Start incorporating some form of the street tire classes that are run in the SCCA and Quebec. That would give the club guys running streets at club events an incentive to run a few Regional events.

[gatherer]

Clubs would count a Regional Championship event as part of their own club series



This used to be the case for many different clubs. some where along the line it was stopped. I forget why, maybe it has to do with Club rules being so different from the regional rules. Most use the old system.

[tanney]

There are too many events. I though that was what the forum discussions showed last year but we still had 10 events this year. Best 4 or 5 of 6 events would be better.

Last years workshop stated such, but the many, many conversations I had with individuals indicated that 8-10 events was still the way to go.

Now, which clubs does the region p*** of by not inviting them back to host an even on the series schedule? A lot of clubs have been hosting regional events for years and have supported the series through good and bad times. Should a club be excluded because their lot isn't appropiate in some peoples minds? One of the best organized events on the schedule is at a venue that most don't feel is appropriate.

The worst organized events could be excluded, but that MAY mean some of the best lots will not be used because the club that hosts events on that lot were lacking in some organzational aspects.

Of course I could exclude any club that did not submit the required documentation 30 days in advance......

Six events IS the way the series is leaning! Is your club going to be included? Does your club want to be included? Do they have the manpower to host a good event?

Venues should have washroom facilities on site. I made a point of making sure that this was the case this year and I heardmany comments that this was appreciated!

Clubs should provide a lunch for all competitors. Leaving the site to run for lunch means that the event will be shut down or you have to hustle your butt to get back on time. I think that given some of the entry fees to events, a lunch SHOULD be provided. Solo 2 should be affordable for all those people out there, not just the people with money. Getting you moneys worth is very important, hense the washroom and lunch on site comments.


Nothing scheduled in July or August to free up this time for club events and holidays.


I personally work in a college, July and August ARE the months that are good for me....... This year there were only two regionals in July and only one in August. This past weekend was REALLY bad for me to leave town, but I am dedicated to this series and the sport in general. Of course we all have jobs, families and other commitments in life so everyone cannot be catered too.


Do not go back to street tire bonus. To difficult to determine and manage a fair bonus. Start incorporating some form of the street tire classes that are run in the SCCA and Quebec. That would give the club guys running streets at club events an incentive to run a few Regional events.

ST Classes will be looked at and see if we can make them work. Of course someone on streets in an under prepped car will get their asses whipped by the well prepped and driven car even more than with the current classing, but I am willing to see if it will attract more and new competitors.

No club events on Regional Dates............... That will happen as ASN have been pushing for ALL events to have permits and insurance will not be granted without a permit. If there is only six regionals, there will be no conflicting club events, period!!!! Of course permits will require more work on the part of the regional office and thus require some type of administration fee........... Are we paying attention yet?

Every suggestion carries the good, the bad, and the downright ugly!

I could carry on with the pros and cons of the issues for hours, but I have to get back to work now.....

[tanney]

the other point about club events held on the the same dates as the regional ones..

in most cases.. the organizers are the ones who would usually make the trip to a Regional Event..

but since they're tied down to club duties.. they can't

Dave, you can probably remember the double header PITTL/Regional weekend in 2002. It was a disaster. Day 2 almost didn't happen. If Steve and I wouldn't have interveened to make it work it problably wouldn't have..... Of course the Regional committee was only three people back then and that made things quite hard. It was a blast weekend though! 2002 was my year!:) PITTL is where i got my start in this sport and still has a sweet spot in my heart.

I would be willing to work with the clubs well in advance of the event to try and make something like this work, but with the different classification systems it will be hard. Of course as was learnt in 2002, the less people offering advise on how to make it work is better.

[tanney]

All it takes is a little open communication. Let us know what happened at the last committee meeting! What ideas are on the plate? This forum is so boring, all we ever discuss is what event is next, what happened at the last event and rule book clarifications. Its time EVERYONE (volunteer or competitor) got speaking about the things that really matter, but we need your help to open up those discussions Wes! Why wait till the end of the year to hash out all of these items?

Ryan the biggest problem with laying everything out on the forum (as I have noticed) is that all kinds of people offer suggestions that don't care about the sport or the direction it goes in. You get all kinds of counter productive comments that do nothing but annoy the hell out of people and ultimately turn people away from the sport (I could provide a link to a specific thread that did just that this year).

It got to the point earlier this year that I didn't want to provide any information on the forum as some people would just critize for the sake of critizing. Besides, only about 1/4 of the Regional community really frequents the message forums so they don't end up inputting their suggestions.

The way things SHOULD work is people send their comments to their Club Solo 2 Director who should compile a list of suggestions that would be then brought up (after they have been hashed out by the club) at the workshop, complete with all the relevant documentation. But as is usually the case with volunteer organizations there is usually a breakdown in communication somewhere due to the work involved in putting this together.

If you want to send me comments, I almost always (I sometimes miss a few) reply back in a timely fashion....