Z Club Drag Challenge 2013

[Mr.F]

In discussion today with James Forster, Santa Pod's marketing co-ordinator, it was agreed in principle that the Z Club Challenge could run side by side Bracket racing at the Pod next year (2013). This would mean that we can run "proper" drag racing at all three potential venues and those who have "missed" our regular Pod visits this year will be appeased. The details will have to be firmed up, but I'm going to try to negotiate rounds at the major shows like Japshow 1 and 2 where we could be tagged onto the Pro-Jap Challenge circus as an extra attraction. It was confirmed in conversation today that a couple of clubs already run an unofficial challenge without being forced to have MSA licences, so the precedent is set...

Shakespeare County have suggested that we use regular Z race numbers next year which will enable them to provide statistics for the year on request from their computer records. I'm going to suggest that these numbers will be based on position in Championship this year (2012) and that any additional entries will follow on from those established numbers. The same numbers can be shown at North Weald and Santa Pod to provide uniformity in the series. I would recommend that the numbers can be vinyl printed and stuck to the rear screen for the season. Maybe the Z Club coffers could afford to sponsor that? We already have a source to provide the production of the numbers.

In order to make a good case for a continuation of the Z Club Challenge at all three tracks, it would be great to be able to guarantee eight car fields on a regular basis, so perhaps you could indicate your support (or not...)?

[johnymd]

I'm in support as usual.

[pmac]

In order to make a good case for a continuation of the Z Club Challenge at all three tracks, it would be great to be able to guarantee eight car fields on a regular basis, so perhaps you could indicate your support (or not...)?

As one of the four originators of the "fastest in class, reaction time and attendance points" formula I have to say that bracket racing is not for me at the moment. i can see the attraction of the format and have watched it at York this year but next year for me is about going faster with a new engine and other mods.
Neither is a trip to North weald a feasable option as a day out for me.
so while I congratulate you on your "result" with the Santa Pod organizers I wont be comitting to running in the series..
I hope to meet up with you on some of the events at Santa Pod but I will be there persuing my own agenda. .

[Mr.F]

Surely it is evident that your "faster, faster" agenda fits with free practice in the morning sessions coupled with some competitive fun in the afternoon (and back to "faster, faster" when you get knocked out in eliminations early...).
I don't see that the two things are mutually exclusive...

[johnymd]

I have not been a lover of bracket racing as my goal is to go fast. I notice this Sunday though that the big difference between the 2 is the social side of things. The bracket racing is by far the better social event and brings all the participants together rather than you all driving round on your our. I believe it also help your times as your racing against someone.

I'm converted.

[Wyn]

Originally Posted by Mr.F

it would be great to be able to guarantee eight car fields on a regular basis

I'm up for this

[GTR-240Z]

I will be up for this next year I might have finished my 2012 refresh by then

[franky]

Originally Posted by johnymd

I have not been a lover of bracket racing as my goal is to go fast. I notice this Sunday though that the big difference between the 2 is the social side of things. The bracket racing is by far the better social event and brings all the participants together rather than you all driving round on your our. I believe it also help your times as your racing against someone.

I'm converted.

Silly question maybe, can't you try to go as fast as possible all the time with the theory that your runs would be about the same time?

[Mr.F]

The idea is to be as quick as possible whilst also being as consistent as possible. However, changing track conditions may affect your consistency!

[johnymd]

I do try to go as quick as possible but to win bracket racing you sometime need to back off before the line if you are ahead to stop running under your time.

[Mr.G]

Excellent news, well done Mike. I'm in.

[franky]

Originally Posted by johnymd

I do try to go as quick as possible but to win bracket racing you sometime need to back off before the line if you are ahead to stop running under your time.

I get it now!

[jonbills]

Sounds good. I'm up for it.